Asthma

Asthma is the common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm.

Asthma is caused by inflammation in the airways. When an asthma attack occurs, the muscles surrounding the airways become tight and the lining of the air passages swells. This reduces the amount of air that can pass by.
 

• Cough with or without sputum (phlegm) production
• Pulling in of the skin between the ribs when breathing.
• Shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise or activity
• Wheezing, which:
  • Comes in episodes with symptom-free periods in between
  • May be worse at night or in early morning
  • May go away on its own
  • Gets better when using drugs that open the airways (bronchodilators)
  • Gets worse when breathing in cold air
  • Gets worse with exercise
  • Gets worse with heartburn (reflux)
  • Usually begins suddenly

• Bluish color to the lips and face
• Decreased level of alertness, such as severe drowsiness or confusion, during an asthma attack
• Extreme difficulty breathing.
• Rapid pulse
• Severe anxiety due to shortness of breath
• Sweating

• Abnormal breathing pattern --breathing out takes more than twice as long as breathing in
• Breathing temporarily stops
• Chest pain
• Tightness in the chest

• Animals (pet hair or dander)
• Dust
• Changes in weather (most often cold weather)
• Chemicals in the air or in food
• Exercise
• Mold
• Pollen
• Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
• Strong emotions (stress)
• Tobacco smoke

Relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, Yoga Kriya, Chest packs are some of the auxiliary line of treatments which are helpful and shows good results while treating the Asthma along with the Homeopathic treatment.

The patient aged 10 years old having complaints of cold and cough. The patient is also complaining of breathing difficulty more at night, in cold season, and playing in dust. Nasal discharge is thick and white.
Spirometry reports (Lung Function Report) on 16/07/2011= FEV1- 56%. FVC- 85%. FEV1/FVC= 70%; Moderate obstruction.

Treatment given- Homeopathic medicine prescribed on the basis of symptom similarity for the acute attack of the asthma and followed by deep acting constitutional medicine.

Spirometry report (Lung Function Report) after the treatment on 06/09/2011= FEV1- 64%. FVC- 97%. FEV1/FVC- 69%. The report shows significant improvement in lung function and patient is better symptomatically. Now patient is doing well and stopped recurrent exacerbations.

38 years old male patient came with the complaints of wheezing since 9 years with breathing difficulty. There is cough with greenish expectoration, sticky in nature. The wheezing is more in cold season, upstairs on.

Associated complaint- Eczema with eruptions on toes; the patient is complaining of severe itching which is worse by scratching. Better by oil application and moisturizer. The patient is having work related stress since many years. The patient is ambitious by nature.

Spirometry reports (Lung Function Report) on 09/12/2011= FEV1- 41%. FVC- 54%. FEV1/FVC= 79%; Severe obstruction.

Treatment given- The Homeopathic medicine given in nebulisation to relieve the cough and spasm then followed by deep acting homeopathic constitutional medicine along with relaxation techniques to give relief in terms of coping with stress, Yoga Kriya- Nose wash and now the patient is better and reduced wheezing.

Spirometry report (Lung Function Report) after the treatment on 15/12/2011= FEV1- 82%. FVC- 86%. FEV1/FVC- 99%. All the patients are advised for Breathing exercises, Yoga kriyas, Relaxation techniques, different Chest packs along with the homeopathic treatment which are useful in showing good results.

Boil

A painful, circumscribed pus-filled inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue usually caused by a local staphylococcal infection.

A boil, also called a furuncle, is a deep folliculitis, infection of the hair follicle. It is most commonly caused by infection by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, resulting in a painful swollen area on the skin caused by an accumulation of pus and dead tissue.
Cause: Staphylococci aureus bacterial infection.
Signs & Symptoms: Boils are bumpy red, pus-filled lumps around a hair follicle that are tender, warm, and very painful. They range from pea-sized to golf ball-sized. A yellow or white point at the center of the lump can be seen when the boil is ready to drain or discharge pus. In a severe infection, an individual may experience fever, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. A recurring boil is called chronic furunculosis.

Complications: Sepsis, Cellulitis, Folliculitis, Impetigo, Abrasions, Cuts.

Treatment Plan:

• The medicines to be given to reduce the pain, spread of infection, fever.
• To avoid recurrence of the boils.

Multiple boils in axillary region since 1&1/2 yrs. Boils are red, big, with discharge of pus, painful, itching around the area of boil. The complaints worse during menses, fried food. Pus culture positive- Hydraadenitis suppurative.Complaints started after 2nd delivery.

Treatment given- The medicines given according to the acute totality of the symptoms to reduce pain, discharge of pus, and itching around the area of boils; then followed by the chronic constitutional deep acting homeopathic medicine to reduce tendency and recurrence of the boils on the basis of symptom similarity.

Boils - since 3 days on the right hip. Boils are very painful with offensive smell of the pus. History of recurrent boils since 2 weeks ago. 2 days before had fever. Treatment given- The homeopathic medicines are given acutely for reduction in pain and pus from the boils.

Boils all over the body since 3 to 4 years, worse in summers, sun exposure. Itching and redness of the body.
Aphthous Ulcers recurrently since 2 yrs. Burning pains with bleeding of gums and Lips. Worse in Summers, and better by cold food and drinks.
Treatment given- The Homeopathic medicines given on the basis of acute totality of symptoms to reduce the itching and redness of boils and then followed by chronic constitutional deep acting medicine to reduce tendency of boils as well as tendency of aphthous ulcers.

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disease of the brain leading to the irreversible loss of neurons and the loss of intellectual abilities, including memory and reasoning, which become severe enough to impede social or occupational functioning. Alzheimer's disease is also known as simply Alzheimer's, and Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer Type (SDAT) .

During the course of the disease plaques and tangles develop within the structure of the brain. This causes brain cells to die. Patients with Alzheimer's also have a deficiency in the levels of some vital brain chemicals which are involved with the transmission of messages in the brain - neurotransmitters. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. The disease gets worse as it develops - it is a progressive disease.

Causes
The biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is increased age. The likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease doubles every 5.5 years from 65 to 85 years of age.

Alzheimer's disease occurs more often among people who suffered significant traumatic head injuries earlier in life,

Symptoms
The onset of Alzheimer's disease is usually gradual, and it is slowly progressive. Problems of memory, particularly for recent events (short-term memory) are common early in the course of Alzheimer's disease

As the disease progresses, problems in abstract thinking and in other intellectual functions develop. The person may begin to have trouble with figures when working on bills, with understanding what is being read, or with organizing the day's work. Further disturbances in behavior and appearance may also be seen at this point, such as agitation, irritability, quarrelsomeness, and a diminishing ability to dress appropriately

Ten warning signs of Alzheimer's disease
The Alzheimer's Association has developed the following list of warning signs that include common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Individuals who exhibit several of these symptoms should see a physician for a complete evaluation.

• Memory loss
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks
• Problems with language
• Disorientation to time and place
• Poor or decreased judgment
• Problems with abstract thinking
• Misplacing things
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Changes in personality
• Loss of initiative

• A person has sufficient cognitive decline to meet criteria for dementia
• The clinical course is consistent with that of Alzheimer's disease
• No other brain diseases or other processes are better explanations for the dementia

The management of Alzheimer's disease consists of medication based and non-medication based treatments. The reaction of a patient with Alzheimer's disease to the illness and his or her capacity to cope with it also vary, and may depend on such factors as lifelong personality patterns and the nature and severity of stress in the immediate environment. Depression, severe uneasiness, paranoia, or delusions may accompany or result from the disease, but these conditions can often be improved by appropriate homeopathic medications

Case 1
The patient aged 34 years old having complaints of memory loss with symptoms of not being able to attend customers at shop (which she did fairly regularly otherwise) and would want to hide from them. Sometimes she would feel that she had forgotten how to make tea/ coffee which she knew very well; or feel that she didn’t know how to swipe a customer's credit card. But she would feel better when someone would try to instill confidence and encourage her to do the thing that she felt she couldn’t do. Mind would blank out.

Associated complaints- PCOD, but regular periods. Complaints more by contradiction - anger and when left alone

Treatment given: Homeopathic medicines given according to totality of symptoms which helped her to calm the mind and regain confidence followed by constitutional medicines. Counseling was done to boost her confidence.

Backache

Back pain (also known as dorsalgia) is pain felt in the back that usually originates from the muscles, nerves, bones, joints or other structures in the spine.

Back pain is ranked second to headaches as the most frequent location of pain. Four out of five adults will experience at least one bout of back pain at some time in their lives. It is almost next to common colds in the list of common diseases.

The most common site for pain is the lower back because it bears the brunt of our weight and hence is more prone to get affected.

Back pain may have a sudden onset or can be a chronic pain; it can be constant or intermittent, stay in one place or radiate to other areas. It may be a dull ache, or a sharp or piercing or burning sensation. The pain may radiate into the arms and hands as well as the legs or feet, and may include symptoms other than pain, such as weakness, numbness or tingling.

Causes

• Lumbar strain - A lumbar strain is a stretch injury to the ligaments, tendons, and/or muscles of the low back. The injury can occur because of overuse, improper use, or trauma.
• Nerve irritation -The nerves of the lumbar spine can be irritated by mechanical pressure (impingement) by bone or other tissues, or from disease, anywhere along their paths -- from their roots at the spinal cord to the skin surface. These conditions include lumbar disc disease (radiculopathy), bony encroachment, and inflammation of the nerves caused by a viral infection (shingles).
• Lumbar radiculopathy- Lumbar radiculopathy is nerve irritation that is caused by damage to the discs between the vertebrae
• Bony encroachment- Any condition that results in movement or growth of the vertebrae of the lumbar spine can limit the space (encroachment) for the adjacent spinal cord and nerves. Causes of bony encroachment of the spinal nerves include foramina narrowing (narrowing of the portal through which the spinal nerve passes from the spinal column, out of the spinal canal to the body, commonly as a result of arthritis), spondylolisthesis (slippage of one vertebra relative to another), and spinal stenosis (compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord by bony spurs or other soft tissues in the spinal canal).
• Bone and joint conditions- Bone and joint conditions that lead to low back pain include those existing from birth (congenital), those that result from wear and tear (degenerative) or injury, and those that are due to inflammation of the joints (arthritis)
• Heavy physical work
• Frequent bending, twisting, lifting
• Pulling and Pushing
• Repetitive work
• Static postures
• Vibration
• Fall
• lifestyle

• Pain across the lower part of the back that sometimes radiates into the buttocks, the back of the thigh or to the groin. The pain is usually worse on movement.
• Limitation in movement of the spine – especially bending forward and leaning back.
• Tense spasm of the muscles surrounding the spine and causing a stiff back.
• With severe pain and spasm, the back may tilt to one side causing a change in posture or a limp.
• The pain is sometimes accompanied by a tingling sensation or numbness in the back or buttocks or leg, which may pass right down into the foot. This is called sciatica.

• Warmth (such as hot packs) helps, as does swimming in a warm pool.
• Rest and sleep lying on a firm, flat surface, if possible
• Avoid stooping, bending, lifting and sitting on low chairs
• Low back pain benefits from back exercises, attention to posture
• If you have long hours of sitting, like a long car drive, try taking stops every one hour and walk around a bit
• Manage your weight. Try maintaining your body weight within the range optimal for your age, sex, and daily routines.
• Have foods rich in calcium, Vitamin D, phosphorus and proteins. They both help in building and repairing bones and muscles.
• Wear low-heeled shoes. Avoid wearing stilettos for long periods.
• Quit smoking. Smoking contributes to osteoporosis. It hardens the arteries supplying blood to our bones and reduces the blood supply to other vital structures that form your backbone.
• Relax. Avoid stress from getting at you. Stress causes the supportive muscles of the back to go into an abnormally contracted state. Try yoga, and massages which are known to help.

