Childhood Diseases

 

1. Enercel has been proven to be completely safe in children. The Enercel Package Insert, as approved by the Ukrainian Regulatory Authorities states:

Children

The World Health Advanced Technology database contains hundreds of anecdotal reports of children receiving Enercel without toxicity or side-effects.  Children have used the medication chronically with no side-effects or developmental delays. These include children with severe illnesses such as pneumonia and copious diarrhea. A formal study of Enercel® at 3 ml IM every 12 hrs. for a two doses in a Pediatric population failed to show any local or systemic toxicity. A study of Enercel® Mist Nasal in allergic upper respiratory disorders included a large number of children without side-effects. The IV route has been used in children up to 2 ml/kg/day-- again, no toxicity was noted. There are no known limitations on the use of Enercel® in infants and children.

2. Enercel was proven to be efficacious and safe in children with severe diarrhea

Effect Of A New Alternative Medicine In Acute Diarrheas, Including Those Caused By Rotavirus, In Children Less Than 5 Years Of Age Consulting At The Emergency Ward Of B. Bloom Hospital In San Salvador, Between August 2003 And April 2004. Izaguirre RR, Guzmán, MR, Fuentes, RC, Mena CE, Peñate E.

The effect of a new alternative medication, Enercel®, with immune modulating properties was tested in acute cases of presumptive infectious diarrhea in children less than 5 years of age. The protocol was designed to reach an 80% statistical probability so rigid quality controls were followed when enrolling patients and following clinical changes. A total of 123 cases were enrolled, 59 in the control group and 64 in the test group, and no patients were admitted when found to have underlying infections or other conditions that may obscure the results, such as urinary tract infections. A clinical score to determine improvement or deterioration was created and applied to both groups. Statistical analysis was applied using EPI-INFO and SPSS programs. Both groups were comparable statistically in terms of clinical presentation, physical parameters (Age, sex and nutritional status) and laboratory findings on admission. Enercel® was administered in 3 ml IM doses upon admission and 12 hours afterwards. Clinical changes were measured every 6 hours for the 24 hours; patients were then discharged from the study. Among these clinical signs, changes were most evident in hydration status, body temperature, peristalsis, number of bowel movements and total fecal output. A follow-up evaluation was performed 48 hours after discharge. Results showed a non-significant difference between the control and experimental groups at 0, 6, 12 and 18 hours, but was significant at both 24 (p<0.05) and 72 hours after enrollment (p<0.001) for each clinical parameter. The rotavirus group included a total of 32 cases, 17 in the control and 15 in the test groups-- clinical measures did not significantly improve at 24 hours, but a statistical response was achieved at 72 hours (p<0.001). Thus, Enercel® was safe and effective for multiple clinical parameters in children with multiple etiologies of acute infectious diarrhea.

3. Homeopathy in babies and chidren [www.homeopathy-soh.org]

Introduction
Homeopathy is a gentle yet highly effective system of medicine, making it ideal for babies and children. Homeopathic medicines (known as ‘remedies’) are non-toxic, making them safe to use1 even in the very young. And what’s more, the mildly sweet pills, powders or liquids are easy to take.

What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a system of medicine which is based on treating the individual with highly diluted substances which trigger the body’s natural system of healing. Based on their symptoms, a homeopath will match the most appropriate medicine to each patient. This medical system was developed by a German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann, in 1796 and has been used world-wide ever since.

What complaints can I use homeopathy for at home?
Adding a few homeopathic medicines to your first aid kit will allow you to deal with some minor health problems at home rapidly and effectively. The remedies suggested below can be purchased over the counter in most chemists, homeopathic pharmacies and health shops, as well as some supermarket chains. If your child is already undergoing homeopathic treatment, it is best to check with their homeopath before prescribing at home.
 

Nappy-rash
Calendula cream is soothing, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Use preventatively and/or as a treatment. Can also be used for minor cuts or abrasions.

Bumps and bruises
Arnica 30c or Arnica cream (do not use on broken skin).

Teething
Chamomilla 30c can give swift pain relief especially when the baby is angry, inconsolable and wants to be carried.

