Disorders and Homeopathic Treatments

ASTHMA

The word 'asthma' is derived from the Greek meaning ' panting' or 'labored breathing'. Asthma is a condition characterized by a paroxysmal wheezing dyspnoea (difficulty in breathing), mainly expiratory.

CAUSE

According to the etiology, bronchial asthma is divided in the following groups:

1. Allergic (extrinsic/ atopic) - This type of asthma usually starts in childhood and is often preceded by eczema. But most of the young adults (<35 yrs) developing asthma also fall in this category. Genetic factors also play a significant role i this. In this type of asthma the allergen leads to production of excessive (IgE) immunoglobulins.

2. Infective or Intrinsic - This is not hereditary or allergic, but may be caused by, or at least associated with upper respiratory tract or bronchial infection which is usually viral.

3. Psychological factors (like anxiety, emotional stress etc) are often considered to be the sole cause of some asthmatic attacks, but it is still not certain whether it can be the sole cause or is only a precipitating factor.

4. Occupational asthma - This can occur in certain industries in which there is exposure to metallic dusts (esp. platinum salts), biological detergents, toluene diisocyanate, polyurethane, flour and dust from grains etc.

MECHANISM - WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS?

What ever may be the cause, it ultimately leads to paroxysms of bronchial obstruction produced by widespread bronchial spasm accentuated by plugging of the bronchi with excessive mucus.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Recurrent episode of paroxysmal dyspnoea (difficulty in breathing)
The breathing is laboured, with a wheezing sound, mainly on expiration.
Asthma attacks often occur in the early hours of morning (when there is no immediate precipitating cause). During the attack patients often prefers to sit then lie down.

HOW DIAGNOSIS IS DONE?

Diagnosis can usually be made clinically by a competent doctor. Allergen sensitivity tests, X-ray, spirometry, sputum and blood tests etc may be of use in finding the cause and severity of the condition.

WHAT TO DIFFERENTIATE FROM?

Bronchitis
Cardiac asthma
Renal asthma
Isolated attacks of non-paroxysmal dyspnoea.

COMPLICATIONS

Apart from chronicity, usually no complications.
Pneumothorax, emphysema, or areas of consolidation or pulmonary collapse may occur in very advanced cases.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT

General Approach - As far as I know homeopathy is the only system of medicine which tries to 'cure' this disease, instead of trying to provide symptomatic relief. While dealing with a case of asthma, a homeopath not only records the symptoms of the disease but also studies the medical history, family history, physical and psychological characteristics of a person. This helps to find the cause, the precipitating factors, and the hereditary tendency etc. Of special interest to a homeopath is the history of suppression of skin disease. Homeopaths believe that when there is a tendency or predisposition for a disease - it first manifests on the less vital organs, towards the periphery (like skin). If this manifestation is suppressed than the disease shifts inwards, towards the more vital organs (like lungs, heart, brain etc).

The fact that in children asthma is often preceded by eczema is observed by the allopaths also. This fact is written in all their textbooks of medicine. They say that children often 'move-out' of eczema and 'move-into' asthma. But they are unable to make a correlation. Homeopaths believe that the suppression of eczema with topical preparations, does not cure the disease/sensitivity of the person, it merely drives it inwards.

Now after ascertaining the symptoms and the cause, the homeopath tries to find a medicine which matches the symptoms as well as the general characteristics of the person. The medicine so selected is administered to the patient.

It is often (not necessarily) observed by homeopaths that when a right medicine is given, the asthma disappears but the old eczema (if it was there originally) reappears for some time, before finally disappearing itself. This reappearance of old symptoms is seen as a reversal of disease process and is considered a very good prognostic sign by homeopaths.

MEDICINES - There are lots of medicines in homeopathy for asthma and it is not possible to list them all here. Some of the common medicines are ars-alb, ipecac, lachesis, pulsatilla, spongia, sulphur, ignatia, antim-tart, hepar-sulph, nat-sulph, tuberculinum etc. The selection of medicine varies from patient to patient.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

Bronchodilators, anti-allergic drugs, and corticosteroids are commonly used to provide symptomatic relief.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? - LIFESTYLE AND ACCESSORY MANAGEMENT

Avoid the allergen you are sensitive to.
Do regular light exercise like brisk walking or jogging. Heavy exercise can precipitate an attack of asthma, so always do mild exercise without putting too much strain on your body.
Learn breathing exercises to improve your lung capacity. Of especial use is 'pranayam', a yoga exercise.
Learn some stress relieving exercises, meditation, or yoga to minimize the psychological factors related to disease.
Eat healthy, nourishing and well balanced diet.

