Some Hot Topics of day to day Practice and their Therapeutics: An Insight, a Perspective:
Abstract: The following article tells about some topics which are regularly addressed by homeopathic doctors in their clinics. These topics may be addressed by prompt homeopathic treatment (although these conditions may be managed well by homeopathic treatment, author advocates taking expert advice from the specialists from the respective fields if required). There is a description of Influenza and related illnesses with their homeopathic perspective at the end of this article. Author’s explanations on Flu and Influenza are mostly based on tropics as the author has his clinical practice in Indian subcontinent. There are many variations of the manifestations of the cases which demand prompt and proper management. Author endeavours to start the article with a very common condition (school phobia) which is found in day to day practice and which may be readily addressed by Homeopathy.
School Phobia – an insight into it and role of Homeopathy:
This is an interesting topic on which many views, approaches, methodologies are practised. In today’s perspective, hurry and worry are the frequenters to everyone’s life. Children are no exception to it. They do also suffer from anxieties which sometimes get manifested into various types of psychosomatic disorders of which school phobia is an often addressed one.
A routine prescription is Dysentery Compound (a bowel nosode) in children’s cases where anticipation about going school plays a key role to give rise to symptoms of fear of going to school, anxiety about what will happen in school and performance anxiety. Many times this drug helps to get rid of the situation. Moreover, it acts fast as observed in the author’s practice. Preferred potency is 200CH and 1M. The second one is Carcinosin which is applied as an intercurrent and sometimes at the beginning while treating cases of different anxiety states and phobias of children. Author prefers to give Carcinosin with the past histories of recurrent infections in early childhood, there is too much parental protection and control in childhood and these children are usually blue sclerotics. Sometimes, the history of Cyclic Vomiting in childhood also gets benefited from Carcinosin. Patients of Carcinosin get anticipatory anxieties and various types of fear. Preferred potency is 1M but 200CH is a good potency to start a case. It is observed that in children’s cases, Carcinosin acts brilliantly as a constitutional drug also (Author has a specific view about constitution, he wants to highlight that, Carcinosin may sometimes be indicated for cases of children with its strong particular and general symptoms which some physician calls as constitutional, but author prefers considering Carcinosin as a constitutional when he gets the typical past and family history of Carcinosin in the case sufficed by strong physical characteristics e.g. blue sclerotics, cafe au lait complexion, strong desire or aversion for salts and fat foods et cetera. Author is particularly in favour of prescribing drugs correlating their pathology to the pharmacodynamics of drugs. Author prefers past and family history as important benchmarks for prescription as these histories often speak about the very fundamental nature of the case e.g. dyscrasia, predisposition, susceptibility, idiosyncrasy, temperament et cetera which may be collectively called as constitution. Not only these, we are living in an era in which scientists are researching the correlation of various diseases with their genetic aspects i.e cytogenetics, which was known as constitution, dyscrasia, miasm in the past, genetic assessment could specifically define a constitution so that in future we will be able to pinpoint diseases more comprehensively and we could structure our treatment more rationally).
Third one is Aethusa Cynapium which is preferred in an anxious child who cannot tolerate milk (vomits milk after drinking) and this children sometimes develop extreme anticipatory anxiety before going to school or before any ordeal. Preferred potency is 200CH.
The fourth one is Silicea which sometimes gives very good results in such anxiety states and has been verified by the author in his practice. It is observed that Silicea children have strong symptoms of sweating especially on palms and soles when they are put into a new situation. Author calls this as disturbance of the autonomic nervous system which becomes prevalent in Silicea in such situations and it is usually at a functional level where there is no organic cause or pathology found. They get sweaty hands and palms when they are asked to perform a sum on a blackboard, although they know it very well as the author finds them intelligent and diligent workers in class. Preferred potency of Silicea is 1M and 10M for school phobias and anxiety related to performing school activity.
Kali Bichromicum in Acid Peptic Disorder:
It is a drug par excellence in Gastritis. Its main pathological action is on stomach mucosa. Kali Bichromicum causes morbid increase in the quantity of mucus which results from inflammation of gastric mucosa which may result in erosion, endoscopically it is often seen as ‘antral erosion’. The result is increased gastric catarrh, manifested as dyspepsia and vomiting. Author specifically prescribes Kali Bichromicum on the findings mentioned above. Low to medium potency two/three or four times daily for a fortnight to one month or more at times may bring down the suffering to normal, healing the pathology.