Homeopathy offers excellent relief from low back pains. Homeopathic medications can relieve the spasms of the back muscles and provide effective pain relief without any side effects.

TREATMENT
Case1: Patient aged 57 yrs came with complaints of low back pain since 5-7 years. Swelling found on left side of back. Spasmodic pain which extends downwards to knee, ankle of right side. Better by lying down with knees flexed, lying on right side, bending forward. Cannot walk for a long time. Done physiotherapy for 2 wks and didn't help. Used to play golf. Associated complaints of acidity, hyperlipidemia, allergic rhinitis

Treatment given: Homeopathic medicines were given to reduce acute pain and spasms, followed by constitutional medicines. Improving awareness of posture; education about how a healthy back functions; and positive mental focus.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi, the airways that carry airflow from the trachea into the lungs. Bronchitis can be divided into two categories, acute and chronic, each of which has distinct etiologies, pathologies, and therapies.

ACUTE BRONCHITIS
It is characterized by the development of a cough, with or without the production of sputum, mucus that is expectorated (coughed up) from the respiratory tract. Acute bronchitis often occurs during the course of an acute viral illness such as the common cold or influenza. Viruses cause about 90% of cases of acute bronchitis, whereas bacteria account for fewer than 10%.[1]

Causes
Acute bronchitis often develops during the course of an upper respiratory infection (URI) such as the common cold or influenza. About 90% of cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viruses, including rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, and influenza

Bacteria’s that cause bronchitis are Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Bordetella pertussis, account for about 10% of cases. Only about 5–10% of bronchitis cases are caused by a bacterial infection

Signs and symptoms
Bronchitis may be indicated by an expectorating cough, shortness of breath (dyspnea), and wheezing. On occasion, chest pains, fever, and fatigue or malaise may also occur. Bronchitis caused by Adenoviridae may cause systemic and gastrointestinal symptoms as well.

The coughs due to bronchitis can continue for up to three weeks or more even after all other symptoms have subsided.

Other common symptoms include sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion (coryza), low-grade fever, pleurisy, malaise, and the production of sputum.[1]

Diagnosis
A physical examination will often reveal decreased intensity of breath sounds, wheezing, rhonchi, and prolonged expiration. Most doctors rely on the presence of a persistent dry or wet cough as evidence of bronchitis.

A variety of tests may be performed in patients presenting with cough and shortness of breath:

• A chest X-ray that reveals hyperinflation; collapse and consolidation of lung areas would support a diagnosis of pneumonia. Some conditions that predispose to bronchitis may be indicated by chest radiography.
• A sputum sample showing neutrophil granulocytes (inflammatory white blood cells) and culture showing that has pathogenic microorganisms such as Streptococcus species
• A blood test would indicate inflammation (as indicated by a raised white blood cell count and elevated C-reactive protein).

Most cases of bronchitis are caused by a viral infection and are "self-limited" and resolve themselves in a few weeks

Smoking cessation-To help the bronchial tree heal faster and not make bronchitis worse, smokers should quit smoking completely in order to allow their lungs to recover from the layer of tar that builds up over time.

In the management of acute attack of bronchitis the prescribed homeopathic medicines may have to be taken at shorter intervals may be after every few hours

CHRONIC BRONCHITIS
It is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, defined by a productive cough that lasts for 3 months or more per year for at least 2 years. Other symptoms may include wheezing and shortness of breath, especially upon exertion. The cough is often worse soon after awakening, and the sputum produced may have a yellow or green color and may be streaked with blood.

Causes
Tobacco smoking is the most common cause. Pneumoconiosis and long-term fume inhalation are other causes. Allergies can also cause mucus hyper secretion, thus leading to symptoms similar to asthma or bronchitis.

Diagnosis
A physical examination will often reveal diminished breath sounds, wheezing and prolonged exhalation. Most doctors rely on the presence of a persistent dry or wet cough as evidence of bronchitis.

A variety of tests may be performed in patients presenting with cough and shortness of breath:

• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) (or Spirometry) must be performed in all patients presenting with chronic cough. An FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.7 that is not fully reversible after bronchodilator therapy indicates the presence of COPD, that requires more aggressive therapy and carries a more severe prognosis than simple chronic bronchitis.
• A chest X-ray that reveals hyperinflation; collapse and consolidation of lung areas would support a diagnosis of pneumonia. Some conditions that predispose to bronchitis may be indicated by chest radiography.
• A sputum sample showing neutrophil granulocytes (inflammatory white blood cells) and culture showing that has pathogenic microorganisms such as Streptococcus spp.
• A blood test would indicate inflammation (as indicated by a raised white blood cell count and elevated C-reactive protein).
• Neutrophils infiltrate the lung tissue, aided by damage to the airways caused by irritation.
• Damage caused by irritation of the airways leads to inflammation and leads to neutrophils being present
• Mucosal hyper secretion is promoted by a substance released by neutrophils
• Further obstruction to the airways is caused by more goblet cells in the small airways. This is typical of chronic bronchitis
• Although infection is not the reason or cause of chronic bronchitis it is seen to aid in sustaining the bronchitis.
• High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) — This is a special type of CT scan that provides your doctor with high-resolution images of your lungs. Having a HRCT is no different than having a regular CT scan; they both are performed on an open-air table and take only a few minutes.

Smoking cessation is of benefit. Only about 5-10% of bronchitis cases are caused by a bacterial infection. Most cases of bronchitis are caused by a viral infection and are "self-limited" and resolve themselves in a few weeks. Avoiding long exposure to air pollution from heavy traffic may also help in prevent bronchitis.

Homeopathic management
In the management of bronchitis homeopathic medicine works very fast. In chronic bronchitis, constitutional treatment has to be taken along with acute medicines.

TREATMENT
Case1: Patient aged 9ys came with complaints of dry cough ends in vomiting after brushing. Cough with white phlegm. Cough Dry, with fever, barking cough. more during cold.

Associated complaints - Respiratory Allergy. Dust Allergy. Sneezing Skin Complaints - Joint pains and muscle pain

Treatment given- Homeopathic medicine prescribed on the basis of symptom similarity for the acute attack and followed by deep acting constitutional medicine. Advised breathing exercise.

Case2: Patient aged 48yrs with complaints of Cough since 3 months. Cough after walking in cold, Phlegm profuse, watery whitish. Running nose present, coryza watery whitish. Noses block both sides. Constriction & tightness of chest during cough hoarseness of voice present. More at night, cold air, walking, dust, onion, spicy food.

Associated complaints- Known case of, Hypertension and hyper lipidemia on allopathic medications.

Treatment given- Homeopathic medicine prescribed on the basis of symptom similarity for the acute attack and followed by deep acting constitutional medicine. Advised breathing exercise

Cirrhosis of liver

Cirrhosis is among the top 10 causes of death in the western world. Cirrhosis or chronic intestinal hepatitis of the liver is characterized by progressive fibrosis of the liver and gradual hardening that result in distortion of lobular architecture caused by destruction of the liver parenchyma and compression of the portal, occasionally hepatic veins and the bile duct giving the liver a tawny color. The diseases that lead to cirrhosis do so because they injure and kill liver cells and the inflammation and repair that is associated with the dying liver cells causes scar tissue to form.

The liver cells that do not die multiply in an attempt to replace the cells that have died. This results in clusters of newly-formed liver cells (regenerative nodules) within the scar tissue.

Symptoms
Patients with cirrhosis may have few or no symptoms and signs of liver disease. Some of the symptoms may be nonspecific, that is, they don't suggest that the liver is their cause. Some of the more common symptoms and signs of cirrhosis include:

• Yellowing of the skin (jaundice) due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Itching
• Easy bruising from decreased production of blood clotting factors by the diseased liver.
• Patients with cirrhosis also develop symptoms and signs from the complications of cirrhosis.

• Toxic metals such as iron and copper that accumulate in the liver as a result of genetic diseases), and autoimmune liver disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the liver.
• Alcohol is a very common cause of cirrhosis, particularly in the Western world.
• The development of cirrhosis depends upon the amount and regularity of alcohol intake. Chronic, high levels of alcohol consumption injure liver cells.
• Thirty percent of individuals who drink daily at least eight to sixteen ounces of hard liquor or the equivalent for fifteen or more years will develop cirrhosis.
• Alcohol causes a range of liver diseases; from simple and uncomplicated fatty liver to the more serious fatty liver with inflammation called alcoholic hepatitis), to cirrhosis
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to a wide spectrum of liver diseases that, like alcoholic liver disease, ranges from simple steatosis, to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), to cirrhosis.
• All stages of NAFLD have in common the accumulation of fat in liver cells. The term nonalcoholic is used because NAFLD occurs in individuals who do not consume excessive amounts of alcohol
• Cryptogenic cirrhosis which is due to unidentified causes is a common reason for liver transplantation.
• It is termed cryptogenic cirrhosis because for many years doctors have been unable to explain why a proportion of patients developed cirrhosis.
• Now it is believed that cryptogenic cirrhosis is due to NASH caused by long standing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance
• Chronic viral hepatitis is a condition where hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus infects the liver for years. Most patients with viral hepatitis will not develop chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. some patients infected with hepatitis B virus and most patients infected with hepatitis C virus develop chronic hepatitis, which, in turn, causes progressive liver damage and leads to cirrhosis, and, sometimes, liver cancers.
• Inherited (genetic) disorders result in the accumulation of toxic substances in the liver which lead to tissue damage and cirrhosis. Examples include the abnormal accumulation of iron (hemochromatosis) or copper (Wilson's disease).
• Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a liver disease caused by an abnormality of the immune system that is found predominantly in women. It causes chronic inflammation and destruction of the small bile ducts within the liver.
• The destruction of the small bile ducts blocks the normal flow of bile into the intestine. As the inflammation continues to destroy more of the bile ducts, it also spreads to destroy nearby liver cells. As the destruction of the hepatocytes proceeds, scar tissue (fibrosis) forms and spreads throughout the areas of destruction. The combined effects of progressive inflammation, scarring, and the toxic effects of accumulating waste products culminates in cirrhosis.
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an uncommon disease found frequently in patients with Ulcerative colitis . In PSC, the large bile ducts outside of the liver become inflamed, narrowed, and obstructed. Obstruction to the flow of bile leads to infections of the bile ducts and jaundice and eventually causes cirrhosis.
• Autoimmune hepatitis is a liver disease caused by an abnormality of the immune system that is found more commonly in women. The abnormal immune activity in autoimmune hepatitis causes progressive inflammation and destruction of liver cells (hepatocytes), leading ultimately to cirrhosis.
• Infants can be born without bile ducts and ultimately develop cirrhosis. Other infants are born lacking vital enzymes for controlling sugars that leads to the accumulation of sugars and cirrhosis.
• Less common causes of cirrhosis include unusual reactions to some drugs and prolonged exposure to toxins, as well as chronic cardiac cirrhosis. In certain parts of the world (particularly Northern Africa), infection of the liver with a parasite is the most common cause of liver disease and cirrhosis.
• Parasitic cirrhosis
• Intake of certain drugs

• Ascites
• Hepatic encephalopathy
• Hepatorenal syndrome
• Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Patient aged 69yrs complaints of swelling of abdomen and swelling of both feet. Also complaints of vomiting of blood and bleeding per rectum. Cirrhosis of liver with mild spleenomegaly and moderate amount of fluid in peritoneal cavity with flatulence.