WHERE ELSE TO FIND MORE INFO? - INTERNET RESOURCES

REFERENCE WORKS

Davidson's Principles and Practise of Medicine, 17th ed, 1996, Churchill Livingstone

A primer of Medicine, M.H.Pappworth, 5th ed, 1993, Butterworths

Hutchinson's Clinical Methods, Michael Swash, 20th ed, 1995, W B Saunders

New Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory, William Boericke, 2nd revised ed., 2001, B. Jain

Select Your remedy, Rai Bahdur Bishambhar Das, 19th ed, 1999, Bishambar Free Homeo Dispensary

A Concise Repertory of Homeopathic Medicines, S.R.Phatak, 3rd ed, B. Jain

Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics, Dewey, reprint ed, 1993, B.Jain

BENIGN PROSTATE HYPERTROPHY

As the name suggests, it is a benign hypertrophy of the prostate gland, which is situated just below the neck of urinary bladder in males.

CAUSE

Possibly diminished androgen secretion

MECHANISM

Histologically, the inner zone of the gland undergoes hyperplasia and hypertrophy, and there is an increase in fibro muscular stroma. the enlarged prostate obstructs the outflow of urine by compressing, displacing and elongating that part of urethra which passes through the prostate gland.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The stream of urine is poor
There is difficulty in initiating micturation (hesitancy)
There is difficulty in stopping it (terminal dribbling)
Recurrent haematuria (blood in urine) may occur
There may be aching pain in loins, sometimes aggravated by drinking
Recurrent urinary tract infections may occur

HOW DIAGNOSIS IS MADE?

Ultrasonography
per-rectal examination

COMPLICATIONS

Anuria (complete stoppage of urine flow)
Uraemia (consequence of anuria)

WHAT TO DIFFERENTIATE FROM?

Carcinoma prostate
All other causes of urinary tract obstruction esp. vesical (urinary bladder) calculus; fibrosis following trauma, stone, instrumentation; urethral valves etc.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Homeopathy offers very good treatment for benign prostate hypertrophy. Some of the medicines commonly used for this condition are thuja, ferrum-pic, conium, baryta-carb, copaiva, populus-t, calc-carb, sabal-ser, selenium etc.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

Transurethral resection of the prostate tissue is the treatment of choice to relieve the outflow obstruction

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? - ACCESSORY MANAGEMENT

Regular exercise increases the level of androgens, so it may slow down the progression of this condition.

WHERE ELSE TO FIND MORE INFO? - INTERNET RESOURCES

REFERENCE WORKS

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed, McGraw-Hill

Davidson's Principles and Practise of Medicine, 17th ed, 1996, Churchill Livingstone

New Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory, William Boericke, 2nd revised ed., 2001, B. Jain

A Concise Repertory of Homeopathic Medicines, S.R.Phatak, 3rd ed, B. Jain

A Clinical Repertory to the Dictionary of Materia Medica, J.H.Clarke, reprint ed, 1989, B. Jain

MOOD DISORDERS/ AFFECTIVE DISORDERS

The fundamental abnormality of an affective disorder is a disturbance of mood, either depression or mania. Depression is by far the commoner; most patients who have manic symptoms are also prone to depressive episodes but the reverse does not apply. In a few cases depressive and manic symptoms occur simultaneously or in rapid succession (mixed affective state/ bipolar disorder)

CAUSE

- Genetic Factors have some role in bipolar disorder.

- Environmental factors like

Loss of mother before age 11
3 or more children under 14 living at home
Lack of confiding relationship
Lack of employment etc

are known o play a significant role in mood disorders.

- Physical Illness - A physical illness can be followed by depression, esp. those like cancer, AIDS, and heart diseases etc which carry serious implications. Also mood changes can occur after infectious mononucleosis or influenza and other viral illness.

Depression or mania could be the presenting feature of cerbrovascular disease, neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinsonism and endocrine diseases such as Cushing's syndrome, Addison's Disease, and hypothyroidism.

