What is the relationship between bacteria and the rapid healing of colds?

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – A recent study suggests that children born with a variety of bacteria in the nose will heal quickly.

Doctors hope these results will help fight the common cold.

You catch a virus, but the scientists wanted to know how the natural bacterium in the airways affects the flu.

The study suggests that children exposed to many colds are more likely to suffer from asthma later.

"The respiratory system is home to a wide variety of bacteria, and we are beginning to understand that their numbers may affect our respiratory health," said Dr. Ronald P. Neumann of the University Children's Hospital Basel.

"Common factor"

The results of the study are based on the results of samples taken on 167 children.

These swabs were taken immediately after signs of colds and then three weeks later.

Scientists analyzed swabs and tested the presence of respiratory viruses, including colds and different types and numbers of bacteria.

Scientists have studied other factors that may affect the health of the respiratory system, including the time of year and the age of the child at the time of his first cold, although it is important to note that this may be the case. he has brothers and sisters or goes to a nursery, although he is regularly exposed to cigarette smoke.

The results of the study were published in ARG Open Research and showed that children no less diversified and containing more bacteria than the family of Moraxellaceae or Streptococcaceae recovered more slowly.

Previous medical studies have shown a similar association between bacteria from these bacterial groups and the onset of respiratory diseases in adulthood.

The researchers suggested two possible explanations for the link between nasal bacteria and respiratory infections:

The presence of bacteria causing inflammation and exacerbation of symptoms.

· A variety of bacteria provides some kind of protection against respiratory infections.

The study was part of a larger study involving a group of children from birth to investigate the complex interactions of genetic and environmental factors and their impact on the pulmonary health.

In the long run, this can help determine "what are the healthy germs and if it is possible to influence them", for example using probiotics, although Dr. Newman pointed out that such a conclusion does not exist. Is that a speculation at this point.

Professor Tobias Willett, president of the European Respiratory Association – who did not participate in the study – welcomed future research.

"There is a link between the symptoms of respiratory symptoms in infants from their first year and their development and asthma upon their entry into school," Willett said.

"We do not yet understand the link, but bronchial bacteria may play a role," he said, adding that more research is needed to understand the relationship between these bacteria, respiratory infections and long-term lung health. term.