Kali Phos, a Nourisher for Nerves:
This drug acts well in biochemic forms (3X, 6X etc.) as well as in potencies. High potencies are also of value. Prostration runs through the drug. Kali Phos is a drug of much repute in modern days of hurry, worry and stress. Kali Phos is of much repute for the affection of the Sympathetic Nervous System especially of the young people. It suits well the picture of modern day young workaholic entrepreneurs, businessmen and the people working in various management jobs in which overwork and stress are the key factors. This drug may be considered as an adjunct in cases of PTSDs (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Pinworms and author’s view onto it, Myths and Facts:
This subject reminds the author of his very earlier days in homeopathic college when he was a student of 1st and 2nd years and was reading numerous drugs for worms in children e.g. Cina, Calcarea Carb, Teucrium, Chenopodium Antihelminthicum, Filix Mas, Granatum, Santonin and many more. It was one of the very frequently made discussions amongst the doctor friends at the coffee table “What is the role of Homeopathy in Worms”? Author could narrate his personal views about it which is seen in clinical practice that Pinworms (Enterobiasis) come and go, and in some children it keeps on haunting round the year and sometimes go during the course of treatment for some other ailments. Although surprising, this incidence is often met in practice. What the author personally believes for pinworms is that hand hygiene is very important and it should be inculcated in children through parents and caregivers to minimize pinworm infestation. Practically, it is really challenging to cure cases of pinworms which he believes.
Bellis Perennis, a sign post for Deep Tissue Injury:
Commonly known as ‘bruise wort’, a sovereign drug for deep injuries (after pelvic surgeries and traumatic injuries) to abdominal organs esp. of females resulting in numerous gynecological consequences. Competes with Calendula and Arnica in injuries. A remedy par excellence in neuralgia and after effects of cold from exposure to sudden cold environment when overheated, as jumping into cold water on a hot summer’s day. A drug for tiredness, stasis and congestion. Used potencies are 30CH, 200CH, 1M and mother tincture. Such a powerful anti traumatic and a first class wound remedy.
Plantar Fasciitis and Phytolacca, a physician’s choice:
Phytolacca Decandra is a sovereign drug efficacious in cases of Plantar Fasciitis. In this context the author would like to quote Dr. W. Boericke from his materia medica – “Has a powerful effect on fibrous and osseous tissues; fasciae and muscle sheaths; acts on scar tissue”. This clearly signifies pathological symptoms, findings and diagnosis often corroborating with the inference ‘drugs having pathological relationship to the organ or organ system which we call the drug affinity or sphere of action certainly exercise its curative or palliative action or effects to the pathological condition of that organ or organ system’. Contributor of this comment i.e. the author continuously endeavours to find and collect information on the pathological action of drugs from various sources and applying those on patients having the pathology in his clinical practice.
Dentition and Homeopathy: Calcarea Phosphorica or Chamomilla?
Calc Phos is the most specific clinically indicated drug as per the author. Calc Phos is routinely prescribed in cases of delayed dentition in children. Preferred potency is 1M three to six doses every fortnight till the tooth erupts. Occasionally, Calc Phos 12X/ 4 tablets / two times daily (grinded and mixed with milk for little children, may be started after six months as first six months known as Exclusive Breastfeeding where baby is only exclusively breast fed) is prescribed for regular use which is sometimes continued till there is an eruption of tooth. This tissue salt acts to maintain an equilibrium of calcium metabolism which helps to form and maintain bone matrix ultimately helping in bone growth. Children needing Calc Phos are usually anemic, pale, convalescent after some acute or wasting disease (acts as a recuperative health tonic) having feeble digestion and cold extremities (irrespective of these symptoms of Calcarea Phos author prescribes it as routine). In the case of Chamomilla, oversensitivity to pain and suffering run through the remedy. In teething children, this symptom of Chamomilla is often found along with diarrhea during dentition being the other characteristic. Chamomilla is preferred in 200CH or 1M potencies. Author advocates Calcarea Phos as a tissue remedy and a drug which could modify calcium metabolism in teething children but he prefers prescribing Chamomilla in children having pain and gastrointestinal complaints during the period of dentition but not as a tissue remedy for dentition.
