Paediatric Recurrent Ear, Nose and Throat Infections and Complications: Can We Do More?

AbstractRecurrent respiratory tract infections (rRTIs), of which there are three main groups —otitis media, tonsillitis and sinusopathies—are very common in paediatric populations and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to complications. These infections substantially reduce quality of life for paediatric patients and their families and are a significant personal , medical and economic burden on the patients, the patients’ families and the healthcare system. Most rRTIs are of viral origin; however, indiscriminate use of antibiotics in their treatment has led to development of bacterial resistance. Effective management of rRTIs to reduce the burden of disea se and to avoid overuse of antibiotics has become a great therapeutic challenge. New strategies for the management of paediatric rRTIs include focus on prevention using non-specific immunomodulators to boost the body’s natural defences against infection and to downregulate infection- and allergen- induced airway inflammation. The oral immunomodulator, OM-85, a bacterial lysate, acts on the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system, conferring protection against viral and bacterial infections, and controls inflammation, thereby reducing tissue damage. OM-85 has demonstrated good tolera bility and clinical efficacy in reducing the number and duration of RTIs in children with recurrent airway infections. It has also been reported to reduce the use of concomitant medications, including an...
Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research