The effect of the immunostimulant OM-85 BV was assessed in preventing acute respiratory tract illnesses (ARTIs)-provoked wheezing attacks in preschool children with recurrent wheezing. OM-85 BV (Broncho-Vaxom) was provided by OM Pharma, Geneva, Switzerland. It is not a new drug and it has been available in Europe for more than 30 years. OM-85 BV consists of extracts of 8 types of bacteria thought to be important in respiratory infections. It is administered orally.One capsule for children contains: 3,5 mg of lyophilized bacterial lysates of Haemophilus influenzae, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and ozaenae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and viridans, Neisseria catarrhalis.
A randomized, double-blind study included 75 children with recurrent wheezing who were 1 to 6 years old. They were given either OM-85 BV or a placebo (1 capsule per day for 10 days each month for 3 months).
Subjects given OM-85 BV had a 38% reduction in the rate of wheezing attacks.
The main difference between the OM-85 BV and placebo groups was a reduction the number of ARTIs. The duration of each wheezing attack was 2 days shorter in the group given OM-85 BV.
Administration of OM-85 BV (Broncho-Vaxom) reduced the rate and duration of wheezing attacks in preschool children with ARTIs.
Administration of OM-85 BV (Broncho-Vaxom) reduced the rate and duration of wheezing attacks in preschool children with ARTIs.
Broncho-Vaxom is not yet available in the U.S.A. or Canada.
References:
The immunostimulant OM-85 BV prevents wheezing attacks in preschool children. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010 Oct;126(4):763-9.
Broncho-Vaxom
Comments from Facebook:
Kay Walker: Sounds ideal for kids & others! As a kid, I caught EVERY germ within 100kms, they ALWAYS developed into wheezes that developed into bronchitis/pneumonia/pleurisy & eventually, adrenaline injections (that's all there was). If it worked it would have changed my life totally. Must investigate!