Mood changes can also be associated with drug therapy, for eg. corticosteroids, beta-adrenoceptor antagonists and other anti-hypertensive drugs. When mood disorder results directly from physical causes they are known as organc affective disorders.

- Personality - Some depressives have personality characteristics which are thought to predispose to the illness. this involves a negative attitude to oneself, the outside world and the future; the term 'cognitive triad' ha been applied to these attitudes.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

Depression of mood is the primary symptom. There may be a diurnal variation of mood, depression being most distressing early in the morning or at the end of the day.
Loss of pleasure in life (anhedonia)
Loss of interest in oneself and others
Low self esteem
Self blame
Hopelessness
Suicidal thinking
Feeling of guilt and worthlessness
Sleep disturbance (initial insomnia, early morning wakening or hypersomnia)
Poor concentration
Fatigue
Headache and other pains
Anorexia (loss of appetite)
Weight changes
Constipation
Reduced libido

All these symptoms may not be present in any single person and the level of intensity of symptoms vary from person to person.

HOW DIAGNOSIS IS MADE?

The diagnosis is usually done clinically based on the signs and symptoms.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Homeopathy offers very good treatment possibilities for depression with good results. There are large number of medicines which can be used and the selection of medicine depends not just on the symptoms but also on the cause. Depression is a manifestation of the disorder and to treat the manifestation it is necessary to find the cause. The success of treatment in such cases often depends on the ability of a homeopath to find the cause. The selection of medicine depends a lot on it. Like all psychological disorders, depressive illness also requires good case study and continuous monitoring by a competent homeopath. One should not try any form of self-medication. In qualified and experienced hands homeopathy offers good prognosis in this condition.

Some of the commonly indicated medicines are anacardium, arsenic-alb, aurum-met, ignatia, acid-phos, pulsatilla, natrum-mur, sepia, antim-crud, naja, nux-vom, stann, psorinum etc. The selection of medicine varies from case to case.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

Antidepressant drugs, cognitive therapy, and electro convulsive therapy are used.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? - ACCESSORY MANAGEMENT

Visit a psychotherapist or join a support group where you can talk about your emotions freely.
Be more open with your family and friends - do not hide your feelings, share them.
Try to remain actively involved in some work/job.
Exercise daily - it not only is good for your body, but also for your mind. Exercise is known to increase the level of many neuro-hormones, which bring a feeling of well-being and happiness.
Eat a well balanced and nutritious diet with ample fluids.
Learn some meditation, yoga, or stress relieving exercises. These help a lot in regaining your control over your emotions.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MANIA

Sense of well being evident as elation or ecstasy
Confidence and self-esteem are high
Grandiose ideas without any substance.
Thoughtless and risky behavior
Delusion of being especially gifted or of being well-connected.
Thoughts come rapidly
Speech is fast
Physical activity is increased
Appetite is initially increased but may be decreased later.
Sleep hours are reduced, but this does not cause fatigue.
Promiscuity may occur.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Homeopathy offers many medicines which work in such cases. In experienced hands the long term prognosis is good. Some of the medicines commonly used are belladona, stramonium, varatum-alb, hyoscamus, cuprum-met, nux-vomica, tarentula, syphilinum, lachesis, arsenic, cocaine, coffea, platina etc. There are many more medicines and the selection of medicine varies from case to case. The cause and past history of a person play a significant role in the selection of medicine. All such cases require continuous monitoring by an experienced physician.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

Neuroleptic drugs like haloperidol or a phenothiazine or lithium carb are some of the drugs that are commonly used.

Electro convulsive therapy is given to resistant cases.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? - ACCESSORY MANAGEMENT

BIPOLAR DISORDER

It is a mood disorder in which depression and manic symptoms occur simultaneously or in quick succession. It was previously known as 'Manic Depressive Psychosis'. Each phase of mania and depression may lat for many months.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Refer those of depression and mania

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Homeopathy can help cases with bipolar disorder. Albeit the treatment is more prolonged and difficult than that of unipolar disorder. Most of the medicines used are similar to those used for depression and mania. The treatment usually continues for extended periods as each phase can last for many months. Also there is a tendency of relapse in such patients. But homeopathy does offer a better long term prognosis,

