Efficacy Study of Homeopathic Medicines in Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis and/or Induced Bronchial Asthma

A prospective, single-blind (subject), randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group, interventional clinical trial is being conducted on 100 participants (subjects 50, control 50) suffering from allergic rhinitis and/or induced bronchial asthma since March 1, 2012 at Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal. This trial is aimed at exploring the efficacy of homeopathic medicines in comparison with placebo in reducing serum interleukin 10, 13 and immunoglobulin E measured at timeline of 1 year of treatment and absolute eosinophil count every 4 months up to 1 year. Matching for independent and consequent variables will be done to test for bias. Parametric or non-parametric tests will be employed as per distribution of data at the end of the trial.

Inclusion criteria

• Age between 5 and 65 years
• Both sexes
• Atopic: reactive to allergens with positive skin prick test (SPT) results and/or eosinophilia
• More than 1 year history of allergic rhinitis and/or induced bronchial asthma

Exclusion criteria

• Nasal abnormalities causing obstruction, e.g. nasal polyp(s), deviated septum etc.
• Previous homoeopathic immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis
• Allergen avoidance in past 6 weeks
• Away from usual environment for more than 1 week during trial
• Severe asthma cases as detected clinically
• Respiratory infection
• Severe concomitant disease
• Pregnancy, breast feeding, or likelihood of pregnancy
• Oral or parenteral steroids and/or decongestant in past 6 months
• Conventional desensitization in past 3 months