A study recently published in Global Pediatric Health by van Haselen et al. (2016) investigated the use of a homeopathic remedy as an add on therapy for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in paediatrics. This paper provides an overview of that research, including his methodology and results, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the paper.The aim of the research was to determine whether or not the addition of a homeopathic remedy; Influid, would improve the outcome for paediatrics presenting with upper respiratory tract infections if added to an existing treatment of paracetamol, known as acetaminophen in the United States (van Haselen et al., 2016). The researchers note that homeopathy is increasing the accepted in Germany, including use the treatment of colds and flu, or flulike infections. The aim is to assess a homeopathic remedy which is specifically designed for the treatment of flulike infections with fever, and other acute viral URTI's.
The Research Method
the research methodology was undertaken with a sample of 261 paediatric patients located in the UK and Germany between the ages of one and 11 years of age that presented with symptoms of a URTI which had been present for up...
In addition to be included in the study the children also required to have a temperature above 37.5°C, and one of three symptoms out of nasal, pharyngeal, cough, and one out of five symptoms of tiredness, weakness, being less active, aches, and irritability (van Haselen et al., 2016). The children were then assigned one of two treatment groups; standard and demand symptomatic treatment, such as paracetamol, or the standard treatment plus Influid (van Haselen et al., 2016). To assess the results, parents were asked to keep a diary recording the child's body temperature, symptoms, and medicine intake. Follow-ups were made by the researchers on day four, they ate, and a 15, in each case plus or minus one day (van Haselen et al., 2016). The symptoms were assessed with the utilisation of the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey -- 21 (WURSS-21).
The Results
The results appear to indicate that the addition of Influid was effective, stating that the Influid group requires less symptomatic medication, also stating the symptoms resolved earlier, with this group having a high proportion of the sample being fever three on or after day free, with the severity of the symptoms…