Role of Homeopathy in the Management of Allergic Rhinitis - Dissertation Example

?A Systematic Review of Role of Homeopathy in the Management of Allergic Rhinitis Introduction Rhinitis may be defined as inflammation of the nasal membranes and is characterized by a symptom complex that consists of any combination of the following: sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal itching, and rhinorrhea; the eyes, ears, sinuses, and throat can also be involved" (Sheikh and Najib, 2010). Allergic rhinitis is the commonest cause of rhinitis and is a significant cause of distress and impairment of quality of life (Sheikh and Najib, 2010). Treatment mainly involves 3 aspects: environmental control of allergens, drug administration and immunotherapy (Sheikh and Najib, 2010). The most conventional treatments for allergic rhinitis include antihistaminics. Of recent interest in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is homeopathic treatment which involves administration of products derived from the pollens which trigger the allergic process. Infact, several studies have proved the benefits of homeopathic management of allergic rhinitis. However, some researchers argue that homeopathic treatment is equal to placebo therapy and that there are not many benefits with that therapy. Whether, homeopathic treatment is suitable, safe and beneficial for allergic rhinitis can be ascertained by review of suitable literature containing randomized controlled trials, which are the highest level of evidence. This systematic literature review aims to examine the role of homeopathic drugs in the treatment and prevention of allergic rhinitis. Aims and objectives The aim of this study is to ascertain the role of homeopathy treatment in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The objectives are to evaluate the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment in the management of allergic rhinitis to enhance evidence-based practice of homeopathy in the treatment and prevention of allergic rhinitis. Background and rationale Allergic rhinitis is mainly a reaction to the allergens, which are some airborne particles. It primarily affects the eyes and the nose. There are basically 2 types of allergic rhinitis and they are perennial allergic rhinitis and seasonal allergic rhinitis which is also known as hay fever. Outdoor allergens which usually cause hay fever are pollens and the indoor allergens include animal dander and dust. While outdoor allergens cause seasonal allergic rhinitis, indoor allergens cause perennial allergic rhinitis. Several research-based studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of homeopathy treatment in the management of allergic rhinitis. Kim et al (2005) conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of homeopathic treatment prepared from seasonal allergen specific to local area on allergic rhinitis. The participants included were those with moderate-to-severe seasonal rhinitis. The main outcomes measured in this study were symptoms specific to allergy using suitable tools: rhinoconjunctivitis quality-of-life questionnaire (RQLQ), functional quality of life using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (MOS SF-36), and the work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI) questionnaire. The control group received placebo treatment. The results showed that treatment with homeopathic drugs showed beneficial changes in the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (p Read More