BRONCHITIS AND HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH

BRONCHITIS AND HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH
Dr. S. Sabarirajan., M.D. (Hom)

Do you have a cold, chest discomfort and an irritating cough that may be lasting for weeks? If these symptoms sound familiar then you possibly have Bronchitis. Bronchitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi, the airways that carry airflow from the trachea into the lungs. Bronchitis can be divided into two categories, acute and chronic, Acute Bronchitis is caused by a virus that gives you common cold whereas in Chronic Bronchitis the air passages are continuously red, swollen, become narrow and clogged with mucus which makes it easier for bacteria to settle in the airways and become infected.
Acute bronchitis is characterized by the development of a cough, with or without the production of sputum, mucus that is expectorated(coughed up) from the respiratory tract. Acute bronchitis often occurs during the course of an acute viral illness such as the common cold or influenza. Viruses cause about 90% of cases of acute bronchitis, whereas bacteria account for fewer than 10%.
Chronic bronchitis, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is characterized by the presence of a productive cough that lasts for three months or more per year for at least two years. Chronic bronchitis most often develops due to recurrent injury to the airways caused by inhaled irritants. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause, followed by air pollution and occupational exposure to irritants.
Protracted bacterial bronchitis is defined as a chronic wet cough, with a positive bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). It is usually caused by streptococcus pneumoniae, haemophilus influenzae, or moraxella catarrhalis.
Causes of bronchitis:
- Allergy (environmental and industrial pollutants, pollen, etc.)
- Tobacco
- Infections (viral, bacterial, fungus
- Immunological
- Exposure to temperature changes (extreme cold, change from cold to heat and vise versa, etc.)
Symptoms:
Cough is the most common symptom. The cough may be either dry (without mucus) or wet (with mucus), depending on the cause and severity. Allergic cough is often dry while infective cough has a tendency to have mucus production. The symptoms of Bronchitis may be listed as under:
 Cough (with or without mucus)
 Fever
 Chest pain,
 Difficulty in breathing. (dyspnea)
 Throat pain
 Nose congestion,
 Body ache, joint pain, tiredness (usually due to infection.)
 Abnormal sounds in the lungs called rales or other abnormal breathing sounds may be heard.
Investigation may include:
• Chest x-ray
• Lung function tests provide information that is useful for diagnosis and outlook.
• Pulse oximetry helps determine the amount of oxygen in blood. This quick and painless test uses a device that is placed onto the end of our finger. Arterial blood gas is a more exact measurement of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, but it requires a needle stick and is more painful.
• Sputum samples may be taken to check for signs of inflammation or bacterial infection.

Recurrent or long lasting Bronchitis make you vulnerable to recurrent respiratory infections and also promote lung complications. A few of the most common complications are:
• Pneumonia is a viral, bacterial or fungal infection of the lungs where the air sacs get filled with pus and mucus preventing oxygen from reaching your blood stream appropriately.
• Emphysema is a condition when the lungs lose its elasticity due to troublesome breathing causing air to be trapped in the air sacs and impairing the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• Respiratory failure occurs when the body fluids become acidic and the lungs are unable to expel all the carbon dioxide that the body produces.