Treatment given—Patient was given Homeopathy medicines along with allopathic, and their was gradual improvement seen and patient was out of complications and general well being was noticed. He was advised to do drastic change in life style and diet

Case.2-Female patient aged 61 years Diagnosed with cirrhosis of liver and Diabetes mellitus, with belching and flatulence, also diagnosed with esophageal varices and hypothyroid.

Treatment given-Homeopathy medicines was given along with allopath treatment, patient improved general health, and Diabetes came in control. Over all patients was able to have normal life style.

Cold

The common cold is a self-limited contagious illness that can be caused by a number of different types of viruses. The common cold is medically referred to as a viral upper respiratory tract infection. More than 200 different types of viruses are known to cause the common cold, with rhinovirus causing approximately 30%-35% of all adult colds. Other commonly implicated viruses include corona virus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and virus. It is famously believed that common cold would disappear within a week without any treatment.

Symptoms
The symptoms of the common cold typically begin two to three days after acquiring the infection (incubation period). Symptoms and signs of the common cold vary depending on the virus responsible for the infection and may include the following

• Nasal stuffiness or drainage
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Sneezing
• Hoarseness
• Cough
• Watery eyes
• Low-grade fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue

The common cold is spread either by direct contact with infected secretions from contaminated surfaces or by inhaling the airborne virus after individuals sneeze or cough. Person-to-person transmission often occurs when an individual who has a cold blows or touches their nose and then touches someone or something else. A healthy individual who then makes direct contact with these secretions can subsequently become infected, often after their contaminated hands make contact with their own eyes or nose. A cold virus can live on objects such as pens, books, telephones, computer keyboards, and coffee cups for several hours and can thus be acquired from contact with these objects

• Drink plenty of water, teas, soups during a cold. Keep the body well hydrated as this helps prevent the growth and multiplication of the viruses.
• Use steam inhalation with little salt to relieve nasal congestion.
• To ease throat irritation warm salt water gargles are effective.
• Adequate rest during the illness.
• Diet rich in Vitamin C helps build the resistance and thus prevent recurrent infections.

Always wash your hands: Children and adults should wash hands at key moments -- after nose-wiping, after diapering or toileting, before eating, and before preparing food.

Disinfect: Clean commonly touched surfaces (sink handles, sleeping mats) with an EPA-approved disinfectant.

Switch day care: Using a day care where there are six or fewer children dramatically reduces germ contact.

Use paper towels instead of shared cloth towels.

Homeopathy can effectively treat the common cold, shortening the severity and duration of symptoms, and preventing complications. Chronic Cold indicates the body’s weak defenses. Homeopathic medication helps to strengthen the immunity and resist repeated infections

Case1: Patient aged 43 yrs came with complaints of Nose Block which became more on exposure to dust, cold. Headache – Heart burn at times. Sneezing about 4-5 times more when exposed to cold drinks, dust, and morning. Better in hot climate. Throat pain, Hawking - feels like cleaning throat. Nasal discharge not much. Post Nasal Discharge at times. No cough. Dust Allergy.

Treatment given: Homeopathic constitutional medication was given which helped to strengthen the immunity and resist repeated infections. Patient was advised to restrain from citrus fruits.

Colitis

Colitis can be defined as inflammation of the colon .it most commonly refers to inflammation of the large intestine (colon, caecum and rectum).
Colitis may be acute, which is self-limited OR chronic i.e. persistent In the wrong run colitis may lead to ulcers.

Symptoms
Symptoms of colitis will depend upon the type of colitis that is present, but in general, colitis most often is associated with abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Other symptoms of colitis that may or may not be present include

• Blood in the bowel movement may or may not be present.
• Diarrhea can sometimes cause hemorrhoids which can bleed.
• Tenesmus may exist; this is the constant urge to have a bowel movement.

The abdominal pain may come in waves, building to diarrhea, and then waning.
Fever, chills, and other signs of infection and inflammation may be present depending upon the cause of colitis

Causes
The exact causes of colitis are not known. Genetics, environmental and the body's own immune system are thought to be involved:

• Genetics - about one-fifth of all patients with ulcerative colitis have a close relative who has/had the same disease. This indicates that the disease can be inherited. As ulcerative colitis is more prevalent in certain ethnic groups it is likely to have a genetic cause.Recent research has identified a faulty gene that appears to be linked to ulcerative colitis.
• Environmental - some experts believe that diet, air pollution, cigarette smoke and hygiene may be contributory factors. Ulcerative colitis is more common in urban areas of Western Europe and North America.
• Immune system - some scientists say that the body responds to a viral or bacterial infection by causing the inflammation linked to ulcerative colitis. However, for some unknown reason, when the infection has gone the immune system continues responding, which carries on causing inflammation. Some scientists disagree and say that the immune system is involved, but there is no infection trigger. They believe the immune system is faulty and fights non-existent infections, causing inflammation - this is known as an autoimmune condition.

Homeopathy has been very successful in treating both acute and chronic colitis.
Case.1 - Patient aged 34yrs complaints of fluctuating bowel movements since 3yrs, loose stools alternating with constipation, changeable stools. Complaints become more when there is change in food or when outside food is consumed. Also complaints of bloating sensation of stomach and passing of flatus in morning,

Associated symptoms - hair falling and also complaints of irregular periods.

Treatment Given - Homeopathy medicines were prescribed and patient was advised to make changes in daily diet, and do regular relaxation techniques which will keep her distressed. Patient was very much better after medicines, also her periods got regularized.

Case.2 - Patient aged 67yrs, complaints of bleeding stools, pain in left hypochondria, pain in rectum while passing stools, stools are generally mixed with blood, irregular bowel movements, needs to go 2-3times per day. Incomplete feeling in rectum after passing stools. Father had rectal cancer.

Treatment given - Homeopathy medicines were prescribed acutely later followed by constitutional remedy. As patient is aged and showing strong family history of sensitive rectum, patient was advised to maintain his regular bowel movement, have bland diet which is easily digestible. Patient showed much improvement in his complaints.

Case.3 - Patient aged 39yrs, complaints of distention of lower abdomen, gas formation, irregular bowel movements, need to pass stools about 3-4times a day, loose stools with mucous. Troubles increase on taking channa chapattis, traveling, and change in drinking water, anxiety tension can lead to discomfort.

Associated complaints - weakness generalized and anxiety tension.

Treatment Given - Acute Homeopathy medicine was given on symptom totality and followed by constitutional remedy, patient showed much improvement, and also his anxiety reduced.Pateint was advised to take care of his diet and do yoga to mentally and physically relax himself.

Constipation

It simply means infrequent stools. Hard stools, difficulty passing stools (straining). A sense of incomplete emptying of a bowel movement.
The most common pattern is one bowel movement a day, but this pattern is seen in less than 50% of people. The number of bowel movements generally decreases with age.
At the extreme end of the constipation spectrum is fecal impaction, a condition in which stool hardens in the rectum and prevents the passage of any stool.
Hence, constipation usually is defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week.
Severe constipation is defined as less than one bowel movement per week.
Constipation is a symptom of an underlying condition; hence, it should be evaluated.
It is important to distinguish acute (recent onset) constipation from chronic (long duration) constipation. Acute constipation requires urgent assessment because a serious medical illness may be the underlying cause. Constipation also requires an immediate assessment if it is accompanied by worrisome symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and cramps, nausea and vomiting, and involuntary loss of weight. In contrast, the evaluation of chronic constipation may not be urgent, particularly if simple measures bring relief.

Symptoms
Depending upon the severity and type of constipation, the symptoms of constipation might differ from person to person. Symptoms include:

• Infrequent stools.
• Hard stools
• Straining or difficulty in passing stools
• Sense of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement.
• Hard stools
• Acute - constipation might show such symptoms as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and cramps, nausea and vomiting, and in explainable weight loss.

Constipation can be caused by the slow passage of digesting food through any part of the intestine. More than 95% of the time, however, the slowing occurs in the colon.
Irregular eating habits.
A frequently over-looked cause of constipation is medications. The most common offending medications include:

• Narcotic pain medications.
• Antidepressants
• Anticonvulsants.
• Iron supplements
• Calcium supplements
• Aluminum-containing antacids

Cases - 1.Female patient aged 28years complains of chronic constipation since childhood.
Hard painful stools, must strain a lot, sticky stools, bleeding noticed.
Associated complaints- tremors of hands and anxiety tension, and obesity.
Treatment Given - Homeopathy constitutional medicine. Patient was put on fiber diet and daily exercise, advised to increase water intake.
Patient improved with her constipation and also reduced her wt, able to remain calm.

Case.2 - Boy aged 6yrs complaints of constipation and fissure. Painful hard stools, Flatulence, anal fistula++.
Associated complaints- cold allergy.
Treatment given — Patient was treated with constitutional remedy, patient started having normal bowels & also developed immunity towards his cold.
Case.3 - Patient aged 62years, case of constipation. He has to strain a lot, and hard painful stools, passes on alternate days.
Other complaints: chronic Asthma, prostate enlargement.
Treatment — patient was given acute homeopathic remedy followed by constitutional remedies, and also advised for fiber diet. Now the complaint of constipation has reduced.

Cough

A cough is sudden and often repetitively occurring reflex which helps to clear the large breathing passages from secretions, irritants, foreign particles and microbes. Cough is the most frequent of all respiratory infections.

The two general classification of cough are productive cough (producing phlegm or mucous from lungs) and non productive cough (dry and not producing any mucous or phlegm).

Coughs can be either acute or chronic. Acute cough begins suddenly and usually last for no more than 2-3 weeks. Acute cough often accompanies a cold or flu.

Chronic cough
Chronic cough is a cough that persists. Chronic cough is not a disease in itself; rather it is a symptom of an underlying condition. .Chronic cough lasts longer than 2-3 weeks

Causes
Of chronic cough include

• Asthma
• Allergies
• C O P D (Chronic obstructive Pulmonary disease)
• G E R D (Gastro esophageal Reflux)
• Smoking
• Throat disorders, such as croup in young children
• Viral infections.
• Passive smoking

The most important aspect of prevention is to stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, particularly for people with asthma, chronic lung disease, and environmental allergies. For people with GERD, prevention is aimed at diet modification, sleeping with the head of the bed elevated, and taking all medications as prescribed.

Treatment Case1: Patient aged 9ys came with complaints of dry Cough. Cough ends in vomiting after brushing. Cough with white phlegm. Cough associated with fever, barking cough worse in cold.

Associated complaints - Respiratory Allergy. Dust Allergy. Sneezing 2to 3times. More in morning. Skin Complaints - Small rashes all over the body after taking Eggs. Joint pains and muscle pain

Treatment given - Homeopathic medicine prescribed on the basis of symptom similarity for the acute attack and followed by deep acting constitutional medicine.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea means frequent, loose or liquid stools. There may be a griping abdominal pain (colic) which is less after a stool is passed. Diarrhea is considered as the body’s way of removing toxins.
Diarrhea is of two types:
Acute diarrhea - comes on suddenly and lasts a short time.
Chronic diarrhea - affects someone over a long period of time.When diarrhea goes on for a long time, the most likely cause is irritable bowel syndrome. It is called a ‘functional’ condition. This means that the bowel produces stools which are looser or more frequent than normal, although the bowel is not diseased.

