Perceptions and management of paediatric allergies amongst registered homoeopathic practitioners in the greater eThekwini area

Abstract

Paediatric allergies in South Africa are of significant concern in respect to the recent increase in prevalence, aetiologies, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and management thereof. The perceptions and management of paediatric allergies amongst registered Homoeopathic practitioners in the greater eThekwini area were of significance in understanding and improving the current knowledge of these from a Homoeopathic perspective. Furthermore, the study provided reliable data in support of the prescription and usage of Homoeopathic treatment. No study on the Homoeopathic treatment and management of paediatric allergies in eThekwini had been conducted. In conducting such study, it expanded the literature of paediatric allergies from a Homoeopathic perspective for the benefit of the researcher, Homoeopathic bodies, parents and caregivers, and the general public. Furthermore, it intended to advocate the use of Homoeopathy as the primary healthcare intervention and first line of treatment for paediatric allergies and associated conditions. The study aimed to explore the perceptions and management of paediatric allergies amongst registered Homoeopathic practitioners in the greater eThekwini area with regards to aetiologies and clinical presentation as these presented in practice, and the diagnostic approaches, and treatment and management protocols that they followed. METHODOLOGY An explorative, qualitative design was employed to conduct the research study amongst a minimum of 12 Homoeopathic practitioners who fulfilled an inclusion criteria, or until saturation of data via questioning was achieved. Interviews were conducted at the respective participants’ consultation rooms located in the greater eThekwini area and captured via audio-recordings. Data was analysed under the supervisor’s guidance, and Tesch’s 8-step procedure of data analysis was applied, from which themes and sub-themes were formed. RESULTS Following data analysis, 4 main themes and their sub-themes were formed, namely knowledge of paediatric allergies with regards to aetiologies, types, and signs and symptoms; diagnosis with regards to clinical presentation and blood tests; multidisciplinary care with regards to referrals and approach to conventional treatment; and treatment and management protocols from a Homoeopathic, nutraceutical, dietary, and educational approach. CONCLUSION Homoeopathic practitioners share mutual perceptions and general knowledge of paediatric allergies in spite of limited professional training of allergies that is available to them. Their expertise and knowledge within their capacity was nevertheless trusted by concerned parents or caregivers to accurately identify, diagnose, treat, and manage a suspected allergy as per their patient’s totality of symptoms. Furthermore, to flatten an allergic tendency with indicated Homoeopathic treatment and appropriate adjuncts so as to prevent any possibility of a subsequent allergy. However, practitioners ought to consider the possible impact of elimination diets on their patients and families, as nutritional deficiencies, malnutrition, emotional stress, and financial expense are all causes of concern. Further clinical evidence is required to advocate them, for which practitioners may consider in their diagnostic, treatment, and management protocol. While Homoeopathy was not the primary option of treatment for their patients’ allergic conditions and concerns, it nevertheless remains a successful modality of CAM for the treatment thereof.