In a study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, researchers discovered that some chronic sinus problems may be caused by a depletion of 'good' bacteria and the presence of 'bad' bacteria in the sinuses.
Adding back good bacteria to the sinuses will work to treat the condition analogous to the way probiotics may treat certain intestinal problems, MyHealthNewsDaily reported.
The study analysed the populations of bacteria present in the sinuses of 10 people with chronic sinus problems, known as chronic rhinosinusitis, and 10 healthy people.
They identified the bacteria species by looking at their genes.
People with chronic sinus problems had fewer types of bacteria in their sinuses compared with healthy people, and a significant reduction in bacteria that produce lactic acid.
In addition, they had an increase in a bacteria species called C tuberculostearicum.
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When the researchers gave mice antibiotics to eliminate the normal bacteria in their sinuses, and then gave them C tuberculostearicum, the mice developed symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.
However, mice that received the lactic acid bacteria L sakei in addition to C tuberculostearicum did not develop symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis.
The results add to a growing body of research showing that the bacterial community in the human body as a whole, and not the presence of a single harmful species, is responsible for the development of certain diseases, the researchers said.
The study suggested that L sakei could be used to treat or prevention of chronic sinus problems, the researchers said.
Patients commonly receive antibiotics for sinus infections, but the findings suggest a more appropriate therapy would be providing them with 'good' bacteria, the researchers added.