Causes of diarrhea

• Infection
• Contaminated food
• Allergy to certain food
• Radiation therapy
• Malabsorption
• Hyperthyroidism
• Laxative abuse
• Alcohol abuse
• Certain drugs
• Intestinal ischemia

Symptoms

• Abdominal bloating
• Cramps
• Loose, watery, unformed stool
• Urgency of stools
• Undigested stools
• Weight loss
• Lethargy, weakness
• Recurrent urging

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

• until diarrhea subsides, one should try to avoid milk products and foods that are greasy, high-fiber, or very sweet. These foods tend to aggravate diarrhea.
• as one improves, one can add soft, bland foods to the diet, including bananas, plain rice, boiled potatoes, toast, cooked carrots, and baked chicken without the skin or fat.
• Traveller’s diarrhea happens when one consumes food or water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. One can take the following precautions to prevent traveler’s diarrhea when one goes abroad:
  • Do not drink any tap water,.
  • Do not drink unpasteurized milk or dairy products
  • Avoid all raw fruits and vegetables (including lettuce and fruit salad) unless they can be peeled and you peel them yourself.
  • Do not eat raw or rare meat and fish.
  • Do not eat food from street vendors.
• 
  

  Treatment
  The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat diarrhea but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several well-proved medicines are available for the treatment symptom diarrhea that can be selected on the basis of cause, location, sensation, modalities of the complaints. For maintenance of electrolytes balance - ORS, water intake should be advised When treating diarrhea homeopathically, some of the considerations involved in choosing an effective remedy include the consistency, odor and color of the stool, the response to eating various types of foods, the presence of flatulence, the degree and location of pain, the tendency to crave water or not, degree of physical weakness
  
  Case1: Patient aged 38 yrs came with complaints of frequent stools especially on eating meat. Acidity - flatulence. Uneasy feeling in stomach with urge to stools. Burning and bloating of abdomen. Occasionally pain abdomen after taking coffee, green chilies, citrus fruits. Better on taking Aerated drinks like Sprite and Coca cola;. Weak digestion eon taking non veg food - sheep and chicken meat, urad dal, milk products, potatoes, raw mango and apple with skin. Urge to stools as soon as waking. Bowels - 3 - 4 times a day, normal stools. Diagnosed as IBS.
  
  Accompanied symptoms-Headache, Allergic to Sulfa drugs. Sinusitis. Severe work stress.
  
  Treatment given: Homeopathic remedy was selected according to totality of symptoms. In chronic diarrhea a remedy that will alleviate the severity and frequency of the symptoms while addressing any underlying imbalance in the vital force that is bringing forth the problem is given. Patient was given counseling to control his stress and anxiety.

   

   

Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (also known as Parkinson disease, Parkinson's, idiopathic Parkinsonism, primary Parkinsonism, PD, or paralysis agitans) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease result from the death of dopamine-generating cells in the substantia nigra, a region of the midbrain; the cause of this cell death is unknown. Early in the course of the disease, the most obvious symptoms are movement related; these include shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement and difficulty with walking and gait. Later, cognitive and behavioral problems may arise, with dementia commonly occurring in the advanced stages of the disease. Other symptoms include sensory, sleep and emotional problems. PD is more common in the elderly, with most cases occurring after the age of 50.

Symptoms
Disease starts insidiously, may be in the upper limb of one side and then spreading. Loss of associated movements is often the first indication.

• Tremors: Trembling in fingers, hands, arms, feet, legs, jaw, or head.
• Rigidity: Stiffness of the limbs and trunk, which may increase during movement. Rigidity may produce muscle aches and pain.
• Bradykinesia: Slowness of voluntary movement.
• Postural instability: Impaired or lost reflexes can make it difficult to adjust posture and to maintain balance.
• Parkinsonian gait: Individuals with more progressive Parkinson's disease develop a distinctive shuffling walk with a stooped position and a diminished or absent of arm swing
• Parkinsonian mask- Face is expressionless and fixed, eyelids do not blink, voice is monotonous.

Secondary symptoms include: anxiety, insecurity, and stress, confusion, memory loss, and dementia (more common in elderly individuals), constipation, depression, male erectile dysfunction

Causes
Parkinson's disease is caused by a lack of dopamine due to the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra.

Peripheral neuritis

Peripheral neuritis is the inflammation of nerves. It is also known as peripheral neuropathy. Considered as’ crying of the dead nerves.’ This disease affects the peripheral nerves throughout the body. Peripheral neuritis can occur at any age, but is most common in men between ages 30 and 50. The outlook is good if the cause is quickly identified and eliminated. ’ Sometimes occurs as a complication of diabetes mellitus.

Causes:

• Alcoholism
• Long-term chemical poisoning such as sniffing glue, nitrous oxide or heavy metals Infectious diseases
• Gout
• Chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, lupus
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency, poor nutrition and
• Compression of the nerves such as with casts or splints

Signs and symptoms
iSymptoms can vary considerable depending on the location and severity of the nerve inflammation
 

• Nerve pain
• Weakness
• Paralysis
• Abnormal sensations
• Muscle wasting
• Peripheral nerve damage
• Vertigo - vestibular neuritis
• Dizziness - vestibular neuritis
• Balance problems - vestibular neuritis
• Nausea - vestibular neuritis
• Vomiting - vestibular neuritis
• Vision impairment or loss - optical neuritis
• Burning
• Discomfor

The above mentioned subjective symptom paves way to anxiety and depression in most cases.

TREATMENT
CASE 1: A 55 year old female complains of pain in right leg since 3 months. Severe pain. Pain under the soles. Pain extends from ankles upwards to the hip. Pain more on walking, bending, cold season. Patient feels better after taking Pain killers, massaging, and warm application. Unable to climb stairs. , difficulty in getting up

Associated complains-acidity

TREATMENT GIVEN- Constitutional homoeopathic medicines and advised sufficient rest. After treatment patient feeling better.

CASE 2: A 59 year old female complaints of burning of soles especially under fingers more at night.

Associated complaints- Diabetes mellitus, asthma, frequent cold and cough, swelling of face, acidity.

TREATMENT GIVEN: Constitutional homoeopathic treatment after which the patient is feeling significantly better with betterment of the remaining complaints.

BPH

BPH is a benign (noncancerous) enlargement of the prostate that blocks the flow of urine through the urethra. The prostate cells gradually multiply, creating an enlargement that puts pressure on the urethra, the "chute" through which urine and semen exit the body

Symptoms

• Feeling of not emptying your bladder fully after you have completed urinating
• Discontinuous urination (you have to finish and begin over and over again during your urination.
• Limited or weak stream of urination.
• Feeling a burning pain arising during your urinating process
• Decreased ability to hold and gain your erections, low ejaculation and dissatisfaction with intimate performance.
• Pains at your penis's end.
• Appetite lowering or loss
• Chills and fever.
• Feeling some pains after or during ejaculation
• Pains in lower back, in the body zone between anus and testicles, in the upper thighs or lower belly, or above the public area. The pain may get worse during a movement in bowel.
• Straining and pushing are needed to start urination.
• It is difficult to postpone urinating.
• Frequent urinations (consistently during in periods of less than 2 hours and or many time during the night).
• A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
• Difficulty starting urination
• Frequent urination
• Urgency to urinate
• Getting up frequently at night to urinate
• A urinary stream that starts and stops
• Straining to urinate
• Continued dribbling of urine
• Returning to urinate again minutes after finishing

The cause of BPH is not well understood. No definite information on risk factors exists. For centuries, it has been known that BPH occurs mainly in older men and that it doesn't develop in men whose testes were removed before puberty. For this reason, some researchers believe that factors related to aging and the testes may spur the development of BPH.

Throughout their lives, men produce testosterone, an important male hormone, and small amounts of estrogen, a female hormone. As men age, the amount of active testosterone in the blood decreases, leaving a higher proportion of estrogen. Studies done on animals have suggested that BPH may occur because the higher amount of estrogen within the gland increases the activity of substances that promote cell growth.

Another theory focuses on dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a substance derived from testosterone in the prostate, which may help control its growth. Most animals lose their ability to produce DHT as they age. However, some research has indicated that even with a drop in the blood's testosterone level, older men continue to produce and accumulate high levels of DHT in the prostate. This accumulation of DHT may encourage the growth of cells. Scientists have also noted that men who do not produce DHT do not develop BPH.

Some researchers suggest that BPH may develop as a result of "instructions" given to cells early in life. According to this theory, BPH occurs because cells in one section of the gland follow these instructions and "reawaken" later in life. These "reawakened" cells then deliver signals to other cells in the gland, instructing them to grow or making them more sensitive to hormones that influence growth.

TREATMENT
CASE 1 : A 63 year old male complains of acute retention of urine since 6 months. Associated complaints: Backache, indigestion, breathless occasionally.

Treatment given: constitutional homoeopathic treatment and advised significant exercises. After treatment patient able to pass urine with ease.

CASE 2: A 83 years old male complaints of retention of urine since 3 yrs. Associated complaints- constipation.

TREATMENT GIVEN: constitutional homoeopathic treatment and advised to rest. Patient feeling better after treatment.
 

Sciatica

Sciatica is pain in the lower extremity resulting from irritation of the sciatic nerve. The pain of sciatica is typically felt from the low back (lumbar area) to behind the thigh and radiating down below the knee

Sciatica is most commonly a result of a lumbar disc herniation directly pressing on the nerve. Any cause of irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve can reproduce the symptoms of sciatica

Symptoms

• Pain in the rear or leg that is worse when sitting
• Burning or tingling down the leg
• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg or foot
• A constant pain on one side of the rear
• A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up

CAUSES

• Piriformis syndrome (a pain disorder involving the narrow muscle in the buttocks
• Pelvic injury or fracture
• Slipped disc
• Tumor
• Fall
• Occupational hazards- wrong sitting posture
• Wrong foot posture

TREATMENT
CASE 1: A 49 years old male complaints of pain in right hip extending down thighs & leg since 8 months. Pain more on walking, standing and exertion. Better by lying down.
Associated complaints: acidity, distention of abdomen, indigestion

Treatment given: Acute medicine initially to relieve pain followed by constitutional medicine was given. Advised to apply heat on the painful side and avoid lifting heavy weights. After treatment patient was relieved of all his complaints.

CASE 2: A 45 year old female complaints of right sided Sciatica which shoots down. More on walking. Better by Acupressure initially, pain killers, hot fomentation
Associated complaints: Gas. Cold Sinuses. Heaviness. Palm sweets. Burning feet.

Treatment given: Constitutional homoeopathic treatment given and advised to avoid lifting heavy weights.

Nephritis

Peripheral neuritis is the inflammation of nerves. It is also known as peripheral neuropathy. Considered as’ crying of the dead nerves.’ This disease affects the peripheral nerves throughout the body. Peripheral neuritis can occur at any age, but is most common in men between ages 30 and 50. The outlook is good if the cause is quickly identified and eliminated. ’ Sometimes occurs as a complication of diabetes mellitus.

