All About Probiotics

Diarrhea, a condition causing loose or watery stools can arise from multiple sources like bacterial diarrhea, acute viral diarrhea, antibiotic-induced diarrhea, travelers’ diarrhea, lactose intolerance induced diarrhea, etc.

IBS is a highly prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder that mainly affects the large intestine causing abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. It is a chronic condition often leading to anxiety or depression due to poor quality of life, thus calling for long term therapy.

IBD is a term used for two conditions i.e., Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis that are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Most common symptoms include persistent diarrhea, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, etc. Prolonged inflammation results in damage to the GI tract.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is described as an infection of the vagina that results from a change in the normal balance of bacteria. BV can cause symptoms like vaginal discharge, itching, unpleasant odour and a burning sensation.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an acute, bacterial infection of the urinary tract accompanied by pelvic pain, burning sensation while urinating, fever, etc. Recurrent UTIs (rUTIs) can be defined as at least three episodes of UTI in 1 year or two episodes in 6 months.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a term used to describe vaginal and vulvar tissue infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast. This condition can cause inflammation, intense itchiness, irritation and a thick, white discharge from the vagina.

Compelling evidence shows decreased conception rates and increased rate of early pregnancy loss following IVF-embryo transfer in patients with vaginal infections. Probiotics restore the healthy vaginal flora, prevent ascending infections, improve vaginal mucosal immunity and thus help to increase success rates of conception by IVF procedures.

Probiotics ensure continued immunity for the mother-to-be during pregnancy to ward of any unwanted infections and need for antibiotics that may not be safe. A good maternal microbiome ensures proper seeding and feeding of good microbes to the baby. This helps in maintaining good infant and child health.

Atopic dermatitis (AD), is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease, commonly having a childhood-onset and characterized by itchy, red, swollen, and cracked skin. It is common in children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis usually develops in early childhood and is more common in people who have a family history of the condition.

Urticaria, often referred to as hives, is a common skin disorder that arises due to allergic and nonallergic reactions to internal and external agents. It is characterized by wheals, rashes, itchy welts accompanied by a burning sensation that can be debilitating for patients as it can last for years in some and reduces the quality of life for many.

Allergic rhinitis refers to inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose caused by an allergic response to specific allergens. It often causes sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes.

Lactose Intolerance is the inability to digest a sugar molecule called lactose, which is commonly found in milk and other dairy products. Consumption of lactose containing products can result in abdominal cramps, bloating and diarrhoea.

Infantile colic is described as frequent, prolonged episodes of crying in healthy infants. It is traditionally defined by Wessel’s criteria of crying or fussing more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week, for three weeks.

AnswerDental caries, also known as cavities or tooth decay, is discoloration and damage of the teeth structure caused mainly due to bacteria. Untreated cavities can cause toothache, infection, and tooth loss.

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums or gingiva. It commonly occurs due to bacterial plaque formation leading to red, swollen gums. Gingivitis, if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a serious bacterial infection affecting the soft tissues (gum) and the bone structures supporting the teeth. The gums recede from the teeth and small pockets form between the gums and teeth that harbour harmful bacteria. It can cause pain, bad breath, and eventual tooth loss.

Halitosis, commonly referred to as bad breath is characterized by an unpleasant odour emanating from a person’s mouth. The accumulation of odor-causing bacteria in the oral cavity is the most common cause of halitosis.

A sore throat is described as a painful, dry, or itchy feeling in the throat that often worsens when one swallows. Sore throats are a common symptom caused by viral or bacterial infections.

Here the probiotic is indicated for use to regulate the immune system with the help of microbial strains (Immunobiotics) for effective functioning of the immune system.

Osteoporosis means porous bones, a bone disease in which the density and quality of bone are reduced. As a result, bones become weak, and the risk of fracture is greatly increased.