Effects of Blatta orientalis on Treatment of Bronchial Asthma: A Prospective, Non-Randomised, Open-Label, Observational Study

Abstract

Background Bronchial asthma is a globally significant non-communicable disease with major public health consequences for both children and adults, including high morbidity, and relatively low mortality compared with other chronic diseases. It is a chronic disorder that enables the patient to take lifelong medications including bronchodilators. Aim: This study was undertaken to ascertain the effects of Blatta orientalis in potency on the treatment of bronchial asthma assessed by spirometry and Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) Score. Method A prospective, non-randomised, open-label, observational study was conducted at Dr. MPK Homoeopathic Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan, from 2015 to 2016. Patients between 5 and 80 years of age suffering from dyspnoea, cough with expectoration and wheezing were screened. The convenience sampling technique was used to enrol 120 patients, after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study. The patients of Bronchial asthma were treated with Blatta orientalis in potency for 6 months. Patients were diagnosed and assessed on the basis of the ACQ Score by Elizabeth Junipers and spirometry findings. Blatta orientalis was prescribed to all patients in increasing potency from 30C. The paired t-test is applied to calculate the statistical significance of the study. Result Out of 120 patients, 100 had completed the study with follow-up of 6 months. A significant difference was found in pre- and post-treatment spirometry—that is, forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio—from baseline to 6 months (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: –10.27 ± 4.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: –11.25 to –9.28; p = 0.00001). Also, significant difference was seen in the ACQ Score from baseline to 6 months (mean ± SD: 19.44 ± 8.69; 95% CI: 17.71–21.16; p = 0.00001). Conclusion The study findings are encouraging enough to prescribe Blatta orientalis in potency in cases of bronchial asthma. Further systematic replication is required to be conducted as randomised controlled trials with long-term follow-ups for definite conclusions.