Causes:

• Alcoholism
• Long-term chemical poisoning such as sniffing glue, nitrous oxide or heavy metals Infectious diseases
• Gout
• Chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, lupus
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency, poor nutrition
• Compression of the nerves such as with casts or splints

Signs and symptoms
Symptoms can vary considerable depending on the location and severity of the nerve inflammation

• Nerve pain
• Weakness
• Paralysis
• Abnormal sensations
• Muscle wasting
• Peripheral nerve damage
• Vertigo - vestibular neuritis
• Dizziness - vestibular neuritis
• Balance problems - vestibular neuritis
• Nausea - vestibular neuritis
• Vomiting - vestibular neuritis
• Vision impairment or loss - optical neuritis
• Burning
• Discomfort

TREATMENT
CASE 1: A 55 year old female complains of pain in right leg since 3 months. Severe pain. Pain under the soles. Pain extends from ankles upwards to the hip. Pain more on walking, bending, cold season. Patient feels better after taking Pain killers, massaging, and warm application. Unable to climb stairs. , difficulty in getting up

TREATMENT GIVEN- Constitutional homoeopathic medicines and advised sufficient rest. After treatment patient feeling better.

CASE 2: A 59 year old female complaints of burning of soles especially under fingers more at night.

Associated complaints- Diabetes mellitus, asthma, frequent cold and cough, swelling of face, acidity.

TREATMENT GIVEN: Constitutional homoeopathic treatment after which the patient is feeling significantly better with betterment of the remaining complaints.

Slipped Disc

Also known as slipped disc or intervertebral disc prolapse is a medical condition affecting the spine, in which a tear in the outer, fibrous ring of an intervertebral disc allows the soft, central portion to bulge out beyond the damaged outer rings. Tears are almost always posterior-lateral in nature owing to the presence of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the spinal canal. This tear in the disc ring may result in the release of inflammatory chemical mediators which may directly cause severe pain, even in the absence of nerve root compression
Slipped discs are most often seen between the ages of 40 and 60.

SYMPTOMS
A slipped disc can be symptom free. If it causes pain, it is primarily due to the pressure on the nerve roots, the spinal cord or the caudate equine.

• Symptoms due to pressure on nerve roots: Paralysis of single muscles, possibly with pain radiating to the arms or legs. There may also be a disturbance of feeling in the limbs.
• Symptoms due to pressure on the spinal cord: Disturbance of feeling, muscle spasms or paralysis in the part of the body below the spinal cord pressure. For example, pressure on the spinal cord in the chest area will cause spasms in the legs but not in the arms. Pressure on the spinal cord may cause problems with control of the bladder.
• Symptoms due to pressure on the caudate equine: The symptoms can include loss of control of the bladder function, disturbance of feeling in the rectum and the inside of the thighs and paralysis of both legs. These are serious symptoms and anyone developing them should contact a doctor immediately.

CAUSES

• Fall
• Trauma to spinal cord
• Lifting heavy weights
• Idiopathic
• Wrong postures

TREATMENT
Homoeopathy has a very high success rate in treating cases of slip disc or intervertebral disc prolapsed

CASE 1: A 44 year old female patient complaints of pain in left scapular area radiating to left index finger since 1 month.. Weakness in hands on holding things, feels as if things will fall out. Presently using collar. Pain increases after cold head bath and sitting better by lying on the back and stretching the left arm above head

Other complaints: cough, sneezing, nose block. Hoarseness of voice

Treatment given: Constitutional homoeopathic medicines along with biochemics helped the patient remarkably. Patient was also thought correct sitting, standing postures.

CASE 2: A 36 year old male patient complaints of low backache since 8yrs pain radiates to left leg. Feels some discomfort in left leg and he feels there is difference in left and right leg. Pain increases on standing for long hours, lifting heavy things, in a, particular position, cold season, morning.

Other complaints: Hypothyroid, Hiatus’ Hernia, Acidity, Colds skin allergy stress physical and metals.

Treatment given: Constitutional homoeopathic treatment. Advised to take rest and to avoid lifting heavy weights. After treatment back pain reduced and marked improvement in the remaining complaints.

Tinnitus

CAUSES

• age-related hearing loss,
• exposure to loud noises,
• Earwax blockage in the ear canal, and abnormal bone growth in the ear.
• Loud noises

Less common causes include an inner ear disorder called Meniere's disease, stress and depression, head or neck injuries, and a benign tumor of the cranial nerve called acoustic neuroma

SYMPTOMS:

• Hearing sounds when no external sound is present
• The ears may sense ringing, buzzing, roaring, clicking, whistling, hissing, or squealing.
• Noises may appear low or high in pitch and may interfere with a person's ability to concentrate

Less common causes include an inner ear disorder called Meniere's disease, stress and depression, head or neck injuries, and a benign tumor of the cranial nerve called acoustic neuroma

TREATMENT
CASE 1: A 4 year old male patient complaints of constant noise of medium frequency in left ear Feels like wind surfing. Occasionally noises in both ears. Mild hearing impairment especially left ear.

Associated complaints: Exhaustion. Headaches.

Treatment given: Constitutional homoeopathic treatment. Advised to avoid loud noises ant to keep the ears clean.

CASE 2: A 54 year old male patient complains of ringing sound in ears since 7-8yrs .Associated complaints: ,backache, chest pain, .Lymphoma

Treatment: constitutional homoeopathic treatment after which the patient is feeling better with the overall improvement in his health.

Addicitions

Addiction is a state of physiological and psychological dependence on a particular thing or substance. It is a disease that affects directly the interpersonal relationships of a person. Addiction affects each and every aspect of the afflicted person’s life; at physical, mental or psychological, and even at the spiritual-moral life of the person. The term addiction is used to describe a recurring compulsion by an individual to engage in some specific activity, despite harmful consequences, as deemed by the user themselves to their individual health, mental state, or social life.

Addiction is the developmental disease and it starts in childhood or adolescence. The disease addiction has a way of recurring and only the change in attitude and also in person’s belief system will give the meaningful recovery.

Addiction is defined as the continued use of a mood altering substance or behavior despite adverse consequences. It can also be defined as physical and psychological dependence on psychoactive substances (for example alcohol, tobacco, heroin, caffeine and other drugs) which cross the blood brain barrier once ingested, temporarily altering the chemical milieu of the brain.

Some defining characteristics of addiction include-

• Over-generalized & illogical thinking pattern.
• Pessimistic approach towards life.
• Self – criticism & self-blame.
• Negative attitude about situations faced in life.

Causative factors in Addiction:

• Genetic factors
• Environmental factors
• Biological traits- There are few personality theories postulated to show the relationship of genetic factors with addiction

Complications

• Health - addiction to a substance usually has health consequences.
• Coma, unconsciousness or death
• Some diseases - people who inject drugs have a risk of developing HIV/AIDS or hepatitis. Some substances can lead towards more risky sexual behavior (unprotected sex), increasing the probability of developing sexually transmitted diseases.
• Accidental injuries/death.
• Suicide
• Relationship problems
• Child neglect/abuse
• Unemployment, poverty and homelessness
• Problems with the law

RELAPSE TO ADDICTION
Relapse is now seen as the rule rather than the exception in addiction recovery. And it is no longer viewed as a catastrophe but as an opportunity for learning more and better strategies for overcoming urges and for identifying the moods and situations that are likely to be difficult.

TREATMENT
Case 1: 44 fear old male comes with history of alcoholism (relapse) since 5 months.
Other complaints: anger, reduced appetite, sleeplessness
Treatment given: after detailed case study and case analysis constitutional homeopathic medicine was given and also advised for Yoga kriya. Both the interventions helped to the patient and better in coping with anger, appetite and sleep.

Adenoids

The adenoids are small pads of tissue found behind the back of the nose above the throat. They cannot be seen by looking in the mouth. If the adenoids are quite large, they can cause significant respiratory obstruction, with resultant chronic mouth breathing. This mouth breathing can cause permanent changes in the facial shape - "adenoid facies" with elongation of the face and an open-mouthed, slack-jaw appearance. Nighttime respiratory obstruction, with snoring and even sleep apnea can cause significant load upon the right side of the hear Adenoids can become very large and block the Eustachian tubes (the tubes from the middle ears to the back of the nose) and cause ear infections. Large adenoids can also block the nasal airway causing your child to breathe through his mouth and snore at night. Adenoids can become infected and carry germs (bacteria).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
There are several symptoms of enlarged adenoids in children Nasal congestion

• Unusual and increased snoring
• Sleep disorders such as apnea
• Mouth breathing
• Hearing loss
• Chronic ear infections
• Sinus infections
• Nose bleeding
• Difficulty in breathing
• Weight loss or loss of appetite due to pain and breathing difficulties
• Unusual feeling of tiredness due to lack of sleep

CAUSES

• Congenital
• Infection
• Allergy

Treatment
Homeopathic medicine, not only do they cure the enlargements, they also enhance the body’s resistance to fight the recurrent infection. The treatment of enlarged tonsils with homeopathy has two stages. Acute inflammation needs to be treated with a different set of medicines and its enlargement to be treated once the acute stage is over. Deep-acting medicines are often required to treat the constitution of the child and bring about lasting relief.

Case 1: 9 years old boy suffering from the complaints of frequent cold and cough since 2 yrs of age. Starts as cold, throat pain, constant nose block.

Treatment given- Homeopathic constitutionals as well as acute medicines given and child is doing well without any episode of the previous complaints since last 1 year.

Case 2: 7 years boy came with the complaints of nose block, breathing through mouth, nasal congestion, thick white discharge, redness of eyes, > raising head < morning, evening. Cough dry.

Treatment given- Homeopathic medicines helped the patient so far.

Alopecia

Alopecia areata is a condition in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body, usually from the scalp.

Because it causes bald spots on the scalp, especially in the first stages, it is sometimes called spot baldness.

In 1–2% of cases, the condition can spread to the entire scalp called Alopecia totalis or to the entire epidermis called Alopecia Universalis.

Commonly, alopecia areata involves hair loss in one or more round spots on the scalp.

TYPES OF ALOPECIA

• Hair may also be lost more diffusely over the whole scalp, in which case the condition is called diffuse alopecia areata.
• Alopecia areata monolocularis describes baldness in only one spot. It may occur anywhere on the head.
• Alopecia areata multilocularis refers to multiple areas of hair loss.
• The disease may be limited only to the beard, in which case it is called Alopecia areata barbae.
• If the patient loses all the hair on the scalp, the disease is then called Alopecia totalis.
• If all body hair, including pubic hair, is lost, the diagnosis then becomes Alopecia universalis.
• Alopecia areata multilocularis refers to multiple areas of hair loss.

Alopecia areata totalis and universalis are rare.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Typical first symptoms of alopecia areata are small bald patches.
• The underlying skin is unscarred and looks superficially normal.
• These patches can take many shapes, but are most usually round or oval.
• Alopecia areata most often affects the scalp and beard, but may occur on any hair-bearing part of the body.
• Different skin areas can exhibit hair loss and regrowth at the same time. The disease may also go into remission for a time, or permanently. Common in children.
• The area of hair loss may tingle or be painful.
• The hair tends to fall out over a short period of time, with the loss commonly occurring more on one side of the scalp than the other.

Exclamation point hairs are often present. Exclamation point hairs are hairs that become narrower along the length of the strand closer to the base, producing a characteristic "exclamation point" appearance.

In the case of healthy hair, if you were to try to pull some out, at most a few should come out, and ripped hair should not be distributed evenly across the tugged portion of the scalp. In cases of alopecia areata hair will tend to pull out more easily along the edge of the patch where the follicles are already being attacked by the body's immune system than away from the patch where they are still healthy.

