SAY NO TO TONSILLECTOMY OR ADENOTONSILLECTOMY - BEAT IT WITH HOMOEOPATHY

   

Tonsils and adenoids are masses of tissue that are similar to the lymph nodes or "glands" found in the neck, groin and armpits.

Tonsils are the two masses seen in the back of the throat, one on either side at the back of the mouth. Tonsils can normally seen by opening mouth wide and looking in a mirror. They are the two fleshy lumps that can see at the sides and back of the mouth. Tonsils are made of soft glandular tissue and are part of the immune system. A main function of tonsils is to trap bacteria and viruses (germs) which may breathe in. Antibodies and immune cells in the tonsils help to kill germs and help to prevent throat and lung infections. 

Adenoids are also made of glandular tissue and are part of the immune system. They hang from the upper part of the back of the nasal cavity.  Adenoids get bigger after born but usually stop growing between the ages of three and seven years. Adenoids are not visible through the mouth without special instruments.

The most common problems affecting the tonsils and adenoids are recurrent infections (throat or ear) and significant enlargement or obstruction that causes breathing and swallowing problems.

Abscesses around the tonsils, chronic tonsillitis, and infections of small pockets within the tonsils that produce foul-smelling, cheese-like formations can also affect the tonsils and adenoids, making them sore and swollen. Tumors are rare in children.

Tonsil diseases and its associated symptoms

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis refers to a viral or bacterial inflammation of the tonsils. Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by infection with a common virus, but bacterial infections also may cause tonsillitis. The tonsils actually serve as a filter for bacteria, sometimes certain bacteria, such as group A Streptoccocci, can infiltrate the tonsils and cause tonsillitis. However, viruses such as the Epstein Barr virus typically cause tonsillitis.  Being a child and having close contacts with viral or bacterial-laden persons increase the risk for developing tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis most commonly affects children between preschool ages and the mid-teenage years. Common signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include - Red, swollen tonsils, White or yellow coating or patches on the tonsils, Sore throat, Difficult or painful swallowing, Fever, Enlarged, tender glands (lymph nodes) in the neck, A scratchy, muffled or throaty voice, Bad breath, Stomachache, particularly in younger children, Stiff neck, Headache

In young children who are unable to describe how they feel, signs of tonsillitis may include: Drooling due to difficult or painful swallowing, Refusal to eat, Unusual fussiness.

Viral tonsillitis typically requires no special treatment. Rather, gargling with salt water, drinking warm liquids such as broth or tea is enough.

Inflammation or swelling of the tonsils from frequent or ongoing (chronic) tonsillitis can cause complications such as: Difficulty breathing, Disrupted breathing during sleep (obstructive sleep apnea), Infection that spreads deep into surrounding tissue (tonsillar cellulitis), Infection that results in a collection of pus behind a tonsil (tonsillar abscess)

If tonsillitis caused by group A streptococcus or another strain of streptococcal bacteria isn't treated, or if antibiotic treatment is incomplete, child has an increased risk of rare disorders such as: Rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disorder that affects the heart, joints and other tissues. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, an inflammatory disorder of the kidneys that results in inadequate removal of waste and excess fluids from blood.

Chronic tonsillitis is a persistent infection in the tonsils. Since this infection is repetitive, crypts or pockets can form in the tonsils where bacteria can store. Frequently, small, foul smelling stones (tonsilloliths) are found within these crypts that are made of high quantities of sulfur. These stones cause a symptom of a full throat or a throat that has something caught in the back. A foul breath that is characterized by the smell of rotten eggs (because of the sulfur) is also a symptom of this condition. Other symptoms that can be caused by tonsillitis that are not normally associated with it include snoring and disturbed sleep patterns. These conditions develop as the tonsils enlarge and begin to obstruct other areas of the throat. A person's voice is generally affected by this type of illness and changes in the tone of voice a person normally has.

Peritonsillar Abcess (Quinsy)

Peritonsillar abscess is a collection of infected material in the area around the tonsils. Peritonsillar abscess is a complication of tonsillitis. It is most often caused by a type of bacteria called group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus.

Peritonsillar abscess is usually a condition of older children, adolescents, and young adults. It has become uncommon with the use of antibiotics to treat tonsillitis.

One or both tonsils become infected. The infection usually spreads behind the tonsil and can then spread down into the neck and chest. Swollen tissues can block the airway. This is a life-threatening medical emergency.The abscess can break open (rupture) into the throat. The content of the abscess can then travel into the lungs and cause pneumonia.

