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ALLERGY

Treatment of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Using Homeopathic Preparation of Common Allergens in the Southwest Region of the US: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

Medical Director, Southwest College Research Institute, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences, Tempe, AZ

June E Riedlinger, PharmD

Adjunct Associate Professor, Clinical Pharmacy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA

Carol M Baldwin, PhD RN AHN-BC

Associate Professor, Southwest Borderlands, College of Nursing, Arizona State University, Tempe

Lisa Hilli, ND

Adjunct Assistant Professor, Division of Clinical Sciences, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences

Sarv Varta Khalsa, ND

Adjunct Clinical Faculty, Division of Clinical Sciences, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences

Stephen A Messer, ND DHANP

Dolisos Chair, Department of Homeopathy, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences

Robert F Waters, PhD

Chair, Department of Research, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences

Reprints: Dr. Kim, Southwest College Research Institute, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences, 2140 E. Broadway Rd., Tempe, AZ 85282-1751, fax 480/858-0222, l.kim{at}scnm.edu

BACKGROUND: Studies using homeopathy have reported beneficial effects from treating allergy-related conditions.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of a homeopathic drug prepared from common allergens (tree, grass, weed species) specific to the Southwest region of the US.

METHODS: A 4-week, double-blind clinical trial comparing homeopathic preparations with placebo was conducted in the Phoenix metropolitan area during the regional allergy season from February to May. Participants included 40 men and women, 26–63 years of age, diagnosed with moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms. Study outcomes included allergy-specific symptoms using the rhinoconjunctivitis quality-of-life questionnaire (RQLQ), functional quality of life using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (MOS SF-36), and the work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI) questionnaire.

RESULTS: Scales from the RQLQ, MOS SF-36, and WPAI questionnaire showed significant positive changes from baseline to 4 weeks in the homeopathic group compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). Subjects reported no adverse effects during the intervention period.

CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings indicate potential benefits of the homeopathic intervention in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis in the Southwestern US.

Key Words: allergic rhinitis, homeopathy, isopathy

Published Online, March 1, 2005. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1E387

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Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Study Results of Questionable Relevance to Homeopathy

Dónal P O'Mathúna and Jane M Horgan
The Annals 2005 39: 736-738. [Full Text]  

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