WHERE ELSE TO FIND MORE INFO? - INTERNET RESOURCES

REFERENCE WORKS

A short Textbook of Psychiatry, Niral Ahuja, 4th ed, 1999, Jaypee

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed, McGraw-Hill

Davidson's Principles and Practise of Medicine, 17th ed, 1996, Churchill Livingstone

New Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory, William Boericke, 2nd revised ed., 2001, B. Jain

A Concise Repertory of Homeopathic Medicines, S.R.Phatak, 3rd ed, B. Jain

Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics, Dewey, reprint ed, 1993, B.Jain

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

This is also known as the 'post viral syndrome' or 'myalgic enchphalomylitis;. This is a syndrome in which person suffering from an acute illness never seems to recover fully from it. Even after the acute illness is over, the patient does not feel well and complains of malaise, fatigue, myalgia, headache, and exhaustion.

CAUSE

Not known specifically. Usually occurs after an acute viral illness.
Enteroviruses are implicated.
Often occurs after mononucleosis.
Overexertion (mental or physical) during an acute illness can predispose to it.

MECHANISM - WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS?

Not known so far.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The most pronounced symptom is 'fatigue'. the person always feels very tired, sometimes so much that even going from one room to other may seem like a chore.
Myalgia or body ache
General malaise and headache

HOW DIAGNOSIS IS MADE?

Diagnosis is usually done clinically.
There is no specific test but in some cases antibodies to Coxsackie-B or Epstein-Barr viruses may be present.

COMPLICATIONS

Since the complaint is chronic in nature, depression, work inefficiency can occur.
Many patients become chronically disabled.

WHAT TO DIFFERENTIATE FROM?

Acute viral illness is often followed by a week or two of weakness and sleepiness. This should not cause unnecessary worry.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Homeopathy is the only form of treatment that I have seen working in this condition. But even with homeopathic drugs it may take a few months to resolve this condition fully. But considering that there is no conventional treatment and most people suffer for years, a few months may be a very short period.

Some of the medicines that I have found of use in this condition are carbo-veg, china, mygale-l, sarcolactic acid, natrum-sal etc.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

No specific treatment is available
A few individuals partially respond to anti-depressant medication

WHAT ELSE CAN BE DONE? - ACCESSORY MANAGEMENT

Deep breathing and walking in fresh air can increase the energy levels.
A well balanced nutritious diet with ample fluids should be taken.
Avoid mental and physical exertion during an acute illness. Try to take proper rest. DO NOT ' pop-a-pill and go-to work' if you are not feeling very well.

WHERE ELSE TO FIND MORE INFO? INTERNET RESOURCES

REFERENCE WORKS

Davidson's Principles and Practise of Medicine, 17th ed, 1996, Churchill Livingstone

New Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory, William Boericke, 2nd revised ed., 2001, B. Jain

Select Your remedy, Rai Bahdur Bishambhar Das, 19th ed, 1999, Bishambar Free Homeo Dispensary

A Concise Repertory of Homeopathic Medicines, S.R.Phatak, 3rd ed, B. Jain

Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics, Dewey, reprint ed, 1993, B.Jain

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

CAUSE

Not known specifically. Usually occurs after an acute viral illness.
Enteroviruses are implicated.
Often occurs after mononucleosis.
Overexertion (mental or physical) during an acute illness can predispose to it.

MECHANISM - WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS?

Not known so far.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The most pronounced symptom is 'fatigue'. the person always feels very tired, sometimes so much that even going from one room to other may seem like a chore.
Myalgia or body ache
General malaise and headache

HOW DIAGNOSIS IS MADE?

Diagnosis is usually done clinically.
There is no specific test but in some cases antibodies to Coxsackie-B or Epstein-Barr viruses may be present.

COMPLICATIONS

Since the complaint is chronic in nature, depression, work inefficiency can occur.
Many patients become chronically disabled.

WHAT TO DIFFERENTIATE FROM?

Acute viral illness is often followed by a week or two of weakness and sleepiness. This should not cause unnecessary worry.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Some of the medicines that I have found of use in this condition are carbo-veg, china, mygale-l, sarcolactic acid, natrum-sal etc.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

No specific treatment is available
A few individuals partially respond to anti-depressant medication

WHAT ELSE CAN BE DONE? - ACCESSORY MANAGEMENT

Deep breathing and walking in fresh air can increase the energy levels.
A well balanced nutritious diet with ample fluids should be taken.
Avoid mental and physical exertion during an acute illness. Try to take proper rest. DO NOT ' pop-a-pill and go-to work' if you are not feeling very well.