Symptoms of peritonsillar abscess include: Fever an chills, Severe throat pain that is usually on one side, Difficulty opening the mouth, and pain with opening the mouth, Difficulty swallowing, Drooling or inability to swallow saliva, Facial or neck swelling, Fever, Headache, Muffled voice, Tender glands of the jaw and throat.

If not properly treated it may complicated  includes Airway obstruction, Cellulitis of the jaw, neck, or chest, Endocarditis (rare), Fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion), Inflammation around the heart (pericarditis), Pneumonia, Sepsis (infection in the blood) 

Tonsillar hypertrophy

Tonsillar hypertrophy is the enlargement of the tonsils, but without the history of inflammation. Obstructive tonsillar hypertrophy is currently the most common reason for tonsillectomy. These patients present with varying degrees of disturbed sleep which may include symptoms of loud snoring, irregular breathing, nocturnal choking and coughing, frequent awakenings, sleep apnea, dysphagia and/or daytime hypersomnolence. These may lead to behavioral/mood changes in patients and facilitate the need for a polysomnography in order to determine the degree to which these symptoms are disrupting their sleep.

Tonsillar Cancer

The tonsillar cancer is typically found in men who drink and smoke. It also states that cancer of the tonsils typically affects people who are between the ages of 50 and 70 years. Symptoms of tonsillar cancer include a sore throat that can move to the ear. In some cases, a neck lump may be felt and seen. The lump's cells may spread to the lymph nodes and then spread to the rest of the body. Radiation, chemotherapy and surgery are the treatment options for tonsillar cancer.

Adenoiditis

An inflammation of the adenoids due to viral and bacterial infection and allergy. The inflammation is usually associated with swelling of the adenoids which can affect breathing, especially during sleep. The adenoids are located above the tonsils. 

Enlarged adenoids, it may help be hard to breathe through the nose. Other signs of constant enlargement are: breathing through the mouth instead of the nose most of the time, nose sounding blocked when he person speaks, noisy breathing during the day, recurrent ear infections, snoring at night, breathing stops for a few seconds at night during snoring or loud breathing (sleep apnea)

Chronic adenoid enlargement may lead to changes in the growth of the upper jaw and changes in tooth position. There is some evidence in older children (over age four), that chronically infected adenoids may sometimes contribute to the development of glue ear and recurrent ear infections.

MANAGEMENT:

Self-Care Tips

-          Turmeric and ginger are powerful anti-inflammatory spices and can easily be integrated into diet or taken in raw form.

-          Try gargling with a saline solution of half a teaspoon of salt to one cup of tepid water to remove mucous and reduce swelling. Suck zinc lozenges as zinc helps the immune system.

-          Garlic is useful in treating any kind of throat infection, including tonsillitis. An onion and garlic soup are excellent foods to eat during a bout of tonsillitis.

-          Cut out all processed and refined foods as well as fast foods. Try to find time to cook wholesome meals, focusing on whole grains, vegetables and proteins such as fish and legumes.

-          Take an echinacea and goldenseal tincture. Echinacea boosts the immune system, while goldenseal has antibiotic, anti-catarrhal, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory properties.

-          Drink fresh vegetable juice—made from carrots, cucumbers, beets and celery—with a little fresh ginger, which will alkalize our body and is an excellent tonic for tonsillitis.

-          Try to omit sugar from regular diet. sugar consumption has also been shown to reduce the body's ability to fight viruses and infection. If you need your sweet fix, take a spoonful of manuka honey, as it is said to have many health benefits, including antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties

-          Do not share utensils, drinking glasses, toothbrushes, etc., with anyone who has  tonsillitis or a sore throat.

-          Wash your (and your child's) hands frequently.

-          Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and teach your children to do the same

Tonsillectomy

A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure in which the tonsils are removed from either side of the throat. The procedure is performed in response to cases of repeated occurrence of acute tonsillitis or adenoiditis, obstructive sleep apnea, nasal airway obstruction, snoring, or peritonsillar abscess. Sometimes the adenoids are removed at the same time, a procedure called adenoidectomy. Tonsillectomy remains one of the most common surgical procedures in children.

Adenotonsillectomy

An adenotonsillectomy is a surgical procedure in which the tonsils and the adenoids are removed. This procedure is most commonly carried out in young children, although there are sometimes cases in which it is indicated for an adult. 

