Acne
Acne
It is an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands (the oil-
secreting glands) and the hair follicles. It is characterised by
whiteheads, blackheads and pustules. Scarring is common and is
usually associated with an oily discharge.
Cause
The cause is not fully understood, but the probable causes can
be:
Heredity
Hormonal imbalance esp. during puberty
Hygiene
Improper diet
Stress
Drugs like corticosteroids
Dos & Dont’s
Wash your face frequently, atleast 5 times a day, taking care
that it does not become too dry.
Do not scrub your face while washing because scrubbing on
inflamed skin aggravates the acne.
Use a gentle cleanser made of natural ingredients or herbs
rather than chemical preparations.
Do not use scented soaps and use a mild anti-bacterial soap if
possible.
Try not to apply cosmetics regularly or use non-greasy light
make-up of repute.
Do not sleep with your make-up on.
Do not overexpose your skin to the sun. Preferably wear a hat
while going out.
Do not break your pimples else it will lead to secondary
infection.
You can use facial steam to reduce inflammation and infection
but never more than 15 minutes and not more than once a
fortnight.
Diet should be rich in natural whole foods like whole grain
cereals, fresh fruit salads and vegetables raw or lightly cooked.
Avoid fatty food, chocolate, ice cream, butter, cakes, white
bread, sweets and fried food.
Supplements of vitamin A and Zinc may be used.
Regular exercise will make your circulation better.
See a doctor if,
Your acne does not respond in 2-3 months following the advice
listed above.
If your acne is infected and there is pus like discharge.
If you are not sure if it is acne or any other skin eruption.
Acidity or Heartburn
Acidity or Heartburn
Acidity is a general term which usually refers to regurgitation
of acid or partly digested food from the stomach into the food
pipe (Oesophagus) or mouth.
The sourness is due to fermentation of food in the stomach or
over secretion of acid.
Heartburn describes a burning sensation behind the breast bone
or sternum.
# Causes
Stress
Overeating
Obesity
Alcohol
Cigarette smoking
Irregular eating habits
Certain drugs like aspirin, antibiotics, etc.
Bending, lying down or physical exertion too soon after eating.
Certain food like tomatoes, citrus fruits, onion, coffee, tea can
also cause acidity.
# Symptoms
Burning in the chest after eating.
Sour eructations. Belching.
A feeling that food is getting stuck after swallowing.
# Dos & Dont’s
Recognize signs of stress and identify the causes. At work reduce
stress by learning to avoid long hours, not accepting unrealistic
demands, setting realistic goals, accepting changes
optimistically and not taking work related problems home. At home
air your grievances, share your problems and regular weekend
breaks with the family.
Take time to relax allowing about 20 minutes of leisure before
and after eating and make meals enjoyable, unstressful occasions.
Eat slowly, chew each mouthful well.
Eat meals at regular timings. Eat frequently but in small
quantities. Do not overeat.
Avoid drinking immediately before meals and drink sparingly
during meals.
Do not lie down immediately after meals.
Eat less spicy, avoid fatty, fried food and those that contain
possible irritants such as chemical food additives or hot spices.
Avoid alcohol, reduce the amount of coffee and tea and avoid them
entirely during an attack.
Don’t smoke. It will irritate the stomach lining.
Drink cold milk at the time of heartburn.
Avoid painkillers or medicine which cause acidity.
Hot compresses over the stomach are said to improve the blood
supply in the area and relax the muscles.
Call for the doctor,
If discomfort around the chest region is aggravated by exercise
and better by rest.
If with heartburn you have difficulty in swallowing,
breathlessness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal
pain or black or bloody stools.
If the heartburn occurs daily.
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HABITUAL ABORTION
HABITUAL ABORTION
Abortion is the expulsion of products of conception either fully
or partially.
The causes of abortion vary from hormonal disturbances any trauma
or injury, a severe shock, infectious and foetal abnormalities.
It is a nature’s way of rejecting a malformed baby.
Other reasons can be:
TORCH infections.
Uterine weakness or displacement.
Cervical canal weakness.
SYMPTOMS:
Bleeding from vagina either profuse or in spots.
Pain is usually dull type of pain in abdomen and back.
Do’s & Dont’s:
If you have a bad obstretic history like repeated abortions,
malformed foetuses, consult a gynaecologist as soon as pregnancy
is suspected.
Do not over strain, carry weights, or do labourous jobs during
pregnancy.
Take plenty of rest but do take some light exercise.
Exercises should be done only under medical guidance or expert
opinion.
Take doctor’s advice on diet and medicate.
Do not self medicate.
Regular follow ups with doctor is must.