Alopecia can cause tremendous emotional and psychosocial distress in affected patients and their families.

Nails may have pitting or trachyonchia.

CAUSES

• Alopecia areata is not contagious.
• It occurs more frequently in people who have affected family members, suggesting that heredity may be a factor.
• Strong evidence that genes may increase risk for alopecia areata was found by studying families with two or more affected members.
• This study identified at least four regions in the genome that are likely to contain alopecia areata genes.
• In addition, it is slightly more likely to occur in people who have relatives with autoimmune diseases. The condition is thought to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks its own hair follicles and suppresses or stops hair growth. For example, T cell Lymphocytes cluster around affected follicles, causing inflammation and subsequent hair loss.
• There are a few recorded cases of babies being born with congenital alopecia areata; however, these are not cases of autoimmune disease because an infant is born without a fully developed immune system.
• There is some evidence that alopecia affects the part of the hair follicle that is associated with hair color. Hair that has turned gray may not be affected.

TREATMENT

Case 1: 30 year old female complaints of hair fall since 10 years. Hair fall more after washing hair. Scalp itching.

Treatment given: constitutional homeopathic medicine was given after detailed case study and analysis. Following treatment hair fall gradually reduced.

Case 2: 37 year old male patient complaints of hair fall since 6 months. Thinning of hair, small alopecia patch on moustache, there was a patch on chin also. Dermatologist had given an injection, hair grew back. Hair fall more during and after head bath. Premature graying of hair since age 18

Other complaints: sinusitis, migraine, sensitive stomach, bleeding per rectum, pain right shoulder, increased cholesterol levels.

Treatment given: constitutional homeopathic medicine was given after detailed case study and analysis. Following treatment hair fall gradually reduced and patient’s overall health improved.
 

Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis refers to a stiffening of arteries, hardening of arteries.

Arteriosclerosis is a general term describing any hardening (and loss of elasticity) of medium or large arteries.

Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis, but the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of fats in and on artery walls (plaques), which can restrict blood flow. These plaques can also burst, causing a blood clot. Although atherosclerosis is often considered a heart problem, it can affect arteries anywhere in the body. Atherosclerosis is a preventable and treatable condition.

TYPES

• Arteriosclerosis obliterans- is typically seen in medium and large arteries of the lower extremity.. The lumen of the vessel may be obliterated or markedly narrowed.
• Medial calcific sclerosis- is seen mostly in the elderly, commonly in arteries of the extremities. Characterized by calcification of the Tunica media but without thickening of the intima or narrowing of the vessel lumen.

CAUSES
Hardening of the arteries is a process that often occurs with aging. However, high blood cholesterol levels can make this process happen at a younger age.

For most people, high cholesterol levels are the result of an unhealthy lifestyle -- most commonly, eating a diet that is high in fat. Other lifestyle factors are heavy alcohol use, lack of exercise, and being overweight.

Other risk factors for hardening of the arteries are:

• Diabetes
• Family history of hardening of the arteries
• High blood pressure
• Smoking

SYMPTOMS
Hardening of the arteries does not cause symptoms until blood flow to part of the body becomes slowed or blocked.

If the arteries to the heart become narrow, blood flow to the heart can slow down or stop. This can cause chest pain (stable angina), shortness of breath, and other symptoms.

Narrowed or blocked arteries may also cause problems and symptoms in your intestines, kidneys, legs, and brain.

COMPLICATIONS

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Coronary artery disease
• Kidney disease
• Mesenteric artery ischemia
• Peripheral artery disease
• Renal artery stenosis
• Stroke

TREATMENT
Preventive measures can be useful-

• Avoid fatty food.
• Quit smoking.
• Stop alcohol.
• Do regular exercise for 30 minutes daily.

Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. A joint is the area where two bones meet. There are over 100 different types of arthritis.

TYPES

• Mono arthritis
• Poly arthritis

Mono arthritis includes:

• Pyogenic arthritis
• Tubercular arthritis
• Hemophilic arthritis
• Secondary osteo arthritis
• Gout

Poly arthritis includes:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Rheumatic arthritis
• Juvenile chronic poly arthritis
• Primary osteoarthritis

CAUSES
Arthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage normally protects a joint, allowing it to move smoothly. Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint, such as when you walk. Without the normal amount of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.

Joint inflammation may result from:

• An autoimmune disease (the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue)
• Broken bone
• General "wear and tear" on joints
• Infection, usually by bacteria or virus

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Arthritis causes joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. Symptoms can include:

• Joint pain
• Joint swelling
• Reduced ability to move the joint
• Redness of the skin around a joint
• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Warmth around a joint

TREATMENT
Homeopathic approach- The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent further joint damage. The underlying cause cannot usually be cured.

Lifestyle changes- Lifestyle changes are the preferred treatment for osteoarthritis and other types of joint inflammation. Exercise can help relieve stiffness, reduce pain and fatigue, and improve muscle and bone strength. Your health care team can help you design an exercise program that is best for you.

Exercise programs may include:

• Low-impact aerobic activity (also called endurance exercise)
• Range of motion exercises for flexibility
• Strength training for muscle tone

Physical therapy may be recommended. This might include:

• Heat or ice
• Splints or orthotics to support joints and help improve their position; this is often needed for rheumatoid arthritis
• Water therapy
• Massage

Other recommendations:

• Get plenty of sleep. Sleeping 8 to 10 hours a night and taking naps during the day can help you recover from a flare-up more quickly and may even help prevent flare ups.
• Avoid staying in one position for too long.
• Avoid positions or movements that place extra stress on your sore joints.
• Change your home to make activities easier. For example, install grab bars in the shower, the tub, and near the toilet.
• Try stress-reducing activities, such as meditation, yoga, or tai chi.
• Eat a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, which contain important vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin E.
• Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as cold water fish (salmon, mackerel, and herring), flaxseed, rapeseed (canola) oil, soybeans, soybean oil, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts.
• Lose weight, if you are overweight. Weight loss can greatly improve joint pain in the legs and feet.

COMPLICATIONS
Complications of arthritis include:

• Long-term (chronic) pain
• Disability
• Difficulty performing daily activities

PREVENTION
Avoiding excessive, repeated motions may help protect you against osteoarthritis.
Case 1: 49 years old female patient came with the complaints of pain in both legs from knee downwards with numbness; more in night, while sitting and on exertion.

Treatment given- homeopathic medicines along with physical exercises advised. The pain has reduced markedly, numbness also reduced; is able to walk without pain. The patient is still taking treatment and also doing exercises as advised.

Case 2: 78 years old female patient having complaints of pain in all joints - shoulders, elbows, fingers, knees, ankles. Swelling of joints with stiffness. Started after a fall - lot of pressure on hands. Redness in patches with heat and burning. Pain in nape of neck radiating to shoulders especially left side. Worse while bending forwards, morning on waking, sitting on low stool, ascending, and cold weather. Pins and needles especially left hand worse at night and lying on left side. Burning on medial side of big toe.

Treatment given- homeopathic medicines helped in reducing the joint pains and swelling of joints. Also exercises advised.

Atrophy of Mucsles

Muscle atrophy, or disuse atrophy, is defined as a decrease in the mass of the muscle; it can be a partial or complete wasting away of muscle.

When a muscle atrophies, this leads to muscle weakness
Muscle atrophy results from a co-morbidity of several common diseases, including cancer, AIDS ,congestive heart failure, COPD( Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), Renal failure and severe burns; patients who have “cachexia “ in these disease settings have a poor prognosis. Moreover, starvation eventually leads to muscle atrophy. Disuse of the muscles will also lead to atrophy.

CAUSES

Muscle atrophy, or muscle wasting, results from loss of muscle tissue.

Little or no physical exercise and a sedentary lifestyle are common causes of muscle atrophy, in this case called disuse atrophy.

Other common causes of disuse atrophy include medical conditions that decrease mobility, such as rheumatoid arthritis (chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation)or osteoarthritis (thinning and weakening of the bones), and injuries, such as broken bones and burns.

The aging process often leads to slow but progressive muscle atrophy.

Common causes include neuromuscular diseases, such as spinal cord atrophy, multiple sclerosis (disease that affects the brain and spinal cord causing weakness, coordination, balance difficulties, and other problems),

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease; a severe neuromuscular disease that causes muscle weakness and disability), or Guillain-Barre syndrome (autoimmune nerve disorder).

Diabetic neuropathy, nerve damage associated with diabetes, may also lead to atrophy of the muscles.

In some cases, muscle atrophy can be a symptom of serious malnutrition or alcohol-related muscle disease.

Injuries or trauma to nerves due to spinal cord injury, burns or stroke can also lead to muscle atrophy. Depending on the cause, atrophy may occur in one muscle, a group of muscles, or the entire body and it may be accompanied by numbness, pain or swelling, as well as other types of neuromuscular or skin symptoms.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Muscle atrophy may accompany other symptoms that vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Symptoms that frequently affect the muscles may also involve other body systems.

Muscle atrophy may accompany other symptoms affecting the neuromuscular system including:

• Balance problems, difficulty walking, and falls
• Facial weakness
• Gradual difficulty walking and speaking, memory loss, tingling or weakness of extremities
• Impaired balance and coordination
• Loss of muscle coordination
• Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
• Progressive loss of movement
• Progressive weakness and numbness in the legs
• Symptoms of multiple sclerosis, such as weakness, numbness or tingling, vision problems, unsteady walk, fatigue, and depression.

Muscle atrophy may accompany symptoms related to other body systems and conditions including:

• Fatigue and general ill feeling
• General stiffness that lasts more than one hour after rising in the morning
• Swelling of an injured area

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition
In some cases, muscle atrophy can be life threatening. Some indications are:

• Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness
• Garbled or slurred speech or inability to speak
• Paralysis or inability to move a body part
• Sudden change in vision, loss of vision, or eye pain
• Sudden weakness of numbness on one side of the body
• Worst headache of your life

Cervical Spondylosos

This is a degenerative condition of the cervical spine found universally in persons over 50 years of age.

Cervical spondylosis is a disorder in which there is abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae). It is a common cause of chronic neck pain.

It occurs early in those susceptible to neck strain because of keeping the neck constantly in one position while reading and writing.

CAUSES

• Being overweight and not exercising
• Having a job that requires heavy lifting or a lot of bending and twisting
• Past neck injury (often several years before)
• Past spine surgery
• Ruptured or slipped disk
• Severe arthritis
• Small fractures to the spine from osteoporosis.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Pain and stiffness: initially intermittent but later persistent. Occipital headache may occur if the upper half of the cervical spine is affected

The pain may get worse:

• After standing or sitting
• At night
• When you sneeze, cough, or laugh
• When you bend the neck backwards or walk more than a few yards

• Radiating pain: pain radiates to the shoulders or downwards on the outer aspect of the forearm and hand. There may be parasthesia in the region of the nerve root, commonly over the base of the thumb.
• On examination-there is loss of normal cervical lordosis and a limitation in the neck movements. There may be tenderness over the lower cervical spine or in the muscle of the paravertebral region, the upper limb may show signs of nerve root compression.

Less common symptoms are:

• Loss of balance.
• Loss of control over the bladder or bowels (if there is pressure on the spinal cord)

TREATMENT

• Proper neck posture
• Neck muscle exercise
• Hot fomentation
• Rest to neck using cervical color

Case 1: 37 years old female patient came with the complaints of neck pain worse after strenuous work. Also having high cholesterol and knee pain.

