Abstract
Objectives, Atopy is defined as the tendency to produce an inappropriate or
exaggerated immune reaction to common environmental allergens. Conditions such
as atopic asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis are increasing worldwide, and
this has a significant global socio-economic impact. The term complementary
medicine (CM) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “a broad set of
health care practices that are not part of that country's own tradition and are not
integrated into the dominant health care system.” Previous international studies have
shown that many people with atopic conditions make use of CMs for various
reasons, either due to dissatisfaction with conventional medicines, or a perception of
fewer side-effects. There is a documented worldwide increase in CM use, through
consultation with CM practitioners as well as over-the-counter (OTC) use of CMs.
This highlights the need for patients to communicate the use of CMs to health-care
practitioners for enhanced safety and efficacy, to avoid drug interactions and
adverse effects, and achieve optimal results. In South Africa, CM modalities include:
homeopathy, naturopathy, phytotherapy (herbal medicine), ayurveda, unani-tibb and
traditional Chinese medicine. CM’s are also widely available as OTC products. CM
prevalence of use studies are done worldwide but the statistics are lacking for South
Africa. Design, A quantitative-descriptive design was performed and a survey carried
out , Settings/Location, The study focused on Complementary medicine (CM) users
in the Pretoria East area, the survey was carries out in four Wellness Warehouse
health shops in Pretoria East. Subjects, 122 of the 150 surveys distributed were
completed fully and accurately. Interventions, Outcome Measures, Results, and
Conclusions.