Managing children with frequent respiratory infections and associated wheezing: a preliminary randomized study with a new multicomponent nasal spray

Abstract

Background: Preschoolers frequently have respiratory infections (RIs) that, in turn, may cause wheezing in some subjects. Type 2 polarization may favor increased susceptibility to RIs and associated wheezing. Non-pharmacological remedies are garnering increasing interest as possible add-on therapies. The present preliminary study investigated the efficacy and safety of a new multicomponent nasal spray in preschoolers with frequent RIs and associated wheezing. Methods: Some preschoolers with these characteristics randomly took this product, containing lactoferrin, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, carboxymethyl-beta-glucan, vitamin C, and vitamin D3 (Saflovir), two sprays per nostril twice daily for three months. Other children were randomly treated only with standard therapy. Outcomes included the number of RIs and wheezing episodes, medications use, and symptoms' severity. Results: preschoolers treated add-on with this multicomponent product experienced fewer RIs and used fewer b2-agonists than untreated children (p=0.01 and 0.029, respectively). Conclusions: This preliminary experience demonstrated that a multicomponent product, add-on administered as a nasal spray, could reduce the incidence of respiratory infections and the use of symptomatic drugs for relieving wheezing in children.