Treatment given- on the basis of totality of symptoms homeopathic constitutional medicine prescribed along with the physiotherapy and hot fomentation. The neck pain has reduced and cholesterol also came in controlled levels.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

CFS; Fatigue - chronic; Immune dysfunction syndrome; Myalgic encephalomyelitis-ME. Chronic fatigue syndrome refers to severe, continued tiredness that is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other medical conditions.

CAUSES
The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome CFS is unknown. Some theories suggest CFS may be due to:

• Epstein-Barr virus or human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6); however, no specific virus has been identified as the cause
• Inflammation in the nervous system, because of a faulty immune system response The following may also play a role in the development of CFS:
• Age
• Epstein-Barr virus or human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6); however, no specific virus has been identified as the cause
• Previous illnesses
• Stress
• Genetics
• Environmental factors

CFS most commonly occurs in women ages 30 to 50.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of CFS are similar to those of the flu and other common viral infections, and include muscle aches, headache, and extreme fatigue. However, symptoms of CFS last for 6 months or more.

The main symptom of CFS is extreme tiredness (fatigue), which is:

• New
• Lasts at least 6 months
• Not relieved by bed rest
• Severe enough to keep you from participating in certain activities

Other symptoms include:

• Feeling extremely tired for more than 24 hours after exercise that would normally be considered easy
• Feeling unrefreshed after sleeping for a proper amount of time
• Forgetfulness
• Concentration problems
• Confusion
• Joint pain but no swelling or redness
• Headaches that differ from those you have had in the past
• Irritability
• Mild fever (101 degrees F or less)
• Muscle aches myalgia’s
• Muscle weakness, all over or multiple locations, not explained by any known disorder
• Sore throat
• Sore lymph nodes in the neck or under the arms

TREATMENT
There is currently no cure for CFS. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Many people with CFS have depression and other psychological disorders that may improve with treatment.

Treatment includes a combination of the following:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and graded exercise for certain patients
• Healthy diet
• Sleep management techniques
• Medications to reduce pain, discomfort, and fever
• Medications to treat anxiety (anti-anxiety drugs)
• Medications to treat depression (antidepressant drugs)

Some medications can cause reactions or side effects that are worse than the original symptoms of the disease.

Patients with CFS are encouraged to maintain active social lives. Mild physical exercise may also be helpful. Your health care team will help you figure out how much activity you can do, and how to slowly increase your activity. Tips include:

• Avoiding doing too much on days when you feel tired
• Balancing your time between activity, rest, and sleep
• Breaking big tasks into smaller, more manageable ones
• Spreading out more challenging tasks throughout the week

Relaxation and stress-reduction techniques can help manage chronic pain and fatigue. They are not used as the primary treatment for CFS. Relaxation techniques include:

• Biofeedback
• Deep breathing exercises
• Hypnosis
• Massage therapy
• Meditation
• Muscle relaxation techniques
• Yoga

Case.1-Female patient aged 42years came with complaints of chronic fatigue feeling muscle aches and getting tired easily. Sudden breathless attacks and pain in shoulders and chest.

Associated symptoms-Sudden anxiety attacks, palpitations, PMS, hair falling.

Treatment given-Homeopathy acute medicines were given to reduce her pain and aches, helped to reduce her panic attacks followed by constitutional remedy.

Case.2-Female patient aged 36yrs c/o sudden fatigue, cant work for least hours also, feels tired, putting on wt over shoulders, developed some skin eruptions, which was diagnosed as lupus and was on medicines for 5months.Also complaints of anxiety, depressed low energy,PMS.

Treatment given-Acute homeopathy medicines were given to reduce aches and pains, Patient was given Constitutional medicines to have complete improvement in physical and general symptoms

Advised for relaxing herself, do regular walks and, yoga techniques to relax her body and mind, she had been given counseling therapy.

Case.3-Female patient aged came with c/o tiredness, aches all over the body, easily gets fatigue, no rest helps her to fell relaxed.

Treatment-Patient was treated on acute symptom totality which helped to reduce pains, followed by constitutional remedy which over all helped patient to feel better generally and intensity and frequency of episodic aches & pains very much improved. And after taking medicines for 6montsh patient was much better.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin (i.e. rash). Dermatitis is an itchy inflammation of the skin. It is not contagious or dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable. There are many types of dermatitis, including allergic dermatitis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis (which causes dandruff).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Itching, pain, stinging, or burning
• Blisters, thick or scaly skin, sores from scratching
• Swelling

CAUSES

• Contact dermatitis: caused by allergic reactions (for example, to poison oak or ivy, or soaps, or detergents)
• Seborrheic dermatitis: may be caused by oily skin or hair, or brought on by stress
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema): exact cause is unknown, but may be due to a combination of dry skin and an autoimmune reaction. People who have eczema often have other allergies

PREVENTIVE MEASURES:

• Avoid exposure to environmental or food allergens. Common foods that cause allergic reactions are dairy, soy, citrus, peanuts, wheat (sometimes all gluten containing grains), fish, eggs, corn, and tomatoes.
• Eat more fresh vegetables, whole grains, and essential fatty acids (cold water fish, nuts, and seeds).
• Carefully avoid any substance that causes a skin reaction. Prevent infection and scarring by not scratching.

TREATMENT
The Homeopathic treatment considers the overall susceptibility of the individual to factors such as family history (genetic predisposition), sensitivity to certain food, allergens, metals and chemicals and prescribes internal remedies capable of correcting those factors.

Case 1: 4 years old boy came with the complaints of skin rashes all over - reddish and peeling. ? Itching better after application of cream. Dry scalp and itching.

Treatment given- homeopathic medicines given and rashes reduced in few days only after the medicines taken. Peeling of the skin also reduced.

Case 2: 43 years old female patient came with the complaints started since 3-4 months- Dry rashes especially face and back. Dark discoloration on corners of mouth. Worse mornings. Uses sun block everyday and covers the patches with foundation base. Dry skin, sensitive skin. Hair fall, itching of scalp. Burn in back due to hot fomentation.

Treatment given- after taking the medicines darkness at corners of mouth is reduced first, rashes also reduced.

Ear Pain

Otalgia or an earache is ear pain.

TYPES

• Primary otalgia is ear pain that originates inside the ear.
• Referred otalgia is ear pain that originates from outside the ear.

Otalgia is not always associated with ear disease. It may be caused by several other conditions, such as impacted teeth, sinus disease, inflamed tonsils, infections in the nose and pharynx, throat cancer, and occasionally as a sensory aura that precedes a migraine.

CAUSES

Causes within the ear(primary earache)
Pinna: Trauma, Infection, Swelling, Frost-bite, Sunburn.
Ear-canal: Otitis externa, impacted wax, boils Herpes zoster.
Middle ear: Acute otitis media, Eustachian tube blockage, Glue ear.

Causes outside ear (Referred earache)

• Carious tooth, impacted wisdom tooth
• Temporo-Mandibular joint disorder
• Oral cavity and tongue-ulcers
• Nose and sinuses infection
• After adenoids surgery/ mumps/ parotitis
• Pharyngitis/tonsillitis, after tonsillectomy surgery 
• Laryngitis
• Cervical disc lesions.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Possible symptoms that occur with an earache include:

• Facial pain
• Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, sore throat, headache, cough, aches and pains)
• General ill feeling (malaise)
• Hearing unusual sounds or decreased hearing
• Itching in the ear
• Jaw pain
• Neck pain
• Pain behind the ear
• Popping or clicking sound while chewing or yawning
• Pulling or rubbing the ear in infants and toddlers
• Tooth pain

TREATMENT
Homeopathic acute medicines help to control and cure ear infections and pain. Constitutional homeopathic medicines can challenge the immune system and successfully prevent and treat various infections, leading to stronger and healthier individuals who do not get severely or recurrently ill.

Case 1: Patient aged 47 yrs came with complaints of Pain radiating to ear and throat. Pain sinus area. Itching of face. Hearing decreased. Deafness left ear. Pricking sensation in ears. Also complaints of headache.

Associated complaints of sinusitis, joint pains, warts

Treatment given: Homeopathic acute medicines were given to reduce ear pain. Constitutional homeopathic medicines were given to improve immunity.

Epilepsy

It is a common and diverse set of chronic neurological disorders characterized by seizures. Some definitions of epilepsy require that seizures be recurrent and unprovoked and spontaneous.

Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which a person has repeated seizures (convulsions) over time. Seizures are episodes of disturbed brain activity that cause changes in attention or behavior.

Still seizures and epilepsy are the two different terminologies which have to differentiate properly. Seizures can be easy to diagnose and control for some people, for many others, epilepsy is a lifelong problem that can affect people in many different ways. But others require only a single seizure combined with brain alterations which increase the chance of future seizures.

Epileptic seizures result from abnormal, excessive or hypersynchronus neuronal activity in the brain.

CAUSES

When investigating the causes of seizures, it is important to understand physiological conditions that may predispose the individual to a seizure occurrence.

About 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, and nearly 90% of epilepsy occurs in developing countries. Epilepsy becomes more common as people age. Onset of new cases occurs most frequently in infants and the elderly. As a consequence of brain surgery, epileptic seizures may occur in recovering patients. Epilepsy is usually controlled, but not cured.

Surgery may be considered in difficult cases. Not all epilepsy syndromes are lifelong – some forms are confined to particular stages of childhood. Epilepsy should not be understood as a single disorder, but rather as syndromic with vastly divergent symptoms, all involving episodic abnormal electrical activity in the brain and numerous seizures.

There are different causes of epilepsy that are common in certain age groups.

• During the neonatal period and early infancy the most common causes include hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, CNS infections, trauma, congenital CNS abnormalities, and metabolic disorders.
• During late infancy and early childhood, febrile seizures are fairly common. These may be caused by many different things, some thought to be things such as CNS infections and trauma.
• During childhood, well-defined epilepsy syndromes are generally seen.
• During adolescence and adulthood, the causes are more likely to be secondary to any CNS lesion. Further, idiopathic epilepsy is less common. Other causes associated with these age groups are stress, trauma, CNS infections, brain tumors, and illicit drug use and alcohol withdrawal.
• In older adults, cerebrovascular disease is a very common cause. Other causes are CNS tumors, head trauma, and other degenerative diseases that are common in the older age group, such as dementia.

CLASSIFICATION
Epilepsies are classified in five ways.

• By their first cause or etiology.
• By the observable manifestations of the seizures, known as semiology.
• By the location in the brain where the seizures originate.
• As a part of discrete, identifiable medical syndromes.
• By the event that triggers the seizures, such as reading or music

Seizure types
Seizure types are organized firstly according to whether the source of the seizure within the brain is localized partial or focal onset seizures or distributed generalized seizures.

Partial seizures are further divided on the extent to which consciousness is affected. If it is unaffected, then it is a simple partial seizure; otherwise it is a complex partial psychomotor seizure.

A partial seizure may spread within the brain - a process known as secondary generalization. Generalized seizures are divided according to the effect on the body but all involve loss of consciousness.

These include absence- petit mal, myoclonic, clonic, tonic, tonic-clonic (grand mal), and atonic seizures.

Children may exhibit behaviors that are easily mistaken for epileptic seizures but are not caused by epilepsy. These include:

• Inattentive staring
• Benign shudders (among children younger than age 2, usually when they are tired or excited)
• Self-gratification behaviors (nodding, rocking, head banging)
• Conversion disorder flailing and jerking of the head, often in response to severe personal stress such as physical abuse.

