Use and effectiveness of phytotherapy in the treatment of patients with respiratory infections

Background: medicinal plants have been used since ancient times until today in the treatment of respiratory infections. Objective: to describe the use and effectiveness of treatment with medicinal plants in patients with respiratory infections assisted at the Teaching Polyclinic "Area Este" in Camagüey during 2021. Methods: a descriptive observational study was performed in the polyclinic and during the period of time declared in the objective. From a universe of 1350 patients, 1098 patients were selected by intentional sampling. The variables studied were age group, sex, diagnosed pathology, main recommended plants and their properties, mode of administration and effectiveness. Descriptive statistics was used in the treatment of the data. Results: alternative therapy with medicinal plants was used mainly in patients aged 60-64 years (27.3 %), in females (54.0 %), for the treatment of the common cold (56.5 %) and COVID-19 (9.3 %). Eucalyptus was the most recommended plant (44.8 %) for its antiseptic and antitussive properties. Infusion (64.8 %) and syrup (18.3 %) were the main modes of preparation, achieving effectiveness in 81.9 % of the cases. Conclusions: it is common to use medicinal plants in the treatment of different respiratory infections, demonstrating effectiveness in eliminating symptoms in most treated patients.