Homoeopathic Nosodes and their Uses in the Management of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections – A Narrative Review

Abstract

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) such as acute bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and exaggeration of chronic respiratory diseases are leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. There are many advanced antimicrobial therapies available in the present era, but the antimicrobial resistance is increasing and thus there is a scope of complementary approach like homoeopathy. Nosodes are homoeopathic medicines prepared from pathological products according to homoeopathic pharmacopeia standards. They are basically prescribed on the totality of symptoms, constitutional characteristics, and miasmatic background rather than the causative organism alone. Several homoeopathic practitioners have reported the use of nosodes such as Tuberculinum, Bacillinum, Influenzinum, and Pneumococcinum in the patients with recurrent respiratory tract infections. However, the evidence based studies which can support their efficacy are limited. The objective of this study is to explore the effect of homoeopathic nosodes in the Management of LRTI through literary search and historical context. This narrative review summarizes the historical background, preparation, proposed indications, available literature, and current evidence regarding the use of homoeopathic nosodes in LRTI. The review also highlights the existing research gaps and emphasizes the need for well designed randomized controlled trials to establish their role in respiratory healthcare.