WHERE ELSE TO FIND MORE INFO? INTERNET RESOURCES

REFERENCE WORKS

Davidson's Principles and Practise of Medicine, 17th ed, 1996, Churchill Livingstone

New Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory, William Boericke, 2nd revised ed., 2001, B. Jain

Select Your remedy, Rai Bahdur Bishambhar Das, 19th ed, 1999, Bishambar Free Homeo Dispensary

A Concise Repertory of Homeopathic Medicines, S.R.Phatak, 3rd ed, B. Jain

Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics, Dewey, reprint ed, 1993, B.Jain

IMPOTENCE

Impotence refers to a man's absolute inability to obtain a penile erection even after proper stimulation. If the condition is not absolute, i.e.; either erections are not complete r there is an inability to maintain them long enough, then the condition in general is called 'penile dysfunction'.

CAUSE

In majority of cases psychological reasons are implicated.
Vascular disease involving internal pudendal artery is thought to be one of the reasons for age related impotency.
A nerve injury or spinal cord injury may result in impotence.
Impotence may be an early symptom of diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, tabes dorsalis etc.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Inability to get an erection is usually the only complaint.
In cases of penile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and spermatorrhoea may be found.
Depression often accompanies impotence. Severe depression can lead to impotence and impotence can lead to depression. It works both ways.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Homeopathy offers some very good medicines to treat this condition. But for proper treatment a homeopath must probe into the psychological reasons behind the condition. A detailed case history is necessary, including not only the sexual history, but also his general medical history, physical and mental characteristics etc. It is not easy give long term results if a homeopath is unable to make a judgment as to 'What went wrong?'. Also the 'when', 'where' and 'how' need to be answered too. long with the medicine such patients often need psychological counseling, especially so, if there are marked depressive traits present. This counseling can be done by an experienced homeopath or by a trained psychologist.

Some of the medicines commonly indicated in such conditions are agnus-castus, argentum-nit, china, conium, lycopodium, acid-phos, picric-acid, sabal-serr., selenium, strychninum, yohibinum, kali-brom, arnica, baryta-carb, nux-vomica etc. The selection of medicine varies from cae to case, and so do the results. But the food thing about homeopathic treatment is that you don't need to pop-a-pil every time you desire some action. Once you regain your ability to attain an erection, you usually get it for good.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

Viagra and similar drugs are now the medicines of choice. you need to pop-a-pill every time you....Also the medicine cannot be given to heart patients without medical examination.
Anti depressants are often given.
Penile paparazine injections were used previously.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?

Exercise daily -

it increases the level of male hormones
it increases the level of certain neurohormones, which result in mood elevation
it increases the peripheral blood circulation

WHERE ELSE TO FIND MORE INFO? - INTERNET RESOURCES

BOOK REFERENCES

Davidson's Principles and Practise of Medicine, 17th ed, 1996, Churchill Livingstone

Hutchinson's Clinical Methods, Michael Swash, 20th ed, 1995, W B Saunders

New Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory, William Boericke, 2nd revised ed., 2001, B. Jain

Select Your remedy, Rai Bahdur Bishambhar Das, 19th ed, 1999, Bishambar Free Homeo Dispensary

The Prescriber, Clarke, reprint ed, 1998, B. Jain

Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics, Dewey, reprint ed, 1993, B.Jain

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER

An obsessional symptom is an unwanted thought or impulse which enters the subjects mind repeatedly despite his/ her conscious resistance.

CAUSE

The cause of OCD is poorly understood. Genetics is known to play some role. OCD can rarely occur due to some neurological disease.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Obsessional symptoms are recognized as coming from subjects own mind. Common themes include repeated thoughts of becoming aggressive or fears of contamination. These thoughts are often followed by rituals which are patterns of behavior developed to relieve the anxiety generated by the original obsession. The rituals involve repeated checking, hand washing or changing the clothes. The condition tends to follow a relapsing course.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Homeopathy does offer treatment for OCD. But the treatment is not very easy (compared to many other mood disorders) and a monitoring period of many years is required. While treating OCD, 'perseverance' is the keyword, both for the doctor and the patient. It takes long time to obtain long-term benefits. The treatment method remains consistent with the general homeopathic approach towards patient, disease, and cure.