Self – Care Measures:
• Stop smoking and also avoid second hand smoke.
• Avoid triggers of attack such as dust, allergens, etc.
• Avoid contact with persons who have Bronchitis.
• Wash your hands more often.
• Get lots of rest so your body has enough energy to fight the infection.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Try coughing up the mucus.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Use a humidifier in your room.
• ½ tsp. of Turmeric powder in ½ cup of warm milk is an effective home remedy for Bronchitis.
• 1 tsp. of raw onion juice in the morning has beneficial expectorant properties, it liquefies the mucus and prevents its further formation.
• Include garlic in your diet, it is a natural antibiotic.
• Hot towel application over the chest in 3 consecutive turns for 3 minutes each followed by one cold towel turn is very helpful in Acute as well as Chronic Bronchitis.
• Vitamin C intake like fresh orange juice or fresh lemonade is very helpful in preventing and hastening cure of respiratory infections.
• Fresh air and outdoor exercises are essential for Bronchitis patients.
Homoeopathy Treatment & Homoeopathic Remedies
Homoeopathy, the most efficient solution to conquering Bronchitis, is very successful in managing all the symptoms of Bronchitis, and as well plays a significant role in preventing further complications and improving the general health of the person. Homoeopathic approach concentrates on the body’s natural healing ability for a genuine cure of the condition. Homoeopathic treatment does not treat the disease itself, but is prescribed on the basis of physical, emotional and genetic make up that individualizes a person. The healing response is the most arduous but harmonized activity within the human physiology and often cannot be enhanced appreciably without a comprehensive natural Homeopathic approach.
Homeopathic treatment will clear up the infection, alleviate inflammation in the air passages, relieve discomfort, pain and pressure caused by coughing by opening the airways in your lungs and aid in loosening the bronchial secretions making elimination of mucus easier helping you breathe better and naturally. Its constitutional approach furthermore boosts up the immune system of the patient hence preventing recurring infections. Since Homoeopathic remedies treats in totality, it leads to a long-lasting cure, rather than a temporary suppression of symptoms. Since it is safe and gentle, devoid of all chemical toxicity, it is the ideal medicine for people of all ages, even the most sensitive like a newborn baby.
Antimonium tartaricum: This remedy is indicated when the person has a feeling of wet mucus in the chest, and breathing makes a bubbly, rattling sound. The cough takes effort and is often not quite strong enough to bring the mucus up, although burping and spitting may be of help. The person may feel drowsy or dizzy, and feel better when lying on the right side or sitting up.
Bryonia: This remedy is often indicated when a cough is dry and very painful. The person feels worse from any movement, and may even need to hold his or her sides or press against the chest to keep it still. The cough can make the stomach hurt, and digestion may be upset. A very dry mouth is common, and the person may be thirsty. A person who wants to be left alone when ill, and not talked to or disturbed, is likely to need Bryonia.
Belladonna: Sudden, violent attack of dry cough, which comes in short bouts and causes redness of the face, a sensation of constriction in the throat, the cough is worse when lying down at night. These symptoms require urgent need of the said medicine. The dry cough usually disturbs sleep, it lessens with warm drinks and in a warm room, and there is a dislike for open air also.

Calcarea carbonica: This remedy is often indicated forbronchitis after a cold. The cough can be troublesome and tickling, worse from lying down or stooping forward, worse from getting cold, and worse at night. Children may have fever, sweaty heads while sleeping, and be very tired. Adults may feel more chilly and have clammy hands and feet, breathing problems when walking up slopes or climbing stairs, and generally poor stamina.
Causticum: Bronchitis with a deep, hard, racking cough can indicate a need for this remedy. The person fees that mucus is stuck in the throat and upper chest, and may cough continually to try to loosen it. A feeling of rawness and soreness can develop, or a sensation as if a rock is stuck inside. Chills can occur along with fever. Exposure to cool air aggravates the cough, but drinking something cold can help. The person may feel worse when days are cold and clear, and better in wet weather.
Drosera : The symptoms that confirm the use of medicine Drosera 30 can be mentioned as violent, dry, whooping cough in young persons, bouts of cough follow each other so rapidly that the child gets breathless, turns blue and sweats profusely.Sensation of a feather in the throat that excites cough, the cough is worse from talking, singing, when lying down. These can be said as the other symptoms. At night; the person desires to be in open air.

Dulcamara: When a person easily gets ill after being wet and chilled (or when the weather changes from warm and dry to wet and cool) this remedy may be indicated. The cough can be tickly, hoarse, and loose, and worse from physical exertion. Tendencies toward allergies (cats, pollen, etc.) may increase the person’s susceptibility to bronchitis.
Hepar sulphuris: The cough that fits this remedy is usually hoarse and rattling, with yellow mucus coming up. The person can be extremely sensitive to cold—even a minor draft or sticking an arm out from under the covers may set off jags of coughing. Cold food or drink can make things worse. A person who needs this remedy feels vulnerable both physically and emotionally, and may act extremely irritable and out of sorts.
Ipecacuanha : when the person is suffering from various problems such as dry cough with wheezing and rattling in the chest and accompanied by nausea and vomiting, a bout of vomiting does not relieve nausea, long bouts of cough render the person breathless and blue in face, cough is worse in cold, dry weather i.e. winter but improves by warmth, and thirstlessness.

