Seasonal Allergies Treatment, Symptoms & Prevention: Probiotics or Good Bacteria Help Relieve Sneezing, Stuffy Nose, Itchy Eyes?

A research recently revealed that probiotics, also known as "good bacteria," may be useful in treating people with seasonal allergies. Even though there is some evidence that probiotics may help in treating seasonal allergies, researchers still have some doubts.

Live Science defines probiotics as "bacteria that are thought to help maintain a healthy gut." The "good bacteria" can be found in foods with live active cultures like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and also in some supplements.

Lead author of the study, Dr. Justin Turner, explains on Live Science, "Probiotics may change the balance of bacteria in the intestines in a way that could protect the immune system from flaring up in response to pollens and other allergens, which may help reduce allergy symptoms."

Some seasonal allergy symptoms, listed on PDR Health include eye irritation, sneezing, and congestion. Meanwhile the following are some common symptoms of allergies in general: itchy throat, dry cough, impaired sense of taste or smell, and disturbed sleep.

Live Science reports that these symptoms are usually treated with "a combination of medications" like antihistamines, decongestants, and steroid nasal sprays. In the study, however, probiotics seemed to have a good chance of fighting off seasonal allergies as well.

For the study, the researchers read the data from 23 random trials involving over 1,900 people, states Live Science. Seventeen out of the 23 studies revealed that the people in the study who took probiotic supplement or ate foods containing the bacteria experienced improvement in either their allergy symptoms or quality of life in general.

These improvements were compared to the people who suffered from allergies but took a placebo. According to Live Science, only six out of the 23 studies resulted in probiotics yielding no benefits to people with seasonal allergies.

Even if majority of the studies support that probiotics may help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms, Dr. Turner states that the "good bacteria" will not likely replace the standard treatment for seasonal allergies.

According to Turner, the studies used different strains of live bacteria in different dosages and time periods. There was also a difference in the type of probiotic supplements given to the participants of all the studies. As a result, it is difficult to pinpoint which probiotic was actually the most effective.

Live Science states that additional "high-quality" studies must be conducted before doctors decide on either recommending or warning against probiotics to treat seasonal allergies.