DYSPEPSIA - HOMOEOPATHY FOR A COMMON GASTRIC TROUBLE

 Abstract 

Dyspepsia, also known as indigestion or upset stomach, is a term that describes discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen.  The main symptom is usually pain or discomfort in the upper tummy (abdomen). In addition, other symptoms that may develop include Bloating, Belching, Quickly feeling full after eating, Feeling sick (nausea) & Being sick (vomiting).Homoeopathy is a remarkable resource for those dealing with digestive disorders. Homoeopathy can be of assistance in retrieving normal motility and treating any psychological issues related to gastric disorders.

 

Introduction

 

Dyspepsia is not a disease. Various conditions cause dyspepsia. Hyperacidity is also called Acid Dyspepsia, which is one of the most common problem. Hyperacidity is a medical condition in which the stomach secretes a lot of acids.It can be caused due to various medications, stressed lifestyle and spicy foods.

 

Causes of Dyspepsia

 

Indigestion is usually related to lifestyle and what we eat and drink. It may also be caused by infection or some other digestive conditions.

Some common causes include:

· Life Style factors - Eating too much, Eating too rapidly, Consuming fatty or greasy foods, Consuming spicy foods, Consuming too much caffeine, Consuming too much alcohol, Consuming too much chocolate, Consuming too many fizzy drinks, Emotional trauma, moderate to intense exercise immediately after eating.

· Functional dyspepsia - a type of indigestion that may undermine the stomach's ability to accept and digest food and then pass that food on to the small intestine.

· Gallstones

· Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)

· Hiatus hernia

· Infection, especially with bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori

· Nervousness

· Obesity - caused by more pressure inside the abdomen

· Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

· Peptic ulcers

· Smoking

· Some medications like Antiinflammatory medicines are the most common culprits. These are medicines that many people take for arthritis, muscular pains, sprains, period pains, etc. For example: aspirin, ibuprofen,and diclofenac but there are others. Antiinflammatory medicines sometimes affect the lining of the stomach and allow acid to cause inflammation and ulcers.

· Various other medicines sometimes cause dyspepsia, or make dyspepsia worse. They include: digoxin, antibiotics, steroids, iron, calcium antagonists, nitrates, theophyllines and bisphosphonates.such as antibiotics and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

· Stomach cancer

 

Clinical manifestations of Dyspepsia

Ø Most people with indigestion feel pain and discomfort in the stomach or chest area. The sensation generally appears soon after consuming food or drink. In some cases symptoms may appear some time after a meal. Some people feel full during a meal, even if they have not eaten much. Heartburn and indigestion are two separate conditions.

Ø Heartburn is a burning feeling behind the breastbone, usually after eating.

Ø The Common symptoms are Nausea, Belching, Feeling bloated (very full)

Ø In very rare cases indigestion may be a symptom of stomach cancer.

Ø Mild indigestion is rarely anything to worry about. if symptoms continue for more than two weeks. Consult a physician immediately if pain is severe, and symptoms like Loss of appetite or weight loss, Vomiting, Black stools, Jaundice (yellow coloring of eyes and skin), Chest pain, Shortness of breath, Sweating, Chest pain radiation to the jaw, arm or neck.

 

Investigations

 

Majority of patients indigestion is mild and does not occur very often. In such cases no treatment from a doctor is required. People who experience indigestion regularly consult a good physician.

Blood test - if the patient has any symptoms of anemia then blood test is needed.

Endoscopy - patients who have not responded to treatment, or those with certain signs and symptoms, may be advised to have their abdomen examined in more detail like endoscopy is advised.

Tests to diagnose Helicobacter pylori infection - this may include a urea breath test, a stool antigen test, and a blood test. Peptic ulcers are often cause by this bacterium.

Liver function test – if the patient may have a biliary condition, which affects the bile

ducts in the liver. This involves a blood test that determines how the liver is working.

X-rays - usually an upper-gastrointestinal and small bowel series. X-rays are taken of the esophagus,stomach and small intestine.

Abdominal ultrasound - high-frequency sound waves make images that show movement, structure and blood flow.

Abdominal CT (computed tomography) scan.

 

Management

 

Lifestyle changes

For all types of dyspepsia, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends the following lifestyle changes like Make sure you eat regular meals, Lose weight if you are obese, If you are a smoker, consider giving up, Don't drink too much alcohol.