Homoeopathic Management:

Homoeopathy treats the person as a whole. It means that homoeopathic treatment focuses on the patient as a person, as well as his pathological condition. The homoeopathic medicines are selected after a full individualizing examination and case-analysis, which includes the medical history of the patient, physical and mental constitution etc. A miasmatic tendency (predisposition/susceptibility) is also often taken into account for the treatment of chronic conditions. The medicines given below indicate the therapeutic affinity but this is not a complete and definite guide to the treatment of this condition. Homoeopathy medicines are effective in treating the recurrent attacks of acute tonsillitis as well as chronic tonsillitis. In a significant number of children, homeopathic treatment can help prevent recurrence of frequent tonsillitis, thus helping children avoid tonsillectomy. The treatment of enlarged tonsils with homeopathy has two stages in cases of long standing. Acute inflammation needs to be treated with a different set of medicines and its recurrence to be treated once the acute stage is over. Deep-acting medicines are required to treat the constitution and bring about lasting relief. It is true that this method takes a longer time, but it is also the best one because not only the tonsils are cured but also the patient.

Apis mell: Stinging-burning pain when swallowing; dryness in mouth and throat; red and

highly inflamed tonsils; deep ulcers on tonsils and palate, with erysipelatous or Oedematous appearance around ulcers; Oedema glottidis, tenacious mucus in throat;

Aggravation heat or hot drinks, Amelioration from cold or cool drinks.

Baryta carb: Liability to quinsy after every cold or suppressed sweat of feet; tonsils tend

to suppurate, especially the right; throat feels worse from empty swallowing; pricking

sensation when swallowing; general malaise; palate swollen; chronic induration of

tonsils; sensation as of a plug in throat, worse when swallowing solids; paresis of

muscular structure of throat; scrofulosis, enlargement of glands in neck, under jaws and

behind ears.

Belladonna: Tonsillitis, worse right side, parts bright-red; worse swallowing liquids;

during deglutition sensation as if throat were too narrow and as if nothing would pass

properly; rapidly forming aphthous ulcers on tonsils; intense congestion, throbbing of

carotids; throbbing of carotids; swelling of neck, extremely painful to touch and motion.

Ferrum phos: Tonsils swollen and raw, great pain in swallowing; high fever.

Hepar sulph: Chronic tonsillitis, especially when accompanied by hardness of hearing,

with sensation like splinter or fishbone in throat when swallowing; sharp, lancinating

pains, throbbing, rigors and chills, with stitches in throat, extending to ears, worse when

swallowing; cannot bear cold air.

Kali bichrom: Tonsillitis herpetica with membranous exudations, inflammation of uvula

and pharynx, foul, yellow tongue, fauces covered with ropy mucus (often mistaken for

true diphtheria); Eustachian tubes blocked up; pain shoots from ear down throat.

Kali Mur: Acute and chronic swelling of the tonsils, which are covered with a whitish

coating; hawking up cheesy lumps having a disgusting odor and taste.

Lac caninum: Tonsils inflamed, shining and very sore, swollen so as almost to close the

throat; suppuration from left to right, or changing from side to side, or both tonsils

equally affected; whole posterior portion and throat Oedematous; tonsils enlarged;

pricking; cutting pains from empty swallowing; great dryness of tonsils at night; throat

sensitive to touch externally; ashy-gray exudation.

Lachesis: Throat purplish, patient very nervous, least touch unbearable; tonsils swollen,

left Aggravation with tendency to right; inability to swallow, threatening, suffocation;

liquids escape by the nose when swallowing is attempted and are more difficult to

swallow than solids; Aggravation from hot drinks; on swallowing burning pains shoot in

left ear; pus from tonsils unhealthy, with tendency to degenerate into ulcers; excessive

dryness, particularly if it appears in spots, Aggravation by inhaling cold air. It may break

up the disease in its conception or promote resolution in later stages.

Lycopodium: Tonsils enlarged, indurated and studded with many small ulcers; swelling

and suppuration of tonsils, going from right to left; chronic enlargement of tonsils;

Aggravation from cold drinks, and smarting in throat from hot drinks.

Mercurius: Parenchymatous tonsillitis (after Bell.); throbbing pain, tonsils and fauces

yellowish-red, often covered with a thin false membrane; tongue pale, flabby and

indented by the teeth; pain on deglutition and speaking; pain on empty swallowing;

salivation increased; throat sore externally when pressed upon; tonsils dark-red, studded

with ulcers; quinsy with stinging pain in fauces; when pus has formed it hastens

maturation; mercurial breath (Merc. biniod.); aphthae; profuse nightsweats, bringing no

relief.

