Doctors explain how the gut-lung axis affects health 16:08

Gut bacteria may increase the risk of asthma and lung cancer, and they themselves suffer from respiratory diseases, including COVID. On the role of gut microbes in the development of lung diseases Speech said doctors from York St. John University.

The trillions of bacteria living in the intestines are involved in much more than digestion. Recent studies have shown that it affects the entire body. The interaction between intestinal bacteria and the lungs is called the gut-lung axis.

Research shows that children with asthma often don’t have enough of the beneficial gut microbes: bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Lung cancer patients have fewer types of bacteria on average that help suppress inflammation. This may increase the risk of cancer and asthma.

Healthy gut bacteria can also alleviate symptoms of respiratory infections, including flu and COVID, in mice. This is thanks to anti-inflammatory substances the bacteria secrete. These include butyrate and propionate. Once in the blood, they travel to the lungs and reduce inflammation in them.

There’s also feedback: Studies in mice suggest that respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and SARS-COV-2 can alter the composition of the gut microbiome.

Probiotics (preparations containing live bacteria) may improve the composition of gut bacteria. A study of asthmatics found that these supplements may improve lung function. However, the data is preliminary. A healthy diet rich in fiber, which fuels short-chain fatty acid production, is also beneficial. Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, berries, and whole grains. Regular physical activity also promotes a diverse and healthy microbiome, further supporting respiratory health.

Fecal microbiota transplantation, the transfer of healthy bacteria from a donor, has shown promising results in initial studies.

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