Clinical Outcome of Herbal Medicine-related Problems for Respiratory Viral Infections

Background: The use of herbal medicine to treat dissimilar respiratory conditions has been assumed for many decades. This survey analysis explores the clinical outcomes of herbal medicine-related problems for respiratory viral infections in Saudi Arabia. Design and Setting: A self-administered, structured questionnaire was sent to the public online, counting questions on the responders’ demographics and questions gaging different clinical outcomes of herbal medicine-related problems when treating respiratory viral infections in Saudi Arabia. Data analysis was performed through SPSS program version 26. Results: 486 participants responded to this questionnaire. 89.92% of the responders were from the west area in Saudi Arabia, 56.49% were in the age group between 18 and 30 years old. 18.32% were healthcare practitioners, while 53.85% of these practitioners were physicians. 18.74% of the responders applied herbal medications three times daily for respiratory viral infections. Only 4.31% of the responders established having side effects during the past year from herbal medications, while 3.58% visited a pharmacy for these side effects. Their healthcare professionals asked 20.04% about the use of herbal medications. Factors increasing the occurrence of adverse events were: that residents of the western region (p value=0.002), age group between 18 and 30 (p-value=0.046), females (p-value<0.001), low monthly income (p-value=0.013) and non-healthcare professionals (p-value=0.001). Conclusion: Although the occurrence of herbal medication-related problems is not common in Saudi Arabia, it can need medical assistance. Awareness of the public of the herbal medications adverse events is decisive.