Question:
If I have an upper respiratory infection or acute bronchitis, does UMCKA (Pelargonium sidoides) extract reduce symptoms faster than a placebo pill?
Answer:
Yes
MedHead Confidence Score: 4
Amount Saved: $200 Urgent care visit and accompanying antibiotic
MedHead Message:
Acute bronchitis usually shouldn’t be treated with antibiotics. Again, acute bronchitis usually shouldn’t be treated with antibiotics. Now were are left with trying to treat symptoms. However, Cochrane ran a study that was actually positive for treatment effect of Umcka. I recommend the liquid over the tablet as the Cochrane review stated that it showed better efficacy over the tablet. Save the visit to your doctor, and the likely antibiotic they will prescribe, and do something fun like go to 20 movies. Just be sure to take me to one of them since I saved you all this money (FYI I like historical dramas)
References:
“1. Timmer A, Günther J, Motschall E, Rücker G, Antes G, Kern WV. Pelargonium sidoides extract for treating acute respiratory tract infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 10. Art. No.: CD006323. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006323.pub3. 2. Taofikat B.Agbabiaka, et. al. Pelargonium sidoides for acute bronchitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytomedicine
Volume 15, Issue 5, 15 May 2008, Pages 378-385. “