Kali bichromicum: A metallic, brassy, hacking cough that starts with a troublesome tickling in the upper air-tubes and brings up strings of sticky yellow mucus can indicate this remedy. A sensation of coldness may be felt inside the chest, and coughing can lead to pain behind the breastbone or extending to the shoulders. Breathing may make a rattling sound when the person sleeps. Problems are typically worse in the early morning, after eating and drinking, and from exposure to open air. The person feels best just lying in bed and keeping warm.
Pulsatilla: Bronchitis with a feeling of weight in the chest, and a cough with choking and gagging that brings up thick yellow mucus, may respond to this remedy. The cough tends to be dry and tight at night, and loose in the morning. The fever may be worse in the evening and at night. Feeling too warm or being in a stuffy room tends to make the person worse, and open air brings improvement. Thirst is usually low. A person who needs this remedy often is moody and emotional and wants attention and sympathy. (This remedy is often helpful to children who are tearful when not feeling well and want to be held and comforted.)
Silicea: A person who needs this remedy can have bronchitis for weeks at a stretch, or even all winter long. The cough takes effort and may bring up yellow or greenish mucus, or little granules that have an offensive smell. Stitching pains may be felt in the back when the person is coughing. Chills are felt more than heat during fever, and the person is likely to sweat at night. A person who needs this remedy is usually sensitive and nervous, with low stamina, swollen lymph nodes, and poor resistance to infection.
Sulphur: This remedy can be indicated when a person has had many bouts of bronchitis (sometimes the resistance has been weakened by taking antibiotics too often for minor complaints). The cough feels irritating, burning, and painful; yellow or greenish mucus may be produced. Problems can be worse if the person gets too warm in bed, and breathing problems at night may wake the person up. Redness of the eyes and mucous membranes, and foul-smelling breath and perspiration are often seen when a person needs this remedy.
References

1. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronchitis
3. Homeopathic Materia Medica by Boericke
4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002078/
5. Lilienthal S., Homoeopathic Therapeutics
6. http://health.hpathy.com/bronchitis-symptoms-treatment-cure.asp
7. http://www.indianetzone.com/24/homeopathy_bronchitis.htm
8. www.homeopathic-cure.com/bronchitis and homeopathy
9. Dewey W. A., Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics
10. http://www.askdrshah.com/app/bronchitis.asp
11. http://truestarhealth.com/Notes/2202000.html#Homeo-Options
12. Principles of Prescribing, Dr. K.N.Mathur.


Dr. S. SABARIRAJAN., M.D. (Hom) (Gen.med) Gold medalist

Reader, Dept. of Practice of Medicine
Vinayaka Mission’s Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital,
Salem, Tamilnadu.

