Homeopathic Medications as Clinical Alternatives for Symptomatic Care of Acute Otitis Media and Upper Respiratory Infections in Children

Abstract

The public health and individual risks of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and conventional over-the-counter symptomatic drugs in pediatric treatment of acute otitis media (AOM) and upper respiratory infections (URIs) are significant. Clinical research suggests that over-the-counter homeopathic medicines offer pragmatic treatment alternatives to conventional drugs for symptom relief in children with uncomplicated AOM or URIs. Homeopathy is a controversial but demonstrably safe and effective 200-year-old whole system of complementary and alternative medicine used worldwide. Numerous clinical studies demonstrate that homeopathy accelerates early symptom relief in acute illnesses at much lower risk than conventional drug approaches. Evidence-based advantages for homeopathy include lower antibiotic fill rates during watchful waiting in otitis media, fewer and less serious side effects, absence of drug-drug interactions, and reduced parental sick leave from work. Emerging evidence from basic and preclinical science research counter the skeptics' claims that homeopathic remedies are biologically inert placebos. Consumers already accept and use homeopathic medicines for self care, as evidenced by annual US consumer expenditures of $2.9 billion on homeopathic remedies. Homeopathy appears equivalent to and safer than conventional standard care in comparative effectiveness trials, but additional well-designed efficacy trials are indicated. Nonetheless, the existing research evidence on safety supports pragmatic use of homeopathy in order to “first do no harm” in the early symptom management of otherwise uncomplicated AOM and URIs in children.

Homoeopathy for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in Children: A Narrative Review of Research Evidence

“…6 Parents unintentionally use overdoses due to lack of symptom relief which is a subject of worry, especially with conventional medicines. 43 In case of homoeopathic medicines, a survey found that OTC use of homoeopathic medicines was most frequent for the treatment of respiratory problems, 44 and another study found no effect of self-selected treatment (by parents) beyond placebo for the prevention of URTI in children. 23 Homoeopathy as primary treatment: In a case series of URTI in children below 5 years of age illustrated that recurrent episodes of URTI decrease following 6 months of treatment with individualised homoeopathic medicines.…”

Efficacy of a Homeopathic Complex on Acute Viral Tonsillitis

“…8 Clinical trials have shown homeopathic treatment to be effective in preventing and treating upper respiratory tract infection in children, [9][10][11][12] and suggest that it may provide an alternative treatment option to conventional drugs for children with acute uncomplicated infections. 13 These studies also found that homeopathic treatment is associated with fewer adverse effects, is more cost-effective, and induces earlier symptom resolution compared with conventional medicines. 12,13 Individualized homeopathic treatment involves the use of a single remedy to treat the totality of the symptoms of a patient, 14 whereas a complex is the combination of wellindicated remedies for a specific condition combined into one vehicle.…”

“…13 These studies also found that homeopathic treatment is associated with fewer adverse effects, is more cost-effective, and induces earlier symptom resolution compared with conventional medicines. 12,13 Individualized homeopathic treatment involves the use of a single remedy to treat the totality of the symptoms of a patient, 14 whereas a complex is the combination of wellindicated remedies for a specific condition combined into one vehicle. 13,14 The homeopathic complex used in this study is commercially available in the South African market under the trade name TonzolytÒ and is marketed for the treatment of acute or chronic tonsillitis and pharyngitis.…”

“…The D (or Decimal) potency is created by diluting the crude substance in a 1:10 ratio (i.e., 1 part solute in 10 parts solvent, usually ethanol-water solution); each dilution is followed by succussions (vigorous shaking against a hard surface). 13 No research has yet addressed the efficacy of this complex in the treatment of acute viral tonsillitis in children.…”

“…12,13 Individualized homeopathic treatment involves the use of a single remedy to treat the totality of the symptoms of a patient, 14 whereas a complex is the combination of wellindicated remedies for a specific condition combined into one vehicle. 13,14 The homeopathic complex used in this study is commercially available in the South African market under the trade name TonzolytÒ and is marketed for the treatment of acute or chronic tonsillitis and pharyngitis. 15 It includes the following remedies: Atropa belladonna D4, Calcarea phosphoricum D4, Hepar sulphuris D4, Kalium bichromat (potassium dichromate) D4, Kalium muriaticum D4, Mercurius protoiodid D10, and Mercurius biniodid D10.…”