Conversion disorder can be distinguished from epilepsy because the episodes never occur during sleep and do not involve incontinence or self-injury.

Symptoms of epilepsy:
The most common symptoms or signs are seizures or convulsions. Seizures are involuntary movements, like jerking or thrashing, or experiencing unusual feelings or sensations, which can be associated with loss of consciousness or being unaware of things happening around.

• Before appearance of seizure may be hours or days ago, person can notice various changes in his behavior or mood.
• History can be obtained from friend or patient himself.
• Patients experience aura before the seizure attack, in which the patient feels that he has seen this before or lived this before or can smell strange things or see flashes of lights.
• After a partial seizure there may be temporary weakness of the affected limb.
• After generalized seizure the patient may feel awful with headache, myalgia, confusion, and a sore tongue.

Generally seizures can also be caused due to decrease in sodium, calcium, magnesium, hypoglycemia (decreased blood glucose level) from the body, or due to high fever or even due to hypoxia (decrease oxygen content in the blood).
Not everything that twitches is epilepsy; but tongue biting is very suggestive of epilepsy

Treatment-
Homeopathic approach:
The aim of the treatment is-

• To reduce the frequency or repetition of epileptic seizures.
• To reduce the intensity of the seizures.
• In some cases supportive role along with the conventional line of treatment.
• Also helped in reduction of side-effects after prolong use of modern medicines for epilepsy.
• Help in reduction the after effects of epileptic episode.
• In Partial seizure with normal EEG, definitely homeopathy have good role in treatment.

Case 1: 20 years old male patient suffering since Jan '07 - 1 attack - fell unconscious - recovered consciousness in 4-5 minutes. Unable to recall what happened prior to that. MRI and EEG Normal - no medications give. Diagnosed as ? Seizures. Vomiting once of watery fluid 14/5/07 - Similar attack - unconscious and moaning - took 4-5 minutes to regain consciousness. Jerking of whole body and 2-3 times vomiting of watery fluid. Severe headache throbbing. Better after vomiting. All investigations normal. Felt chill before attack. History of awkwardness,. Tiredness and drowsiness worse after exertion.

Treatment given- homeopathic medicines helped in reducing the frequency and intensity of the treatment.

Case 2: 27 years old male patient suffering from epilepsy Started in 2005. Now more since 15 days epilepsy more in night. Gets unconscious and doesn't knows what happens during that period. It continues for 2 hrs. worse early morning 4-5 a.m., sometimes in morning. Epilepsy occurs in sleep. Cannot know when it is happening. Mind became black at that time, body becomes stiff, froth comes from mouth. No history of accidents, trauma. Doing mechanical work of 2 wheelers.

Treatment given- homeopathic medicines prescribed after considering the onset of the symptoms and it helps in reducing the frequency of the treatment.

Eye Problems

The eyes are the windows to the soul because they reflect our state of mind. The eye is a sensitive organ, with the eyelid, the eyebrow and tears to protect it! This is why various triggers can cause serious eye irritation. Factors such as wind, environmental pollutants and toxins, allergies, and bright light can cause common eye problems such as bloodshot eyes, inflamed eyes, dry eyes, itchy eyes or eye strain.

The most common eye problems are :

1. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis or “pink eye” is an inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the whites of the eyes. The cause is usually viral (if bacteria are involved, the discharge will be thick and yellow-green). Conjunctivitis can also be caused by allergy, irritation from pollutants, windburn, or exposure to too much sun. Homeopathic remedies can help to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort in conjunctivitis

2. Uveitis 
Inflammation of the uvea, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid, this is often related to an autoimmune disorder, infection, or exposure to toxins. Often, only the iris is inflamed. This is called iritis.

3. Blepharitis
Blepharitis produces red-rimmed appearance of the margins of the eyelids. It’s frequently chronic and bilateral and can affect both upper and lower lids. Seborrheic Blepharitis is characterized by formation of waxy scales and symptoms of burning and foreign body sensation. Staphylococcus (ulcerative) Blepharitis is characterized by formation of dry scales along the inflamed lid margins. Both types may coexist. Blepharitis tends to recur and become chronic. It can be controlled if treatment begins before onset of ocular involvement.

4. Myopia
Diseases of the eye in which close objects are clearly visible while distant objects are blurred. Also called nearsightedness.

5. Cataract
The most common cause of corrective vision loss, a cataract is a gradually developing opacity of the lens or lenses capsule of the eye. Cataract commonly occurs bilaterally, with each progressing independently. Exceptions are traumatic cataracts, which are usually unilateral, and congenital cataracts, which may remain stationary.

6. Diplopia
Diplopia or double vision is defined as seeing one object as two and may be monocular or binocular

7. Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment occurs when the outer retinal pigment epithelium splits from the neural retina, creating sub retinal space. This space then fills with fluid, called sub retinal fluid. Retinal detachment usually involves only one eye, but may later involve other eye.

8. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged in a characteristic pattern. This can permanently damage vision in the affected eye(s) and lead to blindness if left untreated. It is normally associated with increased fluid pressure in the eye (aqueous humor). The term 'ocular hypertension' is used for people with consistently raised intraocular pressure (IOP) without any associated optic nerve damage.

9. Stye
An external stye or sty also hordeolum, is an infection of the sebaceous glands of Zeis at the base of the eyelashes, or an infection of the apocrine sweat glands of Moll. External styes form on the outside of the lids and can be seen as small red bumps. Internal styes are infections of the meibomian sebaceous glands lining the inside of the eyelids. They also cause a red bump underneath the lid with only generalized redness and swelling visible on the outside.

10. Computer vision syndrome
Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a temporary condition resulting from focusing the eyes on a computer display for protracted, uninterrupted periods of time. Some symptoms of CVS include headaches, blurred vision, and neck pain, redness in the eyes, fatigue, eye strain, dry eyes, irritated eyes, double vision, polyopia, and difficulty refocusing the eyes. These symptoms can be further aggravated by improper lighting conditions (i.e. glare or bright overhead lighting) or air moving past the eyes (e.g. overhead vents, direct air from a fan).

11. Eye allergies
The symptoms of eye allergies include redness, swelling of the eyes, watering of the eyes, and itching of the eye. Eye allergies are frequently associated with the allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and mostly because of the irritants which can be environmental, weather, infection of any kind. Occasionally eye allergies can cause severe damage which threatens the eye-sight.

12. Eye-injuries
Physical or chemical injuries of the eye can be a serious threat to vision if not treated appropriately and in a timely fashion. The most obvious presentation of ocular (eye) injuries is redness and pain of the affected eyes.

13. Dry-Eye-Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome (DES) -- also called dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) -- is a common disorder of the tear film that affects a significant percentage of the population, especially those older than 40 years of age. Dry eye syndrome is a common disorder of the normal tear film that results from decreased tear production, excessive tear evaporation, and an abnormality in the production of mucus or lipids normally found in the tear layer, or a combination of these. Poor production of tears by the tear glands may be a result of age, hormonal changes, or various autoimmune diseases, such as primary Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, rosaceous, stroke, Bell’s palsy. Some medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, beta-blockers, and oral contraceptives, may decrease tear production.

TREATMENT
The selection of homeopathic remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat eyes diseases but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility.

Case 1: 43 years old male patient suffering from conjunctivitis burning & redness of eyes, pricking type of pain more while opening eyes.

Treatment given-
homeopathic medicines given on the basis of symptom similarity and the pain as well as redness of eyes reduced within 1 day after taking the treatment.

Fibroid Tumors

Fibroids are also called myoma. These are most common benign tumors of the uterus. The myoma is mainly composed of muscle tissue and variable amount of fibrous tissue. About 20% of women above 30 have fibroids. Nulliparous and infertile women are more prone to fibroid.

Cause is unknown. The fibroids shrink with menopause.

The fibroid can be single of multiple. The fibroid can occur at the fundus, body or cervix of the uterus.

TYPES

• Fibroids on the surface of the uterus are called sub serous fibroids.
• Fibroids which protrude into the endometrial cavity to be lined by the endometrium are called sub mucus fibroids.
• Fibroids that arise from the middle of the uterine muscle are called interstitial fibroids.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Menstrual disturbances: the most common disturbance is menorrhagia or prolonged excessive periods.
• Intermenstrual bleeding or metrorrhagia.
• Congestive dysmenorrheal or cramp like colicky pain in lower abdomen during menstruation.
• Abdominal swelling if the uterus containing the fibroid is larger.
• Pressure symptoms like retention of urine, backache etc.
• Sterility

TREATMENT
Homeopathic medicines can reduce the size of fibroids. Scans taken before and after the treatment can be evidence of the results. The treatment may take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

Case 1: A 41 year old patient complaints of irregular menses Since 6 to 7 months after undergoing appendicectomy which lead to secondary infection in pelvic area, left fallopian tube was removed- menses got irregular. Occasionally skips a period. Menses starts with spotting followed by normal flow. Does not stop till medications are taken-hormones. Dysmenorrheal-crampy pain in lower abdomen with tiredness. Backache before menses. Restless and irritated at trifles prior to periods-PMS.Occasionally breast tenderness before menses. Scan shows fibroid uterus.

Other complaints: weight gain, Pain in right knee, Headache, Wheezing. Irritation in throat, Shortsighted. Hair fall.

Treatment given: constitutional homeopathic treatment based on symptoms similarity after which menses slowly became regular and other complaints disappeared.

Case 2: A 43 year old female patient complaints of profuse menstrual flow since 1yr. Flow lasts for about 7-9days, with profuse flow for first 3-4days, has to change 4-5pads for 1st four days. Associated with abdominal pain & backache during menses.

Other complaints: gastritis, anaemia.

Treatment given: constitutional homeopathic treatment based on symptoms similarity following which menstrual flow reduced and gastritis improved.

Fibromyagia

Fibromyalgia is a condition where a person has long standing body pain, tenderness in joints, muscles, tendons and soft tissues.

The cause is unknown. The trigger factors include emotional stress, physical stress, abnormal pain responses etc. Fibromyalgia is most common among women aged 20 to 50.

SIGNS ANND SYMPTOMS
Tender points in different parts of body like neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, elbow etc. The pain is usually deep ache or sometimes shooting pain. People suffering from fibromyalgia wake up with body stiffness and pain. Pain may increase with activity, stress and anxiety or cold weather. The patient will also have fatigue, sleep disorders and depression.

MANAGEMENT

• Homeopathic medicines have a good role in treating fibromyalgia.
• Education of the patient
• Stress reduction using biofeedback, relaxation therapies, psychological counseling, support of family etc
• Exercise –low impact exercise like cycling, swimming and walking helps fibromyalgia.
• Maintain lifestyle and rhythm in daily life.

Case 1: 44 years female patient diagnosed fibromyalgia one and half years back - pain in muscles especially entire back and chest. Heaviness in chest area. Pain in joints especially hip, knees and wrists. Occasional spasmodic/ shooting pains in chest better with strong pain killers. Since 3-4 weeks - pain almost every day. More after exertion, travelling, night/early morning, lying on affected side. Better by changing position, hot shower, moving about, pain killers/anti depressants. Pins and needle sensation especially arms and legs. Occasionally mild swelling in back area. Stiffness of body.

Treatment given- overall pain has reduced with the homeopathic medicines as prescribed.