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Homœopathic Links 2012; 25(4): 281-286
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1327856
RESEARCH
Sonntag Verlag in MVS Medizinverlage Stuttgart GmbH & Co. KG Stuttgart · New York

What Is the Evidence for the Treatment of Asthma with Homeopathy?

Sophie Ward , United Kingdom
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Publication History

Publication Date:
18 December 2012 (online)

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Summary

A review of the medical evidence base on the treatment of asthma with homeopathic remedies has been conducted with the aim to determine if there are any indications for the effectiveness of the treatment of asthma with homeopathy. A non-exhaustive list of 32 research papers has been examined of which four were systematic reviews, seven RCTs, nine observational and qualitative studies, five pilot and open studies and case studies of 147 cases. Research outcomes considered to be highest in the hierarchy of evidence are mostly negative or inconclusive, whereas all others are positive. This clearly identified trend is analysed against trial designs and treatments strategy. It was found that usually the designs of RCTs limit the full evaluation of the effect of a homeopathic prescription and recommendations for future trials and research designs are made. The encouraging findings for homeopathy coming from well-constructed RCTs and observational studies should be considered more seriously and more trials and studies are recommended in order to replicate such findings.

Key words

Asthma - Research - Systematic review - RCT - Critical analysis
 

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