Mercurius iod. Flav: Hypertrophy of tonsils with enlargement of cervical and salivary

glands and inflammation of the mucous membrane of mouth and pharynx, which is

succulent and freely secreting; ptyalism; foetor oris; swallowing difficult.

Mercurius iod. Rub: Scalded feeling in throat, dark-red fauces, left tonsil most affected;

Extensive implication of submaxillary glands.

Phytolacca: Chills alternating with fever; great weakness; tonsils large, bluish, ulcerated;

intense dryness of throat; rough, burning, smarting fauces; pain in throat extends to ears

when swallowing; aching in back, neck, head and limbs; ulceration on tonsils and fauces;

with grayish-white, sloughs and little or no foetor; cannot hot fluids; great prostration.

Silicea: Deep ulcers, even gangrene; tonsils; swollen, each effort to swallow distorts face;

tonsillitis, when the suppurating gland will not head; pricking in throat, as from a pin,

causing cough; left side.

Echinacea Angustifolia: Irritation of larynx. Voice husky. Constant clearing of mucus

from throat. Sore throat. Frothy mucus, hawks from throat. Tonsils purple or

black, gray exudation extending to posterior sinuses and air-passages. Ulcerated sore

throat. Mucus in throat with raw sensation. Soreness of throat, worse on left side.

Baptisia Tinctoria: Aphonia. Larynx sore to touch, painful swallowing or speaking.

Fauces dark-red, dark, putrid ulcers. Tonsils and soft palate dark red and swollen.

Painless sore throat and offensive discharge. Numb inside but sensitive outside. Can

swallow liquids only, least solid food gags. Ragged ulcers in the throat. Spasms of gullet.

Constriction at cardiac orifice of esophagus. Constrictive feeling in throat causing

frequent efforts at swallowing.

Streptococcinum: Adenopathy of the neck. Big, infected, purulent tonsils. Red angina.

Persistent pain and redness of the throat. Acute and chronic laryngitis. It is most suited

for Tonsillectomy recurrence infection.

Tuberculinum: Chronic recurring Tonsillitis and Adenoids <change of weather from

damp to cold.

Vibrionic preparations like Throat 30, Infection 200 and War 1M also found veryeffective in the treatment of Tonsillitis.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)

STRESS INDUCED DIGESTIVE DISORDER - AN APPROACH TO IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)

   

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by mild to severe abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating and alteration of bowel habits. In some cases, the symptoms are relieved by bowel movements. Diarrhoea or constipation may predominate, or they may alternate.

IBS is diagnosed when a person has abdominal pain or discomfort at least three times per month for the last 3 months without other disease or injury that could explain the pain. The pain or discomfort of IBS may occur with a change in stool frequency or consistency or may be relieved by a bowel movement.

CAUSES:

The causes of IBS are not well understood. Researchers believe a combination of physical and mental health problems can lead to IBS. The possible causes of IBS include the following:

·         Brain-gut signal problems - Signals between the brain and nerves of the small and large intestines, also called the gut, control how the intestines work. Problems with brain-gut signals may cause IBS symptoms, such as changes in bowel habits and pain or discomfort.

·         GI motor problems: Normal motility, or movement, may not be present in the colon of a person who has IBS. Slow motility can lead to constipation and fast motility can lead to diarrhea. Spasms, or sudden strong muscle contractions that come and go, can cause abdominal pain. Some people with IBS also experience hyperreactivity, which is an excessive increase in contractions of the bowel in response to stress or eating.

·         Mental health problems: Mental health, or psychological, problems such as panic disorder, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder are common in people with IBS. The link between these disorders and development of IBS is unclear. GI disorders, including IBS, are often found in people who have reported past physical or sexual abuse. Researchers believe people who have been abused tend to express psychological stress through physical symptoms.

·         Bacterial gastroenteritis: Some people who have bacterial gastroenteritis—an infection or irritation of the stomach and intestines caused by bacteria—develop IBS. Researchers do not know why gastroenteritis leads to IBS in some people and not others, though psychological problems and abnormalities of the lining of the GI tract may be factors.

·         Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO): Normally, few bacteria live in the small intestine. SIBO is an increase in the number of bacteria or a change in the type of bacteria in the small intestine. These bacteria can produce excess gas and may also cause diarrhea and weight loss. However, the studies were weak and more research is needed to show a link between SIBO and IBS.

·         Body chemicals: People with IBS have altered levels of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the body that transmit nerve signals, and GI hormones, though the role these chemicals play in developing IBS is unclear.

·         Food sensitivity: Many people with IBS report that certain foods and beverages can cause symptoms, such as foods rich in carbohydrates, spicy or fatty foods, coffee, and alcohol. However, people with food sensitivity typically do not have clinical signs of food allergy. Researchers have proposed that symptoms may result from poor absorption of sugars or bile acids, which help break down fats and get rid of wastes in the body.

·         IBS can occur at any age, but it often begins in the teen years or early adulthood. It is twice as common in women as in men.

STRESS AND IBS :

Stress can stimulate colon spasms in people with IBS. The colon has many nerves that connect it to the brain. These nerves control the normal contractions of the colon and cause abdominal discomfort at stressful times. In people with IBS, the colon can be overly responsive to even slight conflict or stress. Stress makes the mind more aware of the sensations that arise in the colon. IBS symptoms can also increase a person’s stress level. Some options for managing stress include

·         participating in stress reduction and relaxation therapies such as meditation

·         getting counseling and support

·         taking part in regular exercise such as walking or yoga

·         minimizing stressful life situations as much as possible

·         getting enough sleep

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms range from mild to severe. Most people have mild symptoms. Symptoms are different from person to person.

The main symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain, fullness, gas, and bloating that have been present for at least 3 days a month for the last 3 months. The pain and other symptoms will often:

·         Be reduced or go away after a bowel movement

·         Occur when there is a change in how often you have bowel movements

People with IBS may switch between constipation and diarrhea, or mostly have one or the other.

·         People with diarrhea will have frequent, loose, watery stools. They will often have an urgent need to have a bowel movement, which may be hard to control.

·         Those with constipation will have a hard time passing stool, as well as fewer bowel movements. They will often need to strain and will feel cramps with a bowel movement. Often, they do not release any stool, or only a small amount.

·         For some people, the symptoms may get worse for a few weeks or a month, and then decrease for a while. For other people, symptoms are present most of the time.

·         People with IBS may also lose their appetite.

TESTS:

There is no test to diagnose IBS, simple physical examinations and complete medical history is enough. The medical history will include questions about symptoms, family history of GI disorders, recent infections, medications, and stressful events related to the onset of symptoms.

Additional diagnostic tests may be needed based on the results of the screening blood test and for people who also have signs such as fever, rectal bleeding, weight loss, anemia, family history of colon cancer, irritable bowel disease. Additional diagnostic tests may include a stool test, lower GI series, and flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Colonoscopy may also be recommended for people who are older than 50 to screen for colon cancer.

MANAGEMENT:

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms.

Lifestyle changes can help in some cases of IBS. For example, regular exercise and improved sleep habits may reduce anxiety and help relieve bowel symptoms.

Dietary changes can be helpful. However, no specific diet can be recommended for IBS, because the condition differs from one person to another.

Large meals can cause cramping and diarrhea, so eating smaller meals more often, or eating smaller portions, may help IBS symptoms. Eating meals that are low in fat and high in carbohydrates, such as pasta, rice, whole-grain breads and cereals, fruits, and vegetables, may help.

Certain foods and drinks may cause IBS symptoms in some people, such as

·         foods high in fat

·         milk products

·         drinks with alcohol or caffeine

·         drinks with large amounts of artificial sweeteners, which are substances used in place of sugar

·         foods that may cause gas, such as beans and cabbage

People with IBS may want to limit or avoid these foods. Keeping a food diary is a good way to track which foods cause symptoms so they can be excluded from or reduced in the diet.

Dietary fiber may lessen constipation in people with IBS, but it may not help with lowering pain. Fiber helps keep stool soft so it moves smoothly through the colon. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends consuming 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day for adults. Fiber may cause gas and trigger symptoms in some people with IBS. Increasing fiber intake by 2 to 3 grams per day may help reduce the risk of increased gas and bloating.

Therapies for Mental Health Problems

The following therapies can help improve IBS symptoms due to mental health problems:

Talk therapy. Talking with a therapist may reduce stress and improve IBS symptoms. Two types of talk therapy used to treat IBS are cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic, or interpersonal, therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the person’s thoughts and actions. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on how emotions affect IBS symptoms. This type of therapy often involves relaxation and stress management techniques.

Hypnotherapy. In hypnotherapy, the therapist uses hypnosis to help the person relax into a trancelike state. This type of therapy may help the person relax the muscles in the colon.

Mindfulness training. People practicing this type of meditation are taught to focus their attention on sensations occurring at the moment and to avoid worrying about the meaning of those sensations, also called catastrophizing.

