International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences

Background: Bronchial asthma is a prevalent chronic inflammatory airway disease, especially among children. Conventional management often involves corticosteroids and bronchodilators, which may lead to side effects such as immunosuppression and dependence. Homeopathy, particularly Arsenicum album, has shown potential in managing acute exacerbations effectively with almost no adverse effect. During an emergency outbreak of bronchial asthma in children, parents tend to rush to emergency departments or rely on steroid based inhalers which give temporary relief but make the patients immunocompromised and prone to further infections and antihistamines which have a sedative effect that make the children drowsy and lethargic, whereas, if we manage these emergencies using homoeopathic medicines, we can provide them with sustainable and promising treatment.
The study is to understand the capability of homoeopathic medicines to treat the incidences of bronchial asthma in children with utmost credibility and sustainability, along with managing acute exacerbations efficiently and reduce dependence on steroidal drugs and bronchodilators especially during acute aggravations. 
Objective: To understand the usefulness of Arsenicum album in managing acute exacerbations of chronic bronchial asthma in children aged 6-12 years using the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) score.
Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 30 pediatric patients diagnosed with chronic bronchial asthma. Arsenicum album was prescribed in individualized potencies based on totality of symptoms. The ACQ score was used to assess asthma severity before and after treatment. Data analysis was performed using paired t-test.
Results: Post-treatment ACQ scores showed a significant reduction, with the mean score dropping from 39.70 to 5.00 (mean difference: 34.70, p<0.0001). Among the 30 cases, 80% showed marked improvement, 13.3% moderate improvement, and 6.66% no improvement. The most affected group was children aged 6-9 years, and a higher incidence was noted among rural populations and females.
Conclusion: Arsenicum album demonstrated statistically significant efficacy in managing acute exacerbations of pediatric bronchial asthma. Its use reduced the reliance on conventional steroids and bronchodilators, suggesting it as a promising alternative or complementary therapy in pediatric asthma management. Larger studies are recommended for validation.