Changing the way you eat may help your symptoms. Steps you can take include: Allow enough time for meals, Chew food carefully and completely, Avoid arguments during meals, Avoid excitement or exercise right after a meal, Relax and get rest if indigestion is caused by stress.

Posture - Lying down or bending forward a lot during the day encourages reflux. Sitting hunched or wearing tight belts may put extra pressure on the stomach, which may make any reflux worse.

Bedtime - If symptoms recur most nights, the following may help:

· Go to bed with an empty, dry stomach. To do this, don't eat in the last three hours before bedtime and don't drink in the last two hours before bedtime. If you are able, try raising the head of the bed by 10 – 20 cms (for example, with books or bricks under the bed's legs). This helps gravity to keep acid from refluxing into the oesophagus. If you do this, do not use additional pillows, because this may increase abdominal pressure.

· Spices and condiments such as pepper, mustard must be avoided.

· Vinegar or pickles, which make food more palatable and lead to overeating, must be avoided.

· Alcohol, tobacco, strong tea and coffee must be avoided. Highly seasoned meats, pulses, potato, rice, cheese, refined, processed, stale and tinned foods should all be avoided.

 

Home Remedies:

1. For instance, drinking a glass of water at the first sign of indigestion can give you much relief. Water helps dilute stomach acids thus giving you relief from bloating and burning.

2. Apple cider vinegar is often used to kick start a slow stomach and settle indigestion due to its antibiotic properties. Add one tablespoon apple cider vinegar to a cup of water. Mix in one teaspoon honey. Drink this solution two to three times a day for quick relief.

3. Fennel seeds can be really helpful for indigestion caused by very spicy or fatty food. Fennelseeds contain oil that can help reduce nausea and control flatulence.

4. Ginger stimulates digestive juices and the flow of enzymes that help you digest your food. This makes ginger an effective remedy for indigestion from overeating.

5. Baking soda - Indigestion often happens due to high levels of stomach acids. Baking soda is one of the most simple and effective treatments for indigestion because it acts like an antacid. Stir one half teaspoon of baking soda into half a glass of water. Drinking this solution will neutralize the acid in your stomach and give your relief from bloating.

6. Coriander is an effective spice to treat indigestion. Add some roasted coriander seeds to half a glass of buttermilk and drink it twice a day.

7. Drinking herbal tea after eating a heavy meal can greatly reduce indigestion. Dip your favorite herbal tea bag into a hot cup of water and cover it for five minutes. Drink it while it is still warm. You can try herbal tea containing mint, raspberry and blackberry for instant relief. Peppermint or chamomile tea can also calm your stomach, especially after overeating.

 

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

 

Homoeopathy is a remarkable resource for those dealing with digestive disorders.  The unique physical, emotional and mental expression of illness is characteristic and is used to channel the course of Homoeopathic treatment. The remedies work by stimulating body’s natural ability to heal itself, acting as a catalyst for healing. Homoeopathy can be of assistance in retrieving normal motility and treating any psychological issues related to gastric disorders. The following homoeopathic medicines are often found indicated in cases of Dyspepsia:

