An approach to acute diarrhoeal disorders through sector and constitutional homoeopathic treatment in tribal children attending Balwadis

Abstract

Introduction: Diarrhoea is one of the most frequently encountered problems in pediatric age group. The severity of diarrhoeal infections varies from patients to patient and from few loose motions without much discomfort to severe dehydration. Our literature reviewed has shown usefulness of homoeopathic acute medicines in treating acute diarrhoea. There are a number of clinical studies which have verified this aspect. But at the same time it has also been observed that few cases improve without any treatment. Recurrence of diarrhoea is the major concern as it affects the growth of the child. Hence this study was undertaken to verify the efficacy of acute medicine in the management of diarrhoea and exploring the role of Constitutional medicine in preventing the recurrence. Materials and Methods: A sample size of 300 children was selected from 10 Anganwadi (Balwadi – day care centre) from the tribal population having a known high prevalence of diarrhoea. Randomized case control, single, blinded method was used to prove the efficacy of the acute medicines. For this purpose, the sample was divided into three groups viz. Acute remedy group, Acute remedy followed by Constitutional and Placebo group as a control. Basic hygienic measures were explained to the parents and they were followed up regularly. Results: Results of the study clearly demonstrated that, the indicated acute medicines had a definite role in altering the course of acute diarrhoea and when the acute medicine was followed up by the constitutional medicine it had shown a significant impact in bringing down the frequency, shortening the duration and decreasing the intensity of further episodes. This strategy also showed a definite positive response in the general well being of the child in terms of weight gain and general activity of the child. Conclusion: Result analysis also helped in conducting a definite management strategy using homoeopathic medicines for the management of acute diarrhoeal disorder.