Evaluation of the quality of life after individualized homeopathic treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis. A prospective, open, non-comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QoL) is an important outcome measure in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), a condition for which homeopathy is frequently used.

OBJECTIVE: The assessment of the effect of homeopathic medical prescriptions with the Rhino-conjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) in the treatment of SAR.

METHODS: A prospective, open, non-comparative study was conducted in Belgium. Patients aged between 14 and 68 years with SAR were treated by one of seven homeopathic physicians. Patients completed the RQLQ at baseline and again after three and four weeks of homeopathic treatment.

RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were screened, of whom 46 met the study eligibility criteria (average age 36 years, 70% female). The mean RQLQ score at baseline was 3.40 (+/-.98). After three and four weeks of homeopathic treatment it had fallen to 1.97 (+/-1.32) (P=0.0001), and 1.6 (+/-1.28) (P=0.0001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: After homeopathic treatment, patients reported an alleviation of their symptoms of allergic rhinitis as reported in the RQLQ. A formal Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT) is indicated.