Colic
Colocynth 30c if the baby is angry, draws its knees up from pain and is better from pressure on the abdomen (e.g. lying on their front or over your shoulder

Mag phos 30c if the baby draws its knees up and is better from warmth or gently massaging the abdomen

Chamomilla 30c if the baby is angry, inconsolable and wants to be carried. May have green diarrhoea like chopped spinach

Coughs, colds and fevers
Aconite 30c at the first sign of a sudden high fever, especially after being chilled by a dry, cold wind

Belladonna 30c for high fever with red face that’s hot to touch

Gelsemium 30c for a slowly developing fever with dusky face, aching muscles and fatigue

Pulsatilla 30c if they are clingy and upset with lots of thick, yellow/green mucus

Bryonia 30c for irritability, headache and/or dry cough which get worse on movement

When to consult a professional homeopath
Babies and children tend to respond quickly to homeopathic treatment, so if minor symptoms being treated at home don’t improve rapidly, you should consult a professional homeopath and/or your GP as they may need more specialist treatment.

Any severe, recurrent or long-term (chronic) problems will need to be dealt with by a professional homeopath from the outset. Homeopaths treat babies and children with a wide range of conditions such as cradle cap, eczema, sleep problems, recurrent colds and digestive problems. Because homeopathy is a holistic therapy, it can also be used to treat youngsters suffering with emotional problems, ranging from temper tantrums and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to severe shyness and anxiety. Menstrual problems and acne in teenagers are problems often seen by professional homeopaths.

What to expect when seeing a homeopath
Homeopathy recognises the importance of considering the individual as a whole at any age. At a first consultation (usually lasting an hour or longer) the homeopath will ask about all aspects of your child’s health, including their medical history, diet, personality type and even any problems which developed during the pregnancy. This information will be used to select a homeopathic prescription matched to your child’s symptoms and how they experience them.

What scientific evidence is there that homeopathy works in children?

High quality research studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment in some common conditions of infants and children, such as allergies2, hay fever3, ear infections4 and glue ear5.

For example, a study published in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics compared homeopathic treatment with conventional treatment for ear infections (acute otitis media)6.

Results showed that in the patients treated with homeopathic medicines, pain relief was achieved faster and the infection was less likely to recur than in those treated with conventional medicine. Also, in the group receiving homeopathic treatment only 5 out of 103 children needed antibiotics. The authors concluded that homeopathy should therefore be the first line treatment for this condition.

An integrated approach to your child’s healthcare
It is recommended that you maintain the relationship with your family GP and continue with any conventional medical treatment that may have already been prescribed. When necessary homeopathic and conventional approaches can be integrated to give the most effective and appropriate medical care. In serious conditions such as asthma it can be dangerous to suddenly withdraw conventional drugs. However, under the joint care of a professional homeopath and your GP it may be possible to reduce and eventually stop using conventional medication.

Childhood vaccination
The Society of Homeopaths acknowledges that there is much anecdotal and scientific evidence to support the arguments presented for and against vaccination. Registered members of The Society aim to support parents in making an informed decision on the short and long-term implications of vaccination. Whether you decide to opt for the jabs or not, homeopathy can improve natural immunity7 and be used to reduce side effects from vaccination.

How to find a qualified and registered homeopath
A homeopath with the RSHom designation is your guarantee of a fully qualified healthcare professional who is fully insured and has agreed to abide by a strict code of ethics and practice.*

To find a qualified and registered homeopath, contact The Society of Homeopaths on 0845 450 6611 or visit www.homeopathy-soh.org

* This does not apply to Registered members practising overseas. For further information, please visit our website.
 

References:

(1) Dantas F, Rampes H. Do homeopathic medicines provoke adverse effects? A systematic review. Br Homeopath J, 2000; 89 (Suppl): 535-8.

(2) Launsø L, et al. An exploratory retrospective study of people suffering from Hypersensitivity illness who attend medical or classical homeopathic treatment. Homeopathy, 2006; 95: 73-80.

(3) Taylor MA, Reilly D, et al. Randomised controlled trial of homeopathy versus placebo in perennial allergic rhinitis with overview of four trial series. BMJ, 2000; 321: 471-6.

(4) Jacobs J, Springer DA, Crothers D. Homeopathic treatment of acute otitis media in children: a preliminary randomized placebo-controlled trial. Pediatr Infect Dis J, 2001; 20(2): 177-83.

(5) Harrison H, Fixsen A, Vickers A. A randomized comparison of homoeopathic and standard care for the treatment of glue ear in children. Complement Ther in Med,1999; 7(3): 132-5.

(6) Friese K-H, et al. Homeopathic treatment of otitis media in children: comparisons with conventional therapy. Int J of Clin Pharmacol and Ther, 1997; 35: 296-301.

(7) Campa C. et al., Homeoprophylaxis: Cuban Experiences on Leptospirosis, International Meeting on Homeoprophylaxis, Homeopathic Immunization and Nosodes Against Epidemics, Havana, Cuba, 11 December, 2008.