Quel che resta della prevenzione delle otiti (e infezioni respiratorie): xilitolo e dintorni

Abstract

Over the years, the prevention of episodes of upper respiratory tract infections and in particular of acute otitis media have always been discussed. A recent randomized controlled clinical trial has re-proposed the evaluation of the efficacy of a natural sugar, xylitol. The results were not favourable as the use of xylitol in children aged 1-5 years did not reduce the frequency of episodes of otitis and upper respiratory tract infection compared to placebo. An opportunity to reflect and discuss the issue of the prophylaxis of “physiological” respiratory infections, which must always be evaluated in relation to the available evidence of efficacy: whether we are talking about drugs or what is called complementary medicine.