Phytotherapeutic Approaches in Pediatric Respiratory Tract Diseases: A Review on Efficacy and Safety

Abstract

Introduction: Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a leading cause of the morbidity in children, by resulting in frequent healthcare visits. Dueto the limited efficacy of thesystemic medications and the need to minimize antibiotic overuse in the viral RTIs to prevent antimicrobial resistance, the symptomatic treatment remains the primary approach. As a result, interest in the alternative treatments, particularly phytotherapeutic agents is growing. Objective: This review aims to systematically evaluate the use of the phytotherapeutic agents in the pediatric RTIs, by focusing on their medical applications, pharmacological mechanisms, safety profiles, and potential adverse effects. By analyzing the current literature, it seeks to provide an evidence-based perspective on the phytotherapy in the pediatric RTIs and offer guidance for its safe and effective integration into clinical practice. Results: Herbal remedies, recognized for their antibacterial, antiseptic, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties, were widely used in managing the pediatric RTIs. Their potential to accelerate recovery and reduce antibiotic dependency has significantly contributed to their increasing popularity. Phytotherapy is also gaining acceptance among pediatricians, with many expressing interest in further education on its applications. Several medicinal plants showed promising results in treating RTIs in children; however, challenges remain regarding standardization, appropriate dosing, and potential side effects. Conclusion: Phytotherapy offers a promising complementary approach in the management of the pediatric RTIs, with potential benefits in reducing antibiotic overuse and improving symptomatic relief. However, more clinical research is needed to establish standardized guidelines for the efficacy and safety. Promoting evidence-based phytotherapy practices will help ensure its responsible and effective use in the pediatric healthcare.

Keywords

• Phytotherapy
• pediatric respiratory disease
• efficacy and safety
• literature review

Çocuklarda Solunum Yolu Hastalıklarında Fitoterapötik Yaklaşımlar: Etkililik ve Güvenlilik Üzerine Bir Derleme

Abstract

Giriş: Solunum yolu enfeksiyonları (SYE), çocuklarda yaygın hastalıklardan biri olup, sağlık kuruluşlarına sık başvurulara neden olmaktadır. Sistemik ilaçların sınırlı etkinliği ve viral SYE’lerde antibiyotik kullanımının antimikrobiyal direnç riskini artırması nedeniyle semptomatik tedavi temel yaklaşım olarak kullanılmaktadır. Bu durum, özellikle fitoterapötik ajanlar gibi alternatif tedavilere olan ilgiyi artırmıştır. Amaç Bu derlemenin amacı, çocuklarda solunum yolu enfeksiyonlarının tedavisinde kullanılan fitoterapötik yaklaşımları sistematik olarak değerlendirmektir. Bu kapsamda bitkisel ürünlerin tıbbi kullanımları, farmakolojik mekanizmaları, güvenlilik profilleri ve olası yan etkileri ele alınmıştır. Güncel literatür ışığında fitoterapinin çocuk sağlığı pratiğine kanıta dayalı bir bakış açısıyla entegrasyonuna rehberlik etmek hedeflenmiştir. Bulgular: Antibakteriyel, antiseptik, ekspektoran ve antiinflamatuar özellikleriyle bilinen bitkisel ürünler, çocukluk çağı solunum yolu enfeksiyonlarının yönetiminde yaygın olarak kullanılmaktadır. Bu ürünlerin iyileşme sürecini hızlandırma ve antibiyotik kullanımını azaltma potansiyeli, fitoterapiye olan ilgiyi artırmıştır. Ayrıca, fitoterapi pediatristler arasında da giderek kabul görmekte olup, birçok hekimin bu alanda daha fazla eğitim alma isteği bulunmaktadır. Çeşitli tıbbi bitkilerin çocuklardaki SYE tedavisinde etkinlik ve güvenlilik açısından umut verici sonuçlar verdiği bildirilmektedir. Ancak doz standardizasyonu, uygun kullanım şekli ve olası yan etkiler gibi konularda hâlen bazı belirsizlikler mevcuttur. Sonuç: Fitoterapi, çocukluk çağı solunum yolu enfeksiyonlarının tedavisinde tamamlayıcı bir yaklaşım olarak umut vadetmektedir. Bu yöntem, antibiyotik kullanımını azaltma ve semptomatik rahatlama sağlama potansiyeline sahiptir. Bununla birlikte, etkinlik ve güvenlilik profillerini netleştirmek için daha fazla klinik çalışmaya ihtiyaç vardır. Fitoterapinin kanıta dayalı uygulamalarla desteklenmesi, bu tedavi seçeneğinin çocuk sağlığı hizmetlerine güvenli ve etkili bir şekilde entegrasyonuna katkı sağlayacaktır.

Keywords

• Fitoterapi
• pediatrik solunum yolu hastalıkları
• etkililik ve güvenlik
• literatür taraması

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