ACQUIRED IMMUNO DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS)
ACQUIRED IMMUNO DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS)
CAUSE
HIV I OR HIV II virus
ROUTE
1. Sexual
Homosexual
Heterosexual (often Prostitutes)
Multiple sexual partners
2. Blood and body fluids
Contaminated blood and blood products
a) Blood transfusion
b) Blood products eg. Factor VIII
3. Contaminated needles and syringes
a) Inadequately sterilized medical equipment.
b) Intravenous drug abuser (Drug addicts)
4. Mother to child
In utero
At birth
Breast milk
5.Organ and tissue donations
Semen
Kidney,skin, cornea
Bone marrow
SYMPTOMS
Low grade fever of unknown origin.
Unexplained diarrhoea
TB (atypical Mycobacterium) with
Evening rise of fever
Weight loss
Appetite loss
Cough
Chest pain
Blood stained sputum
Respiratory infections like Pneumonia ( P. Carinii)
Cancers ( increased chances )
It is important to know that a patient may be infected with HIV
virus but may not check the positive in the routine tests. This
is called the window period where the level of antibodies is not
detectable hence the person test negative for HIV.
Do’s and Don’ts
Use condom during intercourse
Patient with antibodies to HIV should not be allowed to donate
blood, semen or tissue i.e. Individual who knows that he has AIDS
should not donate blood.
Avoid having more than one sexual partner
Avoid IV drug abuse.
Confirm with the physician whether he is using disposable
syringes, Sterile needles and infusion sets.
Avoid intercourse with prostitutes
Mother having AIDS should not breast feed her child
If even required to receive blood transfusion confirm that
the blood has been tested for HIV
CONSULT your doctor if there is presence of one or more of:
Fever more than 100*F for 1 month in absence of other cause
Involuntary weight loss more than 10% of body weight or more than
15 lbs in a short period.
Intermittent or continuous diarrhoea persisting for more than 1
month in absence of any other cause
Swellings in any part of the body
Bleeding associated with weight loss and appetite loss
Leukoplakia (white patches in mouth or on tongue) or skin rashes
which are recurrent and not resolving
Respirating disorders with fever, malaise, blood tinged
sputum.
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Introduction:
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a developmental and behavioral disorder in which a child or an adult consistently displays certain characteristic behaviors such as inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive attitude..
There was a time when children with ADHD were abused to be naughty and dumb. However, now it is understood that they call for special attention by parents, family members, teachers as well as the society.
ADHD is one of the most common disorders among children (3-5%) and often continues into adolescence and adulthood. It is more common in boys as compared to girls, the ratio being approximately 3:1.
Children suffering from ADHD act without thinking, are hyperactive and have trouble focusing on anything in particular. Their attention easily gets deviated and in spite of understanding what is expected from them, they are unable to focus on a particular thing. Such behavior is common amongst normal children also but the difference is that children with ADHD have these features persisting for long and they impair a child’s ability to function socially, academically, and at home.
Short term memory loss is one of the symptoms of ADHD. Estimated half of the children outgrow hyperactive behavior when they grow into adulthood. However, almost half of the ADHD children continue exhibiting the symptoms throughout life.
Causes of ADHD:
ADHD has causes that have not been fully understood as yet and researchers are still exploring genetic linkage. It has been seen in many cases that children with ADHD often have some family member suffering from this disorder. Certain areas of the brain have been found to be comparatively smaller in children with ADHD as well some chemical changes in the brain have been detected.
Some other risk factors for developing ADHD include:
Premature delivery, very low birth weight, birth injury (to the brain) and smoking during pregnancy.
Suggestion about homeopathic treatment:
Homeopathy is very strongly recommended for ADHD. Documented cases at Life Force as well as by other centers have suggested definite role of homeopathy towards the treatment of ADHD.
Homeopathy is very effective in reducing the hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It helps improve attention span and concentration.
Homeopathy is safe. Improvement is observed in cases of ADHD within about two to three months of medication, in most cases. The entire treatment may required to be
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic (long-lasting) skin disorder and is non-contagious in nature i.e. it cannot be passed from one person to another. The word “dermatitis” means inflammation of the skin. “Atopic” comes form the word “Atopy” that includes a group of diseases in which there is an inherited tendency to develop allergic conditions.
In Atopic dermatitis, the skin becomes extremely itchy. On scratching the affected parts there may be redness, swelling, cracking, oozing of clear fluid, crusting and scaling. This entire sequence occurs as a gradual process and all of these may not always be seen at the same time.
During the course of the disease there may be periods when the disease becomes worse; such periods are called flare-ups or exacerbations. Then there may also be periods when the skin symptoms improve or clears up completely and such periods are called remissions.
In some cases as the children suffering from Atopic dermatitis grow older, their skin disease improves or disappears altogether. In spite of this their skin may remain dry and easily irritated. In other cases, Atopic dermatitis may continue to be a significant problem even in adulthood.
Scope of homeopathy: Children with Atopic dermatitis find an excellent treatment with homeopathy. Just like any other immunological disease, here too, earