Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
Acute tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, caused by a bacterial or viral infection. In most cases it is caused by a viral infection (Clarence & Sasaki, 2008), which is a common cause of upper respiratory tract infections in children (Baker et al., 2012). Tonsillitis is one of the most common causes of absenteeism in school children, which affects school performance (De Martino & Ballotti, 2007). Conventional treatment for viral tonsillitis include anti-inflammatory drugs, which does not actively treat the condition and may cause side effects (Clarence & Sasaki, 2008; Cocazza et al., 2001; Roxane & Nahata, 2006) such as bruising, skin rash, tinnitus, oedema, dyspepsia, depression, nervousness, insomnia, pruritis, visual disturbance, renal failure and gastrointestinal irritation which can result in bleeding (Rainsford, 2003; Scherer, 2012; Snyman, 2007). Tonzolyt® is a commercially available homoeopathic complex remedy indicated for both acute and chronic tonsillitis and sore throat. However, there is a lack of research to support its effectiveness (Herbaforce, 2010).
The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the homoeopathic complex Tonzolyt® on the symptoms of acute tonsillitis in black children attending a primary school in Gauteng. A Wong-Baker Face Pain Rating Scale measured pain intensity and a modified Semi-quantitative Basis Scale assessed changes in signs and symptoms of tonsillitis.
This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted over six days with daily follow-up assessments. Thirty participants, aged 6-12 years, suffering from acute viral tonsillitis, were recruited from a primary school in Gauteng.
Parents / guardians were informed about the study by means of a letter (Appendix H). Attached to the letter there was an information form (Appendix A), as well as a Participant Profile form (Appendix D) to fill in, and a consent form (Appendix B) to sign. Parents / guardians and teachers were requested to refer children who showed signs of tonsillitis to the researcher. The researcher was available on the school premises on...