Flavoured Betadine Gargle As A Child-Friendly Therapeutic Alternative To Conventional Gargle In Pediatric Acute Tonsillitis: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Introduction: This ground breaking prospective randomized control study compares the efficacy of flavoured betadine gargle over conventional betadine gargle in children with acute tonsillitis.

Background: Acute tonsillitis, most commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections is more common among paediatric patients. It often involves systemic antibiotics and analgesics however the prevalence of antibiotic resistance and side effects warrants new ways of treatment

Objective: To signify the efficacy of the drug in controlling local infection and to know the compliance of the usage of drug in paediatric population.

Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted at the Department of ENT, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, over six months from October 2023. 68 children with acute tonsillitis were included in this study and were divided into two groups: Group A (34 patients were given conventional betadine gargle ) and Group B (34 patients were given flavoured betadine gargle) and both the groups were assessed by a questionnaire comprising of WONG BAKER FACES PAIN RATING SCALE.

Results: The results show that the flavoured betadine gargle is better than conventional betadine gargle in acute tonsillitis with a significant p value (p < 0.05) using paired t-test and unpaired t-test

Conclusion: This study proves that the flavoured betadine gargle offers a dual-action approach which addresses both the infectious and inflammatory nuances thus standing as a promising drug in the management of acute tonsillitis in children.