Role of Probiotics in the Prevention of Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in the Pediatric Age Group

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the role of probiotics in prevention of recurrent upper respiratory tract infection in children.

Methodology: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at Pediatrics department of Combined Military Hospital, Quetta, Pakistan from October 2024 to April 2025 after taking parental informed consent and ethical approval from institution. A total of 64 children with recurrent upper respiratory tract infection were included, selected through non-probability consecutive sampling technique, who were divided into Group-P (probiotic) and Group-S (no probiotics) containing 32 children each. Children were followed up after three months to assess for recurrence. Analysis of data was performed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22.

Results: Median age was 5.00 (3.00) years. There were 45 (70.30%) male and 19 (29.70%) female patients. Median number of episodes of URTI in three months at the end of study in Group-P was 1.00 (2.00) while in Group-S it was 2.00 (3.00), (p = 0.136). Frequency of recurrence of URTI in Group-P (n = 32) at three months follow up was 9 (28.13%) while in Group-S (n = 32), it was 17 (53.13%), (p = 0.042).

Conclusion: Probiotics can effectively prevent recurrent upper respiratory tract infection in children.