This survey investigated the management of pediatric tonsillopharyngitis, with a focus on natural remedies. 138 pediatricians, general practitioners and ear–nose–throat (ENT) specialists in 7 countries were surveyed by a dedicated questionnaire.
A rapid strept test (RST) to diagnose acute tonsillopharyngitis was routinely used by 56/138 participants (41%). The use of RST allowed 200 diagnosis/year compared with 125 diagnosis/year for clinicians who did not use this tool. Homeopathy remedies were prescribed as a supportive therapy by 62% of participants (85/138). Among different homeopathic remedies, SilAtro-5-90 was the most frequently prescribed (53/138, 38%). In the chronic setting, homeopathy was suggested as a supportive therapy by 82/138 participants (59%), phytotherapy by 39 (28%) and vitamins/nutritional supplementation by 51 (37%).
The management of tonsillopharyngitis in pediatric patients still remains empiric. Natural remedies, and homeopathy in particular, are used in the management of URTIs. An integrative approach to these infections may help reduce excessive antibiotic prescription.