Allergy, Urticaria and Homeopathy, a ready reckoner:
Apart from Apis Mel, Natrum Mur etc. there are a few more which is used in clinical practice. These drugs are Chloralum Hydratum, Antipyrine, Kali Iod, Hepar Sulph, Thyroidinum and Rhus Toxicodendron. Author prefers using Chloral Hydrate 6CH or 30CH together with Antipyrine 6CH or 30CH for acute hives (urticaria, mostly papular urticaria), Kali Iod and Hep Sulph 200CH for more chronic cases where the hives are bigger in size. Thyroidinum 200CH, 1M for chronic cases where it is considered almost specific. Rhus Toxicodendron 30CH, 200CH and 1m act very well in acute cases where it is mostly applicable where there is allergic rash, swelling and redness which are present on genitals and surrounding areas which have been verified clinically by the author. Rhus Tox and Apis Mellifica themselves are drugs par excellence for allergy and urticaria as per their doctrine of signature and pathophysiological action on skin and immune system. To end it must be said that allergy should be respected and taken care of with utmost importance as it may precipitate as a life threatening condition occasionally and it may indicate some alternative diagnosis also e.g. H.Pylori infection, some viral respiratory infections, Hepatitis B and many more.
Kali Bromatum in Children’s Cases:
We, the practitioners of Homeopathy frequently meet children with night terrors. Kali Bromatum is almost specific in cases of night terrors esp. in children. Kali Brom child with night terror screams, cries and moans, sees horrible dreams, unable to recognize and recall events and the condition is so troublesome that these children cannot be comforted easily while being in such a state of terror. This may be associated with somnambulism sometimes. The other good indications of Kali Brom are fidgety of hands and fingers (almost a constant movement of fingers esp., which is very characteristic), poor memory, localised insensibility (localised anesthesia of skin), a melancholic, depressive state with uncontrollable weeping, delusion, fear of being poisoned, different types of acne esp. Acne Rosacea, epilepsy and seizure disorder etc. This drug has a special affinity to the nervous system. Obesity is another feature of Kali Brom which runs through the drug (Kali group is generally obese). In relation to the drugs which work on cases of night terrors,Tuberculinum may be given as an intercurrent remedy which is verified by the author in his clinical practice. Tuberculinum is preferred in 200CH or 1M potency. Kali Brom 1M is preferred in children’s cases. Sometimes, Bowel nosodes (Geartner Bach and Sycotic Co.) are also used as intercurrent drugs in such cases to bring good reaction to the cases and these nosodes foster the recovery/cure.
Conjunctivitis, Homeopathy and author’s view:
Clinically, Euphrasia 200CH or 1M as a first line agent for Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) is used by the author. It is preferred to give this drug at the onset and author have had the privilege of treating conjunctivitis using Euphrasia as the concept of ‘Genus epidemicus’ during the outbreak of conjunctivitis with success in 1999 in his homeopathic college, where the drug was used in a large scale to his fellow batchmates and others. So, from experience, it may be well said that it is a drug par excellence in conjunctivitis if administered early. At the same time, It must also conclude that it acts best in viral type mostly where there is not much complication of the cornea etc. as well as there is no gross pathological changes to the eye. To conclude if there are redness, gritty sensation, photophobia, itching and discomfort of the eye, Euphrasia may be safely used. In such cases, it should be continued for at least seven days for a complete eradication (author’s observation and experience).
