Efficacy of homoeopathic medicine in treatment of urinary tract infection in Pediatric age group: A Literature Review

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections in children, especially in developing countries, following gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. Pediatric UTIs may lead to significant morbidity and long-term complications such as hypertension and impaired renal function if not managed properly. The incidence of UTI varies according to age and sex, with a higher prevalence in girls compared to boys. Common causative organisms include Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas species. UTIs generally occur due to ascending infection through the fecal-perineal-urethral route. Clinical manifestations vary depending on age, ranging from fever, vomiting, irritability, and poor feeding in infants to dysuria, frequency, abdominal pain, and urinary urgency in older children. Diagnosis is primarily based on urine examination obtained through reliable methods such as catheterization or suprapubic aspiration, along with supportive investigations including complete blood count, ultrasonography, and micturating cystourethrogram when necessary. Homoeopathy, based on the principle “Similia Similibus Curentur,” offers a holistic and individualized approach for the management of UTIs in children. Several homoeopathic remedies such as Cantharis, Cannabis sativa, Petroselinum, Sulphur, Clematis, Equisetum, and Sabal serrulata are indicated according to the characteristic symptoms of the patient. These medicines, prepared from natural substances and administered in minimum doses, are considered safe and gentle for pediatric use. This literature review highlights the epidemiology, etiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and homoeopathic management of urinary tract infections in children. Further clinical research and well-designed studies are required to establish the effectiveness of homoeopathic medicines in the treatment and prevention of pediatric UTIs.