[Homeopathy in acute rhinosinusitis: a double-blind, placebo controlled study shows the efficiency and tolerability of a homeopathic combination remedy]

HNO. 2007 Apr;55(4):271-7. doi: 10.1007/s00106-006-1480-x.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Background: The efficacy and tolerability of a homeopathic combination remedy for the treatment of acute rhinosinusitis was investigated.

Patients and methods: A total of 144 patients with acute rhinosinusitis were treated in a randomized, double-blind study either with a homeopathic remedy (n=72) or placebo (n=72). At the control examinations after 7, 14 and 21 days, five sinusitis-typical symptoms were measured with scores from 0 (absent) to 4 (very strong). The change of sum score of the sinusitis-typical symptoms (max. 20 points) during the treatment served as the primary efficacy criterion.

Results: In the homeopathic treatment group, the average sum score dropped from initially 12.1+/-1.6 to 5.9+/-2.0 points after 7 days. In the placebo group it decreased from 11.7+/-1.6 to 11.0+/-2.9 points (p<0.0001). The homeopathic treatment resulted in freedom from complaints in 90.3% of the patients and improvement in a further 8.3%, whereas in the placebo group, the complaints remained unchanged or became worse in 88.9% of the patients. Only one adverse event occurred in one patient from the placebo group.

Conclusion: The homeopathic product allows an effective and tolerable treatment of acute rhinosinusitis.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Combinations
  • Female
  • Homeopathy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Materia Medica / administration & dosage*
  • Materia Medica / adverse effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Placebo Effect
  • Rhinitis / diagnosis*
  • Rhinitis / therapy*
  • Sinusitis / diagnosis*
  • Sinusitis / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Drug Combinations
  • Materia Medica