Next comes the drug ‘Argentum Nitricum’ which is again a drug par excellence as per old books and materia medica. Regarding Argentum Nitricum, the author has no practical experience in treating conjunctivitis specifically till date as it is the usual scenario to visit an ophthalmologist by the time a case of Argentum Nitricum comes to him. But, considering the facts mentioned in books It may be added. H.C. Allen in his Key notes says “Acute granular conjunctivitis; scarlet- red, like raw beef; discharge profuse or muco-purulent”. From this statement, we all understand that these are the symptoms of Trachoma, (also known as Granular Conjunctivitis/ Egyptian Conjuntivitis) – caused by Chlamydia Trachomatis, usually starts in one eye, ultimately becomes a bilateral conjunctivitis with characteristic symptoms of mucopurulent discharge (after sometime in the course of the disease) with eyelid swelling and marked conjunctival injection. This is a treatable condition but as per Ophthalmology this condition has to be addressed early with antibiotics etc. But, before the days of antibiotics, Argentum Nitricum helped (as per the books of materia medica and case papers) to cure such conditions. Author would like to bring to your attention another condition which is in favour of Argentum Nitricum. H.C. Allen in his key notes writes “Ophthalmia neonatorum: profuse, purulent, discharge; cornea opaque, ulcerated; lids sore, thick swollen; agglutinated in morning…”. This saying goes in favour of the various forms of bacterial conjunctivitis (esp. Gonococcal Conjunctivitis which gives rise to these typical symptoms). So, it is a well known fact that drugs do have pathological relations and affinity to certain organ systems from which the symptoms are derived by proving. N.B. in both the cases, a careful eye examination by an ophthalmologist is utmost important. A few other important drugs for conjunctivitis are Graphites, Kali Bichromicum, Hepar Sulph, Mercurius Corrosivus etc.
Flu, Influenza, Influenza like illnesses- author’s way of understanding and insights into it:
From very early days of clinical practice, the author has the privilege to see cases of Flu, Influenza and Influenza like illnesses almost on a regular basis. Being a practitioner from Indian subcontinent, where diversity of weather is the rule which imbibes him to dwell and to modify the various management protocols of such cases.
Down memory lane recalling his earlier days of practice, Flu like illnesses could have been well managed with one or two drugs mostly unless it was very complicated (Influenza may play a notorious role to patients with respiratory compromise as in Asthma etc.). This time period which the author wants to mention is between 2005-2009. After that a steep shift of weather change was observed in which there is medium to heavy rains in winter, a tardy and not so cold winter, a damp weather almost throughout the year and a hot-humid summer full of perspiration. These are the specific changes which have taken place especially in West Bengal (a state of India on the banks of river Ganges) where author’s practice is based and he would discuss five drugs under this heading which may be called frequently for such Flu-like illness.
Gelsemium:
Author’s favourite drug for ‘Spring Flu’. Specifically it is used in the month of March, April and occasionally prescribed in ‘Summer flu’ (when summer starts, in India i.e April and in mid summer i.e. May). Many a times, parents of little children take their children before us stating “Doctor after coming back from school yesterday, my child felt sick, had few bouts of vomiting, feverish, little drowsy, not willing to eat or drink and he is complaining of body ache, myalgia more of malaise and sometimes sore throat”. This is typical Gelsemium which is usually prescribed 1M repeating hourly or every two hourly till the patient feels better. One word of caution which must be mentioned is – Group A beta hemolytic Streptococcal Tonsillopharyngitis case may mimic with the symptoms of sore throat, headache, body ache, malaise and vomiting but there is no cough as a rule in beta hemolytic streptococcal Tonsillopharyngitis cases which has to be differentiated with clinical acumen as this infection may require alternative management as we all know strains of this bacterium has a predilection for heart and kidney causing Rheumatic Heart Disease and Post Streptococcal GlomeruloNephritis respectively.
Gelsemium is an excellent drug for Flu, Flu like illnesses and Influenza occurring in the Spring and Summer season. Practically, It is not always looked for the symptom ‘thirstlessness’ before prescribing Gelsemium rather observation concludes that viruses causing Flu and related illness affect and harbor in the respiratory mucous membrane and Gelsemium has special affinity for respiratory mucus membrane which readily recovers the patient from illness.
Eupatorium Perfoliatum:
This drug is commonly known as ‘Bone Set’ or ‘Ague weed as it produces pain in bones during proving. This drug has a beautiful impact in practice as some peculiar characteristics are observed. Talking about its pathogenesis, it principally acts on respiratory mucous membrane and gastrointestinal tract especially stomach. It has action on the liver also. It is an old American remedy for intermittent fever. It is a well known drug for ‘Dengue Fever’ prevailing in India. Now, let us give a little introduction of this drug. Typically it is called for in the months from April to August as Indians don’t enjoy the temperate climate of West rather there is presence of moisture in the atmosphere which is very common in the months from April to August. Not surprisingly Indians do suffer from Flu and Influenza like illnesses in these months though typically Influenza virus is most active in the winter months. Typical bone pain is classically found in Dengue Fever and myalgia-arthralgia is a prominent feature of ‘Flu’. Remarkable influence on respiratory mucous membranes along with body aches occurring in warm to damp and damp cold weather are the hallmark of Eupatorium Perfoliatum apart from its other characteristics e.g. scanty sweat and chill in morning. Differentiating it from Gelsemium, Gelsemium is frequently indicated when the Spring season starts and during the season, where Eupatorium is of more value in later months.
Bryonia:
A much coveted one for the affection of upper respiratory tract producing Coryza, terminating in affection of Pleura and Bronchioles causing Pleuritis, and Bronchopneumonia respectively when the weather changes from cold to warm e.g. when there is scorching sun in the day and the nights are comparatively colder. In other words, the temperature gap is wide. Typical feature of Bryonia being the aggravation in Winter and Summer Solstice (in Winter Solstice the night is the longest and in Summer Solstice, day is the longest and this occurs at different times in northern and southern hemispheres, and there is considerable temperature variation between day and night during solstice). It has other very well known characteristics. It suits well to both the extremes of weather, works well in winter as well as in summer Flu. The only differences which the author has found clinically important regarding Eupatorium and Bryonia are: Bryonia has more perspiration than Eupatorium Perfoliatum, and the appearance of symptoms are tardy after the exposure than Eupatorium. Regarding thirst, both the drugs are thirsty per se. In practice, both these drugs may be administered alternately.
Rhus Toxicodendron:
This drug complements the actions of Bryonia. Of much value in affection of the upper and lower respiratory tract (in Flu and Influenza). Typical myalgia, joint ache, malaise occurring after the end of Summer when Monsoon approaches and during rain with the symptom of heat (fever) followed by chill followed by perspiration suffice Rhus Tox. A good history i.e. ‘checked perspiration’ from bathing in cold water (mothers of children come and say the history “my son played outdoors yesterday, came home with full of sweat, went for a cold bath followed by an evening rise of temperature, chill, thirst and perspiration. Author humorously gives a nomenclature, ‘Swimming Pool Fever’, where the history is again swimming for a considerable time period while being overheated, perspiring and falling sick. Author doesn’t know any other drug which so profoundly acts on vegetative organisms with the history of being overheated and sweating. Indeed it is a drug for the fevers with the toxic symptoms present. In patients with comorbidities associated with NCDs (Non Communicable Diseases) e.g. COAD (Chronic Obstructive Airway Diseases), Asthma, Diabetes Mellitus, a simple Flu may terminate into more severe bacterial infection or exacerbation of viral Pneumonia which may get prevented by early administration of Rhus Tox. Countries in Asia and some other countries which enjoy rainfall on a regular basis often call for this drug. Not only these, in temperate climates, it is of much value also.
N.B. Author’s medical practice is based in Indian subcontinent and author personally prefers prescribing Bryonia, Rhus Tox and Eupatorium Perfoliatum alternately in most of his cases of Flu especially in adult patients as he believes this regime acts faster and in such conditions, and moreover paucity of symptoms is usually found which may obstruct the choice of a particular drug. Author has a strong view that these drugs act synergistically as they are analogous in action to each other. Another word of caution which the author would like to highlight is “it is a waste of time to look for a full page totality in a case of Flu which not only increases the suffering of the patient but may also delay the choice of correct prescription”. Author has the opinion of prescribing more than one drug in such conditions. Author also thinks that he does not know about any research which has been conducted so far which clearly concludes that more than one drug does not act in a given case.