Indicated Remedies	Indications
Antimonium crudum	This relieves indigestion from eating too much, especially rich or acidic foods or cured meat. Symptoms are relieved by applying heat to the abdomen.
Arsenicum album	This remedy may be indicated if a person feels anxious, restless yet exhausted, and is worse from the smell and sight of food. Burning pain is felt in the stomach and esophagus, which often is relieved by warmth and sitting up. Vomiting and diarrhea are possible. Upsets from spoiled food or from eating too much fruit often respond to this remedy.
Bryonia	When this remedy is indicated, the stomach feels heavy, with rising acid and a bitter or sour taste. Pain and nausea are worse from motion of any kind. The person may have a dry mouth and be thirsty for long drinks, which may increase discomfort. Bryonia is strongly suggested if a person is grumpy and wants to stay completely still and not be touched or talked to.
Carbo vegetabilis	Sour belching bringing only small relief, burning pain in the stomach and abdomen, and flatulence after eating may be seen when this remedy is needed. The person feels cold and faint, with a strong desire for fresh or moving air. Digestion may be slow and incomplete, with nausea or cramping.
Cinchona officinalis	This remedy relieves bloating of the abdomen and foul-smelling gas, sometimes with painless, but exhausting, diarrhea.
Colocynthis	Cutting, cramping pain in the stomach and abdomen, with relief from hard pressure or from doubling over, indicates a need for this remedy. A bitter taste in the mouth, a feeling that the intestines are about to burst, or a sensation that stones are grinding together in the abdomen may be present. Indigestion may be worse when the person feels upset, especially after suppressing anger.
Lycopodium	This remedy is indicated for many digestive troubles. The person’s appetite may be ravenous, but eating even a small amount can cause a feeling of fullness and bloating. Rumbling gas may form in the abdomen, pressing upward and making breathing difficult. The person often has a strong desire for sweets, is sleepy after meals, and feels worst in the late afternoon and evening.
Magnesia phosphorica	This remedy relieves abdominal cramps improved by heat and bending over.
Natrum carbonicum	This remedy can be helpful to mild people who have trouble digesting and assimilating many foods and have to stay on restricted diets. Indigestion, heartburn, and ulcers can occur if offending foods are eaten. Milk or dairy products can lead to flatulence or sputtery diarrhea that leaves an empty feeling in the stomach. Cravings for potatoes and sweets are common; also milk, but it makes these people sick, so they have usually learned to avoid it.
Natrum phosphoricum	A sour taste in the mouth, an acid or burning sensation in the stomach, sour vomiting, regurgitated bits of food, and a yellow coating on the tongue are all indications for this remedy. The person may have problems after consuming dairy products or too much sugar. Another indication for Natrum phos is a craving for fried eggs.
Nux vomica	This remedy is often useful for indigestion, and is especially suited to those who overindulge in stimulants, food, and alcohol. Chilliness, irritability, and sensitivity to odors, sound, and light are often seen. Pain and weight can be felt in the stomach, with cramps or constricting pains. The person often feels an urge to vomit or move the bowels (which may make the person feel better, but is rarely successful).
Phosphorus	Burning pain in the stomach that feels better from eating ice cream or other cold, refreshing foods suggests a need for this remedy. The person is usually thirsty for cold drinks, but often feels nauseous or vomits once liquids warm up in the stomach. People needing Phosphorus may have a tendency toward easy bleeding and sometimes develop stomach ulcers.
Pulsatilla	Indigestion that is worse from eating rich and fatty foods, with a feeling of a lump or pulsation in the stomach, suggests a need for this remedy. Discomfort often is worse from warmth, especially in a stuffy room, and the person may feel better from gentle walking in open air. A bitter taste in the mouth can take the pleasure out of eating. A person who needs Pulsatilla usually does not feel thirsty and may be tearful and emotional.
Zingiber	Made from ginger, it relieves nausea with belching and diarrhea, especially if the stomach feels like a heavy stone.
Papain	This is made from the digestion supportive papaya enzyme.Eases frequent painful urging that may lead to diarrhea, much belching and abdominal pressure.
Hydrastis	Applies when constipation leads to a sinking feeling in the stomach and a total loathing of food.
Iris vers	Relieves irritating constipation with a constant urging to stool and a nauseating headache.

 

 

 

Conclusion

Homeopathic remedies can help rebuild mind, body and spirit as well as personal relationships for a balanced lifestyle. Homeopathy will reinforce and tone the body’s systems. Homeopathic remedies can help deal with anxiety, depression, and stress along with digestive problems. It will attend to nutritional problems and help the patient develop a healthier body image.Homeopathic constitutional treatment based on the individual case is the most suitable and would aim to heal the underlying physical or emotional crisis causing digestive disorders.

EFFICACY OF HOMOEOPATHIC CONSTITUTIONAL MEDICINES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

 

 

Abstract

Background & Objectives: 

Objective:

To study about the prevalence of hypothyroidism in the age of 15- 55 years.

To study the efficacy of homoeopathic constitutional treatment in Hypothyroidism

 

Key words:

Homoeopathy, Hypothyroidism, constitutional medicine, thyroid gland.

 

Introduction:

Hypothyroidism is now a days prevailing in both sexes. It has long been recognized that thyroid dysfunction may have profound effects on the female reproductive system. Thyroid disorders are 10 times more common in women than in men. Majority of the cases of subclinical hypothyroidism easily pass unrecognized. The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism is as high as 9.5 percent in women.

Hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders, with a greater burden of disease in women and the elderly. A 20 year follow up survey in the United Kingdom found the annual incidence of primary hypothyroidism to be 3.5 per 1000 in women and 0.6 per 1000 in men. A cross sectional Australian survey found the prevalence of overt hypothyroidism to be 5.4 per 1000.

According to a projection from various studies on thyroid disease, it has been estimated that about 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid diseases. Depending upon the estimation of thyroid hormone we can arrive at particular point of diagnosis, if TSH is high and low T4 indicates primary hypothyroidism, and high TSH and normal T4 indicates subclinical hypothyroidism. Normal TSH and high T4 indicate secondary hypothyroidism and severe non thyroid illness.

All these hormone levels alteration will be seen in some emotional disturbances and some due to physical causes.so exact causation of illness mental or physical should be also evaluated. Homoeopathy is the system of medicine to treat patient as a whole. Homoeopathy has certain case taking through which we can elicit the exact cause of the disease state to which he has arrived. This system has the concept of individualization of patient and elicits carefully the emotional cause which leads to the disturbance of patient.

 

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Scientific title: A study on the effectiveness of homoeopathic constitutional medicines in the management of hypothyroidism

Source of Data:

Patients will be collected from the In-patient and Out-patient Departments, Peripheral centres,

Rural Health Camps and Medical Camps conducted by Vinayaka Missions Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital.

 

Method of Collection of the Data:

 

Inclusion criteria are fixed for the study.

Age group of 15 -55 years

Both male and female has been included.

Detailed case history by interview as per the proforma prepared for the topic. Medication will be on the basis of constitutional homeopathic totality.

Cases will be followed for a period of 6 months, with a fortnightly O.P.D visits. Sample size will be minimum 30 in number No particular sampling procedure shall be adapted. The patients will be investigated to conform the diagnosis before starting the study Diagnostic criteria mainly on TSH more than 4.0 mlU /L & low T3 & T4 (or) normal T3& T4 is taken into consideration. Prognosis was evaluated according to the Thyroid profile (TFT), done before followed by every six months and after the treatment.

 

Exclusion criteria fixed for the study:

Pituitary tumours, radiation therapy, glucocorticoid excess Pituitary tumours, radiation therapy, glucocorticoid excess.

Cases with major complications and end organ involvement

 

Result:

Distribution of Treatment Result in Primary Hypothyroidism patients (n=30):

The treatment result has shown that maximum number of patients (11) were under Mild Improvement which is 37% while Moderate Improvement was seen in 23% of patients (07)Marked Improvement was seen in 20% of patients(06) and no improvement is seen in 20% of patients (06) in this study

Distribution of Indicated Remedies in Primary Hypothyroidism patients (n=30):

The remedies that are used most frequently for managing the patients were Calc carb in 7 cases, Natrum mur in 5 cases and phosphorus in 4 cases.

The next grade remedies were ars alb, lyc, sepia, sulphur (03). The other minimum used remedies were merc (02).

The Intercurrent medicines which were used in the treatment were Syphilinum, Medorrhinum, and Thyroidinum.

 

 

DISCUSSION

“Inadequate release of thyroid hormone and its defective synthesis give rise to clinical condition of hypothyroidism.” This is a condition of diminished production or utilisation of thyroxine in the body.”

Hypothyroidism is now a days prevailing in both sexes. It has long been recognized that thyroid dysfunction may have profound effects on the female reproductive system. Thyroid disorders are 10 times more common in women than in men.

The protocol for the study was the pooling of all 30 cases in the first 6 months, followed by treatment period for the next 1-year and observation period for the last 6 months. This study shows most affected patients where 25-29 years (27%), the age group of 50-55 years (23%) and age group of 40-44,45-49,(13%) respectively, the age group 35-39 years (10%)and the age group of 15-19,30-34 years (07%) no cases were found in age group 20-24. As per the study, 73% were female and 27% were male are affected. According to literature, it suggests women are more affected than male. This study shows most affected patients where 25-29 years (27%), the age group of 50-55 years (23%) and age group of 40-44,45-49,(13%) respectively, the age group 35-39 years (10%)and the age group of 15-19,30-34 years (07%) no cases were found in age group 20-24. As per the study, 73% were female and 27% were male are affected.

