Traditional management of ear, nose and throat (ENT) diseases in Central Kenya. [J Ethnobiol Ethnomedicine] Journal article | | Title | Traditional management of ear, nose and throat (ENT) diseases in Central Kenya. | | Author(s) | Njoroge GN, Bussmann RW | | Source | J Ethnobiol Ethnomedicine 2006 Dec 27; 2(1):54. | | Abstract | ABSTRACT: Diseases of ear, nose and throat (ENT) often have serious consequences including hearing impairment, and emotional strain that lower the quality of life of patients. In Kenya, upper respiratory infections are among the most common infections encountered in outpatient facilities. Some of these infections are becoming difficult to control because some of the causing microorganisms have acquired antibiotic resistance. Although there are some vaccines available for ENT conditions, they are inaccessible and not affordable to the majority of people in developing countries. In Kenya the majority of local people are turning to herbal remedies for primary health care needs. In most cases the sources of these remedies are undocumented. This study explored the traditional remedies used in managing various ENT diseases in seven districts of the Central Province of Kenya. The most common ENT conditions managed using traditional therapies include: common cold, cough, tonsillitis, otitis-media, chest pains and asthma. The results indicate that 67 species belonging to 36 plant families are utilized in this region. For each of the ENT conditions multiple species are utilized. In the case of common cold for example, 30 different species are used. Although the majority of the species were trees, several species of grasses and sedges were cited in this survey. Plants reported in this survey are important candidates for antimicrobial tests against ENT disease causing micro-organisms, especially those with antibiotic resistance. | | Language | ENG | | Pub Type(s) | JOURNAL ARTICLE
| | PubMed ID | 17192184 |
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