Abstract

One suggestion for why some people develop atopic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic eczema, is that there are alterations in their intestinal microflora not seen in those without such conditions.1 This idea underlies the proposal that probiotics (orally administered micro-organisms) containing, for example, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, might help to prevent and treat atopic disorders by altering intestinal microflora.1 We have recently reviewed the use of probiotics for gastrointestinal disorders.2 Here, we look at whether they have a place in the prevention and treatment of atopic diseases.