COMMON EYE AFFECTIONS &HOMOEOPATHY

COMMON EYE AFFECTIONS AND HOMOEOPATHY
When we look at a person, what do we look at first? Obviously, eyes! Also when we speak to someone, we do not feel that the conversation is fruitful unless have good eye contact with that person. No wonder experts always give high priority to eyes when it comes to personal well-being. No one likes haggard, dull-looking eyes that reflect the internal ill-health. And therefore, one should take appropriate care of their eyes and enjoy various colors of life. Any serious trouble in connection with the eyes must always receive the most expert care and attention without any delay. There are, however, some eye conditions to which reference can be made here with advantage.
Homeopathy is the holistic mode of treatment that treats the person as a whole and not merely his external manifestation. Therefore, when there is some problem with the eye (unless it is local injury problem), homeopathy believes that it is due to some internal malady that is reflecting through your eyes. Therefore, detailed history of patient is taken even if he has problem only pertaining to eyes.
EYE PROBLEMS THAT CAN BE DEALT EFFICIENTLY WITH HOMOEOPATHY:
Eye strain
This is a rather vague term and usually refers to a sore, tired sensation in the eyes, attributed rightly or wrongly to over – use. It is, of course, necessary to check the vision for any error of refraction which may need correction by glasses. There may be occupational causes related to the type of work engaged in, or the lighting of the room in which the work is carried out; and it may be possible to make adjustments in respect of such causes of strain.
Remedies which may help in this condition are
AGARICUS – letters seem to swim or above when reading, twitching in lids, eyeballs oscillate from side to side, may be double
CAUSTICUM – vision dim, film before eyes, desire to close eyes, lids feel heavy, eye muscle weak
GELSIMIUM – vision dim, eyeballs sore especially when moving them, eyelids droop, feels very heavy, possibly double vision
JABORANDI – eyes tire easily, sensation of heat and burning, indistinct vision, contracted pupils, white spots before eyes
NATRUM MUR – eyes give out while reading or sewing, letters or stitches run togrther, eyeballs feel too large, objects appear ringed with fiery zig zags, hot tears stream down face when reading, lids feel gritty, spasmodic closure of lids
PHOSPHORUS – vision obscured by mist or veil, red mist or black spots before eyes, eyes tire easily on use, sees better by shading eyes with hand
RUTA – weakness of vision with blurring, eyes ache while in use, eyes feel hot and burning, especially in evening, eyes water, green halo seen round artificial light, spasm of lower lids
Black specks before the eyes
It is not at all an uncommon experience to notice small black specks or twirligigs apparently floating in front of the eyes. Moreover they change position readily with every movement of the eyes or head. They seem obvious some days ans less noticeable at other times. These specks and spirals rejoice in the name of muscae volitantes and have been attributed to various causes without much confirmatory evidence. In any case they are of little significance and can be disregarded. If especially troublesome a few doses of AGARICUS, CHINA, NUXVOMICA or PHOSPHORUS, according to general indications, may afford relief
Bloodshot eye
Inflammations of the eye, whether superficial or deep, are accompanied by redness, often of a dusky hue, as well as by pain and distress. These call for treatment by an eye specialist. But occasionally, often without obvious cause, a flaming patch of red discoloration may be observed to one or other side of the pupils and iris. This is due to a haemorrhage beneath the conjunctiva and outside the actual eyeball. It is somewhat alarming in appearance but more unsightly than serious in significance
A few doses of ARNICA will speed recovery and allay any pain that may be present. If absorbtion of the blood is delayed LEDUM may be substituted for the ARNICA
Lachrymation
A watery or other discharge from the eye calls for expert attention, especially if severe or persistent. As an immediate measure pending fuller investigation, one or other of the following remedies may be given
ARSENICUM ALBUM – much burning in eye, discharge which is hot and excoriating, intense photophobis
ALLIUM CEPA – streaming eyes and nose, associated with much sneezing, discharge makes nose sore but not skin around eye
EUPHRASIA – eyes water all the time, discharge is burning and acrid, constant blinking
PULSATILLA – profuse yellow discharge, which does not excoriate the skin, worse in warm room, lids sore
For bathing the eye either EUPHRASIA or HYPERICUM can be used as lotion (two drops of mother tincture to the eye-bath of water)
Quivering Lids
Sometimes a sudden quivering or twitching is felt in one or other eyelid. This is a distressing sensation and seems to occur for no apparent reason. It usually passes off quite quickly and is not a cause for alarm. Various remedies recommended for this condition, among them AGARICUS, BELLADONA, CALC CARB, CICUTA are very useful
Styes
Recurrent styes on the eyelids will call for careful assessment on constitutional lines by a physician. Various remedies may have to be considered but in many cases GRAPHITIS, PULSATILLA or SULPHUR will give relief, as a local application a compress of HYPERICUM lotion (ten drops of mother tincture to the half pint of water) should be helpful.
Eye Injuries
