Unmasking acute respiratory illnesses in the paediatric age group following drenching in rain: A retrospective study

Abstract

Rainy weather especially in the paediatric age group frequently gives rise to acute respiratory illnesses such as colds, bronchitis, or influenza-like infections. Due to the increased humidity and sudden change in temperature can weaken their immunity, making them prone to infections. According to Hahnemann in Aphorism 72 - Organon of Medicine, such affections are termed acute diseases, which represent rapid morbid processes of the abnormally deranged vital force that tend to complete their course more or less quickly, but always in a moderate time. This Retrospective study conducted on 60 patients of paediatric age group, both sexes who visited the Outpatient Department of Sarada Krishna Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kulasekharam. Children in the late first decade of life that is 7-9 years were most commonly affected with a slight male predominance observed in the incidence. Among the spectrum of acute respiratory illnesses in children, acute bronchitis and acute rhinitis are two commonly encountered conditions. Acute bronchitis tends to show a higher peak incidence among the paediatric age group, particularly during periods of seasonal transition or following exposure to rain. This study emphasized that drenching in rain acts as a significant precipitating factor for Acute respiratory illnesses in paediatric age group. The Homoeopathic remedies most commonly prescribed in these cases included Rhus Toxicodendron, Pulsatilla, Arsenicum album and Bryonia alba, 200 CH potency being predominantly used based on the susceptibility of the patient.