Homeopathic Complex Remedy in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis: Results of a Prospective, Multicenter Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), also known as hay fever, is a widespread chronic respiratory disease. In treatment of SAR the use of complementary therapies is increasing, but little has been published about homeopathic complex remedies so far. Therefore, we think it is time to conduct and publish an appropriate observational study. Methods: Course of single symptoms, impairment of quality of life, general efficacy, and tolerability of a homeopathic complex remedy containing active substances on a low dilution level have been assessed and analyzed. Altogether, 123 patients with a history of allergic rhinitis of up to 45 years have been observed for about 4 weeks. Results: The majority of symptoms were shown to improve substantially and the patients' quality of life increased clearly. The overall symptom score decreased significantly from 10.3 ± 4.7 to 3.9 ± 3.1 points (p < 0.0001), and reduction of impairment of quality of life from 5.7 ± 2.3 to 1.9 ± 1.8 score points was also significant (p < 0.0001). Rating of efficacy of study medication was markedly better than efficacy rating of previous therapies (p = 0.0193). Apart from one temporary allergic reaction, the treatment was well tolerated. Conclusion: The homeopathic complex remedy (Pascallerg®) tested in this observational study offers a useful option in treatment of SAR in children and adults.

Scope of Homoeopathic Intervention for Allergic Rhinitis—A Comprehensive Review

“…In observational studies, assessment was done on the basis of symptom severity using numeric rating scale (NRS), 25 Allergic Rhinitis Symptom Score 24 27 and SFAR Score scale. 29 In two observational studies, RQLQ and WHOQOL-BREF score was used to assess the effect of homoeopathic intervention in quality of life of allergy rhinitis subjects.…”

“…In this literary review, 38 articles (►Fig. 1) related to homoeopathy on AR were identified which seven (07) were RCTs, [15][16][17][18][19][20][21] ten (10) clinical observational studies, [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31] two (02) case series, 32,33 two (02) case reports, 34,35 seven (07) dissertations [36][37][38][39][40][41][42] and ten (10) review articles. [43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52] Out of these 38 papers, 17 studies (07 RCT's and 10 observational studies) [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24]…”

“…23 In six observational studies, history and symptomatic presentation were considered for diagnosis. 22,[25][26][27][28]30 Pre-diagnosed cases were included in two observational studies. 29,31…”

“…20 In randomised placebo control pilot study where Tuberculinum was given to study group, the assessment was done on the basis of symptom severity assessment score (SSAS). 21 In observational studies, assessment was done on the basis of symptom severity using numeric rating scale (NRS), 25 Allergic Rhinitis Symptom Score 24,27 and SFAR Score scale. 29 In two observational studies, RQLQ and WHOQOL-BREF score was used to assess the effect of homoeopathic intervention in quality of life of allergy rhinitis subjects.…”

Die Zukunft der Homöopathie

“…Homöopathie erweist sich in großen pragmatischen Studien, von denen es allerdings viel zu wenige gibt, als nützlich [21,22,23]. Und nicht zu vergessen: Homöopathie ist pragmatisch hilfreich [24,25,26,27]. Zwar kommt es bei homöopathischer Behandlung gelegentlich zu einer Erstverschlimmerung [28,29], aber die Behauptung, Homöopathie sei gefährlich [30], ist eine fahrlässige Interpretation der Daten [31].…”