Integrating Homoeopathy into Public Health Initiatives for Childhood Respiratory Illnesses: A Review Article
Abstract
Respiratory diseases are a big health issue for children around the world, especially in developing countries for those younger than 5 years of age. Conventional medicine remains the cornerstone of treating these infections. But nowadays, there is growing interest in complementary and alternative approaches like homoeopathy. Homoeopathy being economical, easy to administer and palatable medicine for children is widely accepted. This research methodology focused on reviewing randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that studied homoeopathic treatments for respiratory diseases in children from 1990 to 2024. The researcher searched major databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and others. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, nine RCTs were included in this review. The methodology appeared to ensure high-quality evidence by focusing only on well-designed randomised trials with adequate quality scores (Jadad score). The interventions in children aged 1-15 years, showed significant symptom reduction and decreased antibiotic requirements by various homoeopathic approaches. Safety profiles were consistently favourable across all studies, though therapeutic efficacy was not universal, as evidenced by three trials showing no significant clinical improvements. This review concluded that treatment with homoeopathic medicines as individualised, specific and adjuvant showed some reduction in the recurrence of respiratory symptoms in children. The need for more meticulously conducted trials and a broader array of published RCT studies is paramount for a more comprehensive conclusion.
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References
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