The use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients attending a general otolaryngology clinic: can we afford to ignore it?

Background: There is growing interest in use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among the general population. Little information is available, however, on CAM use in adults attending an otolaryngology outpatient clinic in the UK.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to study the prevalence and pattern of CAM use among adult patients attending the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) clinic in a UK teaching hospital.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study was used.

Subjects And Methods: All patients on their primary visit to an ENT clinic were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire for a 14-week period from October 2005 to January 2006.

Results: Based on 1366 completed questionnaires, 53% (728/1366) were female and 47% (638/1366) were male. Twenty-nine percent (395/1366) were older than 60 years, and 56% (763/1366) were married. Twenty percent (275/1366) had a university education. Sixty-one percent (833/1366) had used CAM, almost 36% in the preceding 12 months. The popular remedies were cod liver oil (368/833), garlic (197/833), cranberry (181/833), aloe vera (176/833), primrose oil (174/833), and Echinacea (163/833). Nonherbal therapies included massage (230/833), acupuncture (186/833), aromatherapy (135/833), chiropractic (121/833), reflexology (119/833), and homeopathy (110/833). Seventeen percent (143/833) used CAM for their current illness. Only 8% (64/833) found CAM ineffective; yet, 57% (473/833) would recommend CAM to others. Fifty-one percent (421/833) failed to inform their primary physician of their CAM use.

Conclusion: Despite concerns over CAM efficacy, safety, and cost effectiveness, use of CAM is popular among patients attending an ENT clinic. Their use is not generally related to their presenting illness. Otolaryngologists should be aware of current trends in CAM use when managing patients, including possible interactions with other medication.