Eyes must be treated with even more respect than ears. The most expert and skilled attention is called for in almost any type of eye injury. As a temporary measure a moist pad of HYPERICUM lotion (ten drops of mother tincture to the half pint of cold water) may be placed over the eye and ARNICA 200 administered. If there is much pain this can be followed by HYPERICUM 6 in hourly doses till relief is obtained. An alternative remedy is ACONITE, which has been called the Arnica of the eye, give a few doses in 30 potencies
If the pain is felt in the eyeball SYMPHYTUM 6, PHYTOLACCA 6 or COLOCYNTHIS 6 may be given. Pain persisting for a long time after the injury may yield to ARNICA 30, twice daily for a few days. If there ia a speck of dust or other foreign bodies in the eye it should be bathed in HYPERICUM lotion (two drops of mother tincture to the eye-bath of water). If after this the object is still felt to be present the lids may be everted and if the speck is visible an attempt should be made to wipe it off with a wisp of soft hand kerchief dipped in the HYPERICUM lotion. If the object is firmly embedded and cannot be easily wiped off, expert aid must be sought without delay. For persisting pain or discomfort after removal of the object, the eye should be bathed with EUPHRASIA lotion (two drops of mother tincture to the eye-bath of water) and EUPHRASIA 6 given internally. A very useful fluid for the use as an eye-wash is an infusion of tea leaves, warm or cold as preferred
In the black eye the damage is mostly around the orbit and the pain and discoloration and swelling cause both distress and disfigurement. ARNICA 30 should be given hourly upto five or six doses, or, if the relief is obtained by cool applications, LEDUM 30. Further treatment may be with ARNICA 6 or, if the eye is painful then HYPERICUM 6
A pair of lovely black eyes, unless separately administered, may indicate a fracture of the base of the skull and immediate steps must be taken to obtain expert advice. ARNICA should of course be given a dose or two of 200, and 30 or 6 to follow.
For quick control of bleeding in a cut eye apply firm pressure with a pad soaked in equal parts of CALENDULA tincture and cold water.
Glaucoma
Common form of glaucoma is associated with an increase in the fluid pressure inside the eye. This pressure may cause damage to the optic nerve and Vision loss may result.
GELSEMIUM (gels) - Eye signs are eyelids heavy, glaucoma and descemetitis, dim-sighted, pupils dilated and unaware of light, orbital neuralgia, detached retina, hysterical amblyopia. General signs are motor paralysis, dizziness, drowsiness, dullness, and trembling, muscular weakness. Mind signs are dullness, languor, listless, apathy about his illness. Head signs are vertigo, pain in the temple, extending into the ear.
PHYSOSTIGMA (physost) - Eye signs are glaucoma, night blindness, photophobia, contraction of pupils, twitching of ocular muscles, partial blindness, paresis of accommodation, astigmatism, a spasm of ciliary muscle, with irritability after using eyes, increasing myopia. General signs are spinal irritation; head cannot bear to raise eyelids. Mouth signs are tongue feels sore on the tip. Heart signs are fluttering of heartfelt in the throat.
RUTA GRAVEOLENS (ruta) - Eye signs are pressure deep in orbits, pressure over eyebrow, eyestrain followed by headache, disturbances of accommodation, weary pain while reading, and asthenopia. General signs are flexor tendons; all parts of the body are painful, as if bruised, feeling of intense weakness, weakness, and despair.
SPIGELIA (spig) - Eye signs feel too large pressive pain on turning them; Pupils dilated, photophobia, rheumatic ophthalmia, severe pain in and around eyes, extending deep into the socket. Neurological signs are ciliary neuralgia, a true neuritis.General signs are touch sensitive; parts feel chilly, send a shudder through a frame.
CATARACT Any opacity that may occur in the lens or its capsule or both is called cataract.It is one of the commonest forms of interference with vision generally with the advancement of age.some important homoeopathic remedy for cataract are Calcarea fluorica; Calcarea phosphorica; Causticum; Cineraria; Conium maculatum; Fluoricum acidum; Magnesium carbonicum; Natrium muriaticum; Nux vomica; Phosphorus; Santoninum; Silicea.
Mother tinctures effective for eye affections are as follows
EUPHRASIA Q – it is very effective in acute eye affections, traumatic conjunctivitis, blepharitis and corneal ulceration with acrid discharges
ZINCUM SULPH Q – very useful for corneal opacities
ARGENTUM NITRICUM – useful for purulent Ophthalmia, pus is thick, yellow and bland worse in warm room or fire better in open air
CINERARIA MARITIMA Q - it is very effective in cataract one drop 4-5 times a day should be instilled in the eyes for several months. It also useful in corneal opacities after trauma

References

1. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
2. Wikipedia.com/eye afections
3. Homeopathic Materia Medica” by Boericke
4. http://healthy-ojas.com/eye/eye-remedies-homeopathic.html
5. Quick Bedside Prescriber – J.N.SHINGHAL.
6. First aid Homoeopathy in ailments by B.Jain
7. http://onlinehomeopath.hubpages.com/hub/Eyecare-and-homeopathy
8. http://www.medwonders.com/medblogs/general/cataract-and-homoeopathy-2038.htm
9. HOMPATH software
10. Principles of Prescribing, Dr. K.N.Mathur.
11. Mother tincture therapeutics and materia medica by Dr. Vinay jain


Dr. S. SABARIRAJAN., M.D. (Hom) (Gen.med) Gold medalist
Reader, Dept. of Practice of Medicine
Vinayaka Mission’s Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital,
Salem, Tamilnadu.