Some of the medicines commonly indicated in this condition are lachesis, acid-nitricum, anacardium, natrum-mur, arsenic-alb, thuja, sabadilla, stannum, medorrhinum etc.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

Behavior therapy is the preferred treatment.
Medicines like clomipramine and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are used.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFO? - INTERNET RESOURCES

REFERENCE WORKS

A short Textbook of Psychiatry, Niral Ahuja, 4th ed, 1999, Jaypee

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed, McGraw-Hill

Davidson's Principles and Practise of Medicine, 17th ed, 1996, Churchill Livingstone

New Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory, William Boericke, 2nd revised ed., 2001, B. Jain

A Concise Repertory of Homeopathic Medicines, S.R.Phatak, 3rd ed, B. Jain

Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics, Dewey, reprint ed, 1993, B.Jain

PEPTIC ULCER

The term peptic ulcer usually refers to an ulcer in the lower esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.

CAUSE

1. Heredity - Patients with peptic ulcer often have a family history of the disease, this is particularly so with duodenal ulcers which develop below the age of 20 years. The relatives of chronic ulcer patients have three times the expected number of ulcers.

2. Helicobacter pylori - This is the most important etiological factor in peptic ulcer disease, accounting for 90% of duodenal ulcers and 70% of gastric ulcers. By causing gastritis it reduces the resistance of the gastric mucosa to attack be acid and pepsin and a gastric ulcer may result.

3. Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) - These damage the gastric mucosal barrier and are an important etiological factor in up to 30% of gastric ulcers.

4. Smoking - confers an increased risk of gastric ulcer and to a lesser extent duodenal ulcer.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Abdominal pain - Pain is referred to the epigastrium and is often so sharply localized that the patient can indicate its site with tow or three fingers - the 'pointing sign'
Hunger pain - Pain occurs intermittently during the day, often when the stomach is empty, so that the patient identifies it as 'hunger pain' and obtains relief be eating.
Night pain - Pain wakes the patient from sleep and may be relieved by food, a drink of milk or antacids. This symptoms if found, is virtually pathognomonic of peptic ulcer disease..
Episodic pain/ Periodicity - Characteristically pain occurs in 'on again/off again' episodes, lasting one to three times a week at a time, three to four times in a year. In temperate climates seasonal variation may be noted with an increased frequency of symptoms during winter and spring.
Other symptoms -

· Waterbarsh

· Heartburn

· Loss of appetite

· Vomiting

HOW DIAGNOSIS IS DONE?

Endoscopy is the preferred method.
Double contrast barium meal examination may be done.

COMPLICATIONS

The ulcer may occasionally perforate leading to peritonitis and other complications.

WHAT TO DIFFERENTIATE FROM?

Occasional dyspepsia (indigestion)
Malignant ulcer/ carcinoma

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Homeopathy offers some very good medicines for peptic ulcer disease. But for a homeopath, the symptoms of the disease are much more important than the ulcer itself. This is because to select the right medicine a homeopaths needs to differentiate between the finer presentations of a disease which, vary from person to person. A homeopath not only tries to heal the ulcer but also tries to remove the general predisposition to acquire it. The homeopath not only tries to find 'What is wrong?', but also 'Why it went wrong?'; 'Where it started going wrong?'; 'How it evolved to the current stage?' etc. To find the answers to all these questions, a homeopath tries to gather as much information as possible regarding the pat and present medical history of the patient, his/her family history, his/her general physical and psychological characteristics etc. This hard work on the part of homeopath not only helps in removing the acute symptoms and the ulcer but also is usually able to remove the tendency for relapse. The 'on-again/off-again' nature of the disease is often removed and the general health of the person also improves as a result.

