Positive Health Online

Abstract

FRIESE and ZABALOTNYI, Dr.Friese@t-online.de, have conducted a double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of a homeopathic remedy for acute sinus inflammation.

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of a homeopathic combination remedy for the treatment of acute rhinosinusitis.

Methodology

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 outcome measure.

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

This homeopathic remedy allows an effective and tolerable treatment of acute sinus inflammation.

References

Friese KH, Zabalotnyi DI. Homeopathy in acute rhinosinusitis: a double-blind, placebo controlled study shows the efficiency and tolerability of a homeopathic combination remedy. HNO 55 (4): 271-277, Apr 2007.