According to literature, it suggests women are more affected than male.

In this study distribution of patients according to occupation shows, the most the affected persons are house wife which is 19%, followed by business, clerk and students 13% each respectively, teachers 10%,drivers 07% and professionals 06% respectively. Least affected were working class, retired employees and weavers (03%). This study revealed that house wives were most affected persons with primary hypothyroidism.

In this study distribution of patients according to blood group shows, the most affected persons were O+ blood group with 54%, followed by B+ blood group with 30%. Only 1- A+ blood group and 4- AB+ blood group patients were affected with 03% and 13%.

According to D‟ ADAMO Blood group diet O+ blood group were most affected and followed by B+ blood group and this is evident in this study.

The predominant fundamental miasm in the study was Psora syphilitic and syco syphilitic which is seen in 12 patients each; rest were the miasmatic state psoro sycotic in 5 patients, psora in 1 patient.

The major Dominant Miasm was Psora is seen in 43% of patients (13), next to it was the Psoro

sycotic which is seen in 30% of patients (09) .Followed by psoro-syphilitic which is seen in 16% of the patients (05).Then followed by syco syphilitic which is seen in 10% of the patients (03).

The remedies that are used most frequently for managing the patients were 7 cases Calc carb,

Natrum mur in 5 cases and phos in 4 cases. The next grade remedies were ars alb, lyc, sepia, sulphur (03). The other minimum used remedies were merc (02).The intercurrent medicines which were used in the treatment were syphilinum, medorrhinum, and thyroidinum.

According to literature the majority of patients presented with Iodine deficiency is seen in 9 patients (30%), next the common type found was sub clinical type of hypothyroidism which is seen in 08 patients (27%).Drug induced hypothyroidism is seen in 7 patients (23%), postpartum hypothyroidism in 4 patients(13%)and autoimmune hypothyroidism in 2 patients(07%), in this study.

The treatment result has shown that maximum number of patients (11) were under Mild improvement which is 37% while Moderate Improvement was seen in 23% of patients

(07). Marked Improvement was seen in 20% of patients (06) and no improvement is seen in 20% of patients (06) in this study.

Tabled value of t” at 5% level of significance is 2.045 for 29 degrees of freedom. Since the calculated value is 2.7815 which are greater than the table at 5% we reject null hypothesis.

This study provides evidence to say that, there is significant reduction in the TSH Levels after giving Homoeopathic treatment

The Homoeopathic system of medicine treats not only disease proper but also patient as a whole.

According to Hahnemann, the patients should be studied as an individual instance of disease.

The sum total of individualization is at three planes namely Mental, Spiritual sphere and

Physical sphere.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Thirty clinically diagnosed cases of Primary hypothyroidism were taken into consideration for the study. The patients were between the age group of 15-55 years. Patients of both sexes were treated. A detailed case history with the proper clinical examination with thyroid profile was done in all the patients.

·         The commonly affected age group according to my study were 25-29 (27%), 50-55 years (23%).

·         Females are most commonly affected, which was evidenced by this study which shows presence on 73% of cases.

·         Most of the affected persons were housewives which were evidenced by this study which shows presence on 19% of cases.

·         The most affected persons were O+ blood group with 54%, followed by B+ blood group with 30%.

·         Naturally according to literature the majority of patients presented with Iodine deficiency which is seen in 9 patients (30%), next the common type found was sub clinical Type of hypothyroidism which is seen in 08 patients (27%).

·         The fundamental miasm which covered mostly was Psora syphilitic and syco syphilitic in my study.

·         The Dominant miasm which covered mostly was Psora in my study Calc carb, Natrum mur and were found to be most frequently indicated constitutional remedies.

·         Along with constitutional treatment, general management in the form of diet and exercise guidelines was given to the patients.

·         According to need of the cases some acute remedies were prescribed in between.

·         Most of the patients got symptomatic relief, as well as general well being

·         Most of the patients are previously diagnosed (16), they were tapered the dose of thyroxine and homoeopathic treatment given accordingly.

·         This study shows that primary hypothyroidism can be effectively treated with Homoeopathic medicines.