Homeopathy as an alternative in PFAPA: case report

Abstract

Periodic aphthous pharyngitis with cervical adenitis (PFAPA) is a clinical entity recognized since 1987, relatively common in children and usually presents a self-limited course. Its mainstay treatment consists of exceptional use of corticosteroids and antibiotics, as well as follow-up, with selective surgical conduct. The persistence of the syndrome can, over time, impair the activities and day-to-day lives of patients, even leading to reassessment by specialists and routine complementary exams. Homeopathy has been used in cases of tonsillitis and pharyngitis, as a complementary and alternative aid, and in this study we transcribe a case of periodic pharyngitis in a six-year-old child treated with homeopathic medicines, successively, Mercurius solubillis, Belladonna, Arsenicum album and Phosphorus, based on Characteristic Symptomatic Totality and syphilinic diathesis. Initially, the result was a considerable spacing of febrile crises, a reduction in the number of complementary exams and use of medication, with remission of the condition occurring between the fourth and fifth month of treatment.