HOMEOPATHIC APPROACH TO IBS:

Homoeopathy is a remarkable resource for those dealing with digestive disorders. 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. 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 IBS. 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.

Argentum nitricum: Digestive upsets accompanied by nervousness and anxiety suggest the use of this remedy. Bloating, rumbling flatulence, nausea, and greenish diarrhea can be sudden and intense. Diarrhea may come on immediately after drinking water. Eating too much sweet or salty food (which the person often craves) may also lead to problems. A person who needs this remedy tends to be expressive, impulsive, and claustrophobic, and may have blood sugar problems.

Asafoetida: A feeling of constriction all along the digestive tract (especially if muscular contractions in the intestines and esophagus seem to be moving in the wrong direction) strongly indicates this remedy. The person may have a feeling that a bubble is stuck in the throat, or that a lump is moving up from the stomach. The abdomen feels inflated, but the person finds it hard to pass gas in either direction to get relief. Constipation brings on griping pains. Diarrhea can be explosive, and the person may even regurgitate food in small amounts.The person may exhibit a strong emotional or “hysterical” element when this remedy is needed.

Colocynthis: This remedy is indicated when cutting pains and cramping occur, making the person bend double or need to lie down and press on the abdomen. Cramps may be felt in the area of the pubic bone. Pain is likely to be worse just before the diarrhea passes, and after eating fruit or drinking water. Problems tend to be aggravated by emotions, especially if indignation or anger has been felt but not expressed. Back pain, leg pain, and gall bladder problems are sometimes seen when this remedy is needed.

Lilium tigrinum: When this remedy is indicated, the person may make frequent unsuccessful efforts to move the bowels all day and have sudden diarrhea the following morning. A feeling of a lump in the rectum, worse when standing up, is common. Hemorrhoids may develop. Constricting feelings are often felt in the chest. The person is likely to be worse from excitement and strong emotions, and may tend toward irritability or even rage.

Lycopodium: This remedy is often indicated for people with chronic digestive discomforts and bowel problems. Bloating and a feeling of fullness come on early in a meal or shortly after, and a large amount of gas is usually produced. Heartburn and stomach pain are common, and the person may feel better from rubbing the abdomen. Things are typically worse between four and eight p.m. Despite so many digestive troubles, the person can have a ravenous appetite, and may even get up in the middle of the night to eat. Problems with self-confidence, a worried facial expression, a craving for sweets, and a preference for warm drinks are other indications forLycopodium.

Natrum carbonicum: This remedy is often indicated for mild people who have trouble digesting and assimilating many foods and have to stay on restricted diets. Indigestion, heartburn, and even ulcers may occur if offending foods are eaten. The person often is intolerant of milk, and drinking it or eating dairy products can lead to gas and sputtery diarrhea with an empty feeling in the stomach. The person may have cravings for potatoes and for sweets (and sometimes also milk, but has learned to avoid it). A person who needs this remedy usually makes an effort to be cheerful and considerate, but, when feeling weak and sensitive wants to be alone to rest.

Nux vomica: Abdominal pains and bowel problems accompanied by tension, constricting sensations, chilliness, and irritability can indicate a need for this remedy. Soreness in the muscles of the abdominal wall, as well as painful gas and cramps are common. Firm pressure on the abdomen brings some relief. When constipated, the person has an urge to move the bowels, but only small amounts come out. The person may experience a constant feeling of uneasiness in the rectum. After diarrhea has passed, the pain may be eased for a little while. A person who needs this remedy often craves strong spicy foods, alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and other stimulants—and usually feels worse from having them.

Podophyllum: This remedy is indicated when abdominal pain and cramping with a gurgling, sinking, empty feeling are followed by watery, offensive-smelling diarrhea—alternating with constipation, or pasty yellow bowel movements containing mucus. Things tend to be worse in the very early morning, and the person may feel weak and faint or have a headache afterward. Rubbing the abdomen (especially on the right) may help relieve discomfort. A person who needs this remedy may also experience stiffness in the joints and muscles.

Sulphur: This remedy is often indicated when a sudden urge toward diarrhea wakes the person early in the morning (typically five a.m.) and makes them hurry to the bathroom. Diarrhea can come on several times a day. The person may, at other times, be constipated and have gas with an offensive and pervasive smell. Oozing around the rectum, as well as itching, burning, and red irritation may also be experienced. A person who needs this remedy may tend to have poor posture and back pain, and feel worse from standing up too long.