The use of specific bacteria (probiotics) as an adjunct therapy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is supported by emerging scientific evidence, though it is not yet a mainstream or standard treatment. Several clinical and preclinical studies suggest that the respiratory and gut microbiome play a role in modulating immune responses, inflammation, and susceptibility to infections in COPD patients. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species have been investigated for their potential to reduce airway inflammation, decrease exacerbation rates, and improve immune function in people with COPD.

Meta-analyses and systematic reviews (e.g., Wang et al., 2022, Frontiers in Pharmacology) indicate that probiotics may reduce the frequency of respiratory infections and improve certain quality-of-life measures in COPD patients, although results are often mixed and limited by small sample sizes and heterogeneity in probiotic strains and dosages used. The proposed mechanisms include modulation of the gut-lung axis, enhancement of mucosal immunity, and competitive inhibition of pathogenic bacteria.

However, the overall evidence is considered moderate (rated 3/5 here) due to varying study quality and lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials specifically targeting COPD outcomes. International guidelines do not yet recommend routine probiotic use in COPD, but ongoing research continues to clarify their potential benefits as adjunctive therapy.