Non-specific immune stimulation in respiratory tract infections. Separating the wheat from the chaff.

Wojciech Feleszko, Marek Ruszczyński, Bartłomiej Mateusz Zalewski

Journal: Paediatric respiratory reviews 2015;15(2):200-6

PMID: 24275566

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Abstract

Parents of children suffering from recurrent respiratory infections can be persuaded by advertisements to pressure their family physicians and pediatricians for "immune-stimulating enhancements". However, the evidence base behind these immune stimulants is usually lacking. Often there is no peer-reviewed studies available that support claims made by "immune-booster" supplements. In this review, we critically analyze most of the marketed immuno-active drugs (including vitamin preparations, dietary supplements, homeopathic remedies, Ecchinacea, bacterial lysates, and probiotics) and identify the necessity to exclude an immunodeficiency in every child suffering from recurrent respiratory tract infections.

Address: Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, The Medical University Children's Hospital, Działdowska 1, 01-184 Warsaw, Poland. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Paediatrics, Medical University of Warsaw, Działdowska 1, 01-184 Warsaw, Poland.

DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2013.10.006

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MeSH Terms: Child, Humans, Immunity, Innate, Immunotherapy, Respiratory Tract Infections