A clinical study on homoeopathic treatment of recurrent tonsillitis based on stuart close’s concept of susceptibility and it’s role in selection of potency

Abstract

Tonsillitis is a common childhood infection and recurrent episodes have long term side effects and cause significant morbidity. It is a common cause of absenteeism from school. Like any other operation, tonsillectomy is not without risks and the rising resistance to antibiotics has led to a demand for alternative options. Recurrence of a disease shows a morbid susceptibility and homoeopathic medicines chosen according to the totality of symptoms in suitable potency can remove it. The scientific community now has called for extensive research in the study of genes involved in transferring susceptibility to certain diseases. The aim of my study is to study the effectiveness of homoeopathic medicines in treating recurrent tonsillitis and thereby evaluate Stuart Close’s concept that similimum can satisfy morbid susceptibility to a disease and hence reduce its recurrence. A prospective clinical study was conducted in Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. 30 cases satisfying the diagnostic criteria in the age group of 4-12 years were taken. Those who had minimum of 5 or more episodes in the last year were chosen and after detailed case taking homoeopathic medicine was administered. The period of study was 1 year. Study design is experimental before and after-one group. Outcome of the treatment was assessed by noting the reduction in the number of episodes of tonsillitis. Final evaluation of the data done by Wilcoxon signed rank test. 29 out of 30 cases showed reduction in the number of episodes of recurrent tonsillitis when homoeopathic medicines were administered. Exposure to cold, citrus fruits, chocolates, milk products and preservative containing food items were relevant exacerbating factors. The study shows statistical significance of p value