Mercurius Solubilis:
A gem of therapeutics, apart from its characteristic physical symptoms and signs possessing a strong relation to weather condition. Mercurius Solubilis is considered as a powerful anti inflammatory against both URTI (Upper Respiratory Tract Infections) and LRTI (Lower Respiratory Tract Infections) and it is a well known fact that it has the capacity to arrest suppurative process appearing in upper respiratory tract as ‘Quinsy’ and in lower respiratory tract as ‘Empyema’. An autumn remedy, when weather is changing from warm to wet cold yet there is increase of sweating because of high humidity esp. in September and October (in India mostly) as there is usually rainfall in these months, the days are warm, humid, and when rain brings down the temperature, nights become comparatively colder rather wet favouring the action of Merc Sol. Due to constant change of climatic conditions in last few decades and increase of surface temperature of earth coupled with pollution and effects of greenhouse gas and the depression in the atmosphere (Depression is the area with a relatively low pressure gradient causing change in direction of air flow from and to that area in relation to surrounding areas resulting in storm, thundershowers or rain) favours the soil for use of Merc Sol more frequently. Let us elaborate it in detail. There is not much temperature drop in Autumn in India especially in the coastal areas where rainfall is a regular feature. So the days are warm, humid yet damp and nights are comparatively colder. Merc Sol fits well to the symptoms of Flu in this weather. We all know the use of a Barometer in detecting the constant change of weather and air pressure. This may be correlated with Merc Sol also i.e. the changes of temperature in the environment being a constant occurrence, Merc Sol may be effectively used. There are two keynotes from the author’s practice regarding its use which is stated in addition. Sometimes a chill or simply a chilliness prevails for a short period of time (for hours, could be twenty four hours or more) before the appearance of symptoms of Flu. This is the high time for prescription of Merc Sol, giving Merc Sol at the outset with this symptom and enjoying a less troublesome and virulent case of Flu is often observed in the author’s practice. Preferred potency is 200 CH or 1M with frequent repetition till the patient clinically feels better. It is a valued indication. The other symptom: when coryza is accompanied by a sore throat. This symptom combination is another valuable indication for Merc Sol. Infection with many types of respiratory viral pathogens give rise to this combination of symptoms which is also a keynote of Merc Sol.
Important consideration regarding homeopathic prescription and a few other points about Influenza, Flu etc.:
1. Drugs mentioned above are frequently used for Flu and related illnesses by the author of this article. Apart from Merc Sol, all other drugs have the amelioration once the perspiration starts to commence. But this characteristic of the discussed other drugs may not always help in practice. Virus goes into transformation and there is wide variation in host response in cases of Flu and Influenza. Prompt prescription and proper management skills are the important benchmarks for successful treatment of Flu and related illnesses. Author usually does not pay interest to symptoms e.g. absolute thirstlessness of Gelsemium, bone pains before and during chill and 9 AM chill of Eupatorium Perfoliatum, tendency to produce free sweat and tardy development of symptoms of Bryonia, typical triangular red tip of Rhus Toxicodendron and typical appearance of indented flabby tongue of Merc Sol. et cetera as author believes these are highly variable and proving symptoms are not always found in practical set up. Rather History of the present illness (while taking the history of the present Flu, the causation is found often) provides valuable information for correct prescription. Author frequently gives a combination therapy in such cases as it may be a waste of time to look for the appearance of red line symptoms and this does not appear as such in many cases.
2. Classically Influenza is caused by Influenza Virus A, B and C. Influenza Virus A and B both having their phenomena of ‘antigenic drift’ cause yearly epidemics while B is almost exclusively a human pathogen causing systemic symptoms mostly, cause milder infection and there are gastrointestinal symptoms sometimes and these gastrointestinal symptoms are mostly found in association with rhinitis and conjunctivitis usually found in very young children. A and B viruses are responsible for yearly and seasonal epidemics. In a temperate climate, this causes disease and epidemics occur in winter and fall. But in tropics, it occurs around the year. In this regard the author prefers to prescribe Eupatorium Perfoliatum, Gelsemium and Rhus Tox as Eupatorium and Rhus Tox pathologically affect the gastrointestinal mucosa and Gelsemium the respiratory tract. It should also be mentioned that Eupatorium Perfoliatum affects respiratory as well as gastrointestinal mucosa and in tropics it becomes more difficult to isolate the virus strain due to various reasons, this may favour a combination therapy protocol. Author considers Gelsemium almost specific for Flu. Influenza C cases are very mild. There is another virus known as Influenza D which probably does not cause disease in humans.
