Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections in Children: A Homoeopathic Perspective and Review of Current Evidence

Author

Dr. Ankita Sakharkar , Dr. Nowmani Shaikh


Abstract

 Recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) are among the common clinical problems encountered in paediatric practice. Young children may experience several respiratory infections annually because of developing immunity, exposure to other children, and environmental factors. However, unusually frequent, severe, persistent, or atypical infections warrant evaluation for underlying conditions such as asthma, allergic disease, anatomical abnormalities, cystic fibrosis, aspiration, or immunodeficiency. Current literature describes a possible role for complementary approaches, including homoeopathy, in children with recurrent respiratory complaints. This review discusses the clinical approach to RRTIs and the traditional homoeopathic concept of individualized prescribing, while examining available clinical evidence. Although some individual clinical trials have reported favourable outcomes, systematic reviews have not demonstrated consistent evidence of benefit. Therefore, further well-designed, adequately powered paediatric studies are required before definitive conclusions can be drawn.



Keywords

 Children, recurrent respiratory tract infection, URTI, homoeopathy, individualized treatment, constitutional prescribing, paediatrics.



Full Text:

Download Paper PDF


References


  1. Chiappini E, Santamaria F, Marseglia GL, et al. Prevention of recurrent respiratory infections: Inter-society Consensus. Ital J Pediatr.2021;47:211.
  2. de Benedictis FM, Bush A. Recurrent lower respiratory tract infections in children. 2018;362:k2698.
  3. de Lange de Klerk ES, Blommers J, Kuik DJ, Bezemer PD, Feenstra L. Effect of homoeopathic medicines on daily burden of symptoms in children with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections. 1994;309:1329-1332.
  4. Steinsbekk A, Fønnebø V, Lewith G, Bentzen N. Homeopathic care for the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections in children: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med.2005;13:231-238.
  5. King D, Hawke K, McGuire TM, van Driel M. Homeopathic preparations for preventing and treating acute upper respiratory tract infections in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acad Pediatr.2021;21:211-220.
  6. Hawke K, King D, van Driel ML, McGuire T. Homeopathic medicinal products for preventing and treating acute respiratory tract infections in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2022;12:CD005974.
  7. Razi CH, et al. Diagnosis and management of recurrent respiratory tract infections in children: a practical guide. [Review article].
  8. El-Azami-El-Idrissi M, Lakhdar-Idrissi M, Chaouki S, et al. Pediatric recurrent respiratory tract infections: when and how to explore the immune system? Pan Afr Med J.2016;24:53.
  9. Boericke W. Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica.New Delhi: B Jain Publishers.
  10. Allen HC. Keynotes and Red Line Symptoms of the Materia Medica with Nosodes.New Delhi: B Jain Publishers.
  11. Kent JT. Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica.New Delhi: B Jain Publishers.

 

 

Share your valuable work from Social Media Buttons