Some of the commonly used medicines for gastritis and duodenal ulcers are argentum-nit, arsenic-alb, atropine, geranium, hydrastis, kali-bichrom, merc-cor, ornithogalum, phosphorus, uranium-nit, terebintha, lycopodium, pulsatilla, graphites, natrum-phos, medorrhinum etc.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

Drugs which decrease the secretion of acids in stomach are the mainstay of treatment. These include drugs like cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, nizatidine, omeprazole (proton-pump inhibitor) etc
Bismuth salts, antibiotics, and metronidazole are given to eradicate Helicobacter pylori
Antacids are prescribed for symptomatic relief.
Surgery is rarely indicated for ulcers resistant to therapy or where there are frequent relapses.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? - ACCESSORY MANAGEMENT

Avoid cigarette
Aspirin and Bon-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs should be avoided
Spicy and rich food may aggravate. If so, it should be avoided.
Drink lots of water.
Take frequent small meals instead of two or three big meals.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFO? - INTERNET RESOURCES

REFERENCE WORKS

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed, McGraw-Hill

Davidson's Principles and Practise of Medicine, 17th ed, 1996, Churchill Livingstone

New Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory, William Boericke, 2nd revised ed., 2001, B. Jain

A Concise Repertory of Homeopathic Medicines, S.R.Phatak, 3rd ed, B. Jain

The Prescriber, Clarke, reprint ed, 1998, B. Jain

Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics, Dewey, reprint ed, 1993, B.Jain

MOOD DISORDERS/ AFFECTIVE DISORDERS

CAUSE

- Genetic Factors have some role in bipolar disorder.

- Environmental factors like

Loss of mother before age 11
3 or more children under 14 living at home
Lack of confiding relationship
Lack of employment etc

are known o play a significant role in mood disorders.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

Depression of mood is the primary symptom. There may be a diurnal variation of mood, depression being most distressing early in the morning or at the end of the day.
Loss of pleasure in life (anhedonia)
Loss of interest in oneself and others
Low self esteem
Self blame
Hopelessness
Suicidal thinking
Feeling of guilt and worthlessness
Sleep disturbance (initial insomnia, early morning wakening or hypersomnia)
Poor concentration
Fatigue
Headache and other pains
Anorexia (loss of appetite)
Weight changes
Constipation
Reduced libido

All these symptoms may not be present in any single person and the level of intensity of symptoms vary from person to person.

HOW DIAGNOSIS IS MADE?

The diagnosis is usually done clinically based on the signs and symptoms.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

Antidepressant drugs, cognitive therapy, and electro convulsive therapy are used.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? - ACCESSORY MANAGEMENT

Visit a psychotherapist or join a support group where you can talk about your emotions freely.
Be more open with your family and friends - do not hide your feelings, share them.
Try to remain actively involved in some work/job.
Exercise daily - it not only is good for your body, but also for your mind. Exercise is known to increase the level of many neuro-hormones, which bring a feeling of well-being and happiness.
Eat a well balanced and nutritious diet with ample fluids.
Learn some meditation, yoga, or stress relieving exercises. These help a lot in regaining your control over your emotions.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MANIA

Sense of well being evident as elation or ecstasy
Confidence and self-esteem are high
Grandiose ideas without any substance.
Thoughtless and risky behavior
Delusion of being especially gifted or of being well-connected.
Thoughts come rapidly
Speech is fast
Physical activity is increased
Appetite is initially increased but may be decreased later.
Sleep hours are reduced, but this does not cause fatigue.
Promiscuity may occur.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

Neuroleptic drugs like haloperidol or a phenothiazine or lithium carb are some of the drugs that are commonly used.

Electro convulsive therapy is given to resistant cases.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? - ACCESSORY MANAGEMENT

BIPOLAR DISORDER

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Refer those of depression and mania

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT

WHERE ELSE TO FIND MORE INFO? - INTERNET RESOURCES

REFERENCE WORKS

A short Textbook of Psychiatry, Niral Ahuja, 4th ed, 1999, Jaypee

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed, McGraw-Hill

Davidson's Principles and Practise of Medicine, 17th ed, 1996, Churchill Livingstone

New Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory, William Boericke, 2nd revised ed., 2001, B. Jain

A Concise Repertory of Homeopathic Medicines, S.R.Phatak, 3rd ed, B. Jain

Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics, Dewey, reprint ed, 1993, B.Jain

Home Page

Disclaimer: Information on this site is extracted from different web resources to facilitate people. A health care professional must be consulted before starting any new medication or program. Author of this site does not assume any liability/responsibility about the contents whatsoever.