Bacteria for Asthma and Allergies

Acquisition of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which predominantly occurs before the age of 10, may reduce the risks associated with asthma and allergies, a new study reports.

H. pylori is a helical shaped Gram-negative bacterium that infects the lining of the stomach and duodenum. Many cases of peptic ulcers, gastritis and duodenitis are caused by H. pylori infection. However, many who are infected do not show any symptoms of disease. Helicobacter spp. are the only known microorganisms that can thrive in the highly acidic environment of the stomach. People with H. pylori infections may be more likely to develop stomach cancer or MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma.

Researchers from New York University School of Medicine and the Department of Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System evaluated the associations of H. pylori status with history of asthma and allergy and with skin sensitization using data from 7,663 adults in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for currently and ever having asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergy symptoms in the previous year and allergen-specific skin sensitization were computed comparing participants seropositive for cagA- or cagA+ strains of H. pylori with those without H. pylori.

The study found that the presence of cagA+ H. pylori strains was inversely related to ever having asthma, and the inverse association of cagA positivity with childhood-onset (age 15 years) asthma was stronger than that with adult-onset asthma. Colonization with H. pylori, especially with a cagA+ strain, was inversely associated with currently or ever having a diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, especially for childhood onset. Consistent inverse associations were found between H. pylori colonization and the presence of allergy symptoms in the previous year and sensitization to pollens and molds.

Researchers concluded that childhood acquisition of H. pylori may be associated with reduced risks of asthma and allergy.

Integrative therapies with strong or good scientific evidence for the treatment H. pylori infection include calcium, probiotics, zinc and peppermint. Integrative therapies with good scientific evidence for the treatment of asthma include boswellia, choline, coleus, ephedra*, psychotherapy, pycnogenol and yoga.

*Note: On February 6th, 2004 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule prohibiting the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids (ephedra) because such supplements present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury. The rule became effective 60 days from the date of publication.

Integrative therapies with good scientific evidence for the treatment of allergies include bromelain, butterbur, nasal irrigation and probiotics.