An open-label, prospective, pre–post comparison study to evaluate the efficacy of individualized homoeopathic medicines using Kent’s repertory in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections

Objectives: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are a significant global concern. Work, school performance, productivity, and economic burden are linked to URTI. These need to be taken care of in time, as they can lead to various complications. To date, there have been no approved specific and safe therapies for URTIs. Hence, this research project aimed at testing the efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines in URTIs using Kent’s repertoire. Material and Methods: An open-label, single-arm, experimental, prospective, non-randomized, non-controlled, before-and-after comparison study was done on 52 participants suffering from URTIs using Kent’s repertory. Institutional ethical clearance was obtained; then, 58 consenting patients were enrolled after screening of 69 patients by eligibility criteria and were allocated to classical homeopathic treatment. Six cases were dropouts; 52 cases were regular. Outcome measures were assessed and analysed with the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21 (WURSS-21) questionnaire. Results: After homeopathic treatment, the WURSS-21 questionnaire score mean was gradually reduced. At baseline, the WURSS-21 questionnaire total score mean was 65.56 (standard deviation [SD] ± 8.15); at the first follow-up, the mean was 17.10 (SD ± 15.46); at the second follow-up, the mean was 7.23 (SD ± 12.30); and at the third follow-up, the mean was 2.58 (SD ± 6.90). Friedman’s analysis of variance by rank test showed a significant result, where the χ 2 r statistic is 147.1904 for the WURSS-21 total score at the level of significance 0.05 in a two-tailed hypothesis. Showing that individualized homeopathic medicines are efficacious in the treatment of URTIs. Overall, after treatment with individualized homeopathic medicines, 48 patients improved, 4 patients did not improve, and 8 patients dropped out of the study. No adverse effects and/or complications were observed. The most commonly used remedies are Rhus toxicodendron, Bryonia alba , Belladonna, etc. Conclusion: Data suggest that individualized homeopathic treatment is useful for patients suffering from URTIs. The practical applicability of Kent’s repertory in the treatment of URTIs is observed.