3. This family of influenza viruses (Influenza A specifically) is known to have the potential of causing notorious epidemics as well as pandemics which may result in considerable mortality and morbidity. Influenza virus affects the respiratory mucus membrane profoundly causing viral pneumonia which may prove dangerous to the infants, young children and the aged. The risk gets manifold with the comorbidities e.g. Chronic Obstructive Airway Disorders, Asthma, Diabetes Mellitus, patients in whom renal functions are compromised and patients on immunosuppressive therapy with immunocompromise and pregnant mothers. Special care and prompt urgent referral to the specified clinic is of utmost importance in managing the cases of the special groups.
4. There are many viral pathogens which includes, Parainfluenza Virus, Rhinovirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, and many species of the group Picornaviridae et cetera may cause influenza like syndromes which can be managed successfully with Homeopathy. Author advocates Merc Sol and Rhus Tox in ‘Hand Foot and Mouth disease’ (hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by Coxsackievirus A16 mostly and Enterovirus 71 which mostly affect school children, occurring in groups and in clusters).
5. It is observed that there is a prolonged convalescence which persists after Influenza. Author personally prefers Bacillinum or Tuberculinum Koch, Tuberculinum Bovinum and Tuberculinum Aviaire in such cases.
6. With the gradual increase of population, resulting in industrialization and pollution being the inevitable outcome, every possible measure should be taken for good pulmonary health of every individual. In the coming decades we will live with more patients of chronic lung diseases. So it is our duty to keep the environment and earth more habitable by looking at every nook and corner of it. More plantation is one of the keys to less pollution. Awareness generation and mass education about the basics of the common viral diseases are the other important pivots of healthy society.
7. Influenza virus and most of the other respiratory viruses are transmitted mainly by droplet (aerosol) infection. It is seen that outbreaks occur in crowded places. Maintaining personal hygiene (washing hands properly with soap and water is perhaps the single most important precautionary measure which can be easily practiced). This applies to the children in schools, day care centers and in homes. This effectively minimises the chance of infection.
8. Author prefers 200 CH and 1M potency in most of all the cases of Influenza and related illness. He prefers frequent repetition in these cases. For elderly patients, he prefers 200 CH, and for children’s cases, his preference is usually 1M. Occasionally 10M is also prescribed. Rhus Tox is used in 10M potency sometimes.
Conclusion:
This article is based on the author’s own observation from his clinical practice with some notes from different authors and different resources. Readers are requested to see the ‘reference’ section for further information. In practice, presentation of a given case varies from patient to patient which could be due to various factors including the nature of the antigenic variant of the virus, the current and previous immunity of the patient, the past immunity of the patient to the virus, the virulence of the organism, comorbid conditions, host response to the offending agents and many more. Thus the author requests all the readers to take a rational approach which fits best to the cases they treat for maximum benefit of the patient.
Reference:
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Boericke William. Boericke’s New Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica with Repertory including Indian Drugs, Nosodes, Uncommon Rare Remedies, Mother Tinctures, Relationships, Sides of the Body, Drug Affinities & List of Abbreviations. Third Revised & Augmented Edition Based on Ninth Edition. B. Jain Publishers (P) LTD. 2010. p. E242, p. K334, p. P456, p. 135C. p. C136. p. 323K.
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Dr. Shepherd Dorothy with a Foreword by Cyril Scott. A Physician’s Posy. Thornbury Edition. Health Science Press. p. 28. p.30.
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Hughes Richard. A Manual of Pharmacodynamics. Sixth Edition. B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd. 2014. p. 574.
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Allen H.C. MD. Keynotes And Characteristics With Comparisons Of Some Of The Leading Remedies Of The Materia Medica With Bowel Nosodes. Eighth Edition. B. Jain Publishers Pvt. LTD.1997. p. 43. p. 74. p. 151. p.152.
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Sankaran. P. Dr. The Elements of Homoeopathy, edited by Rajan Sankaran. Volume I. First Edition. Homoeopathic Medical Publishers. 1996. p. 149.
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WHO Official Website (who.int/influenza/en)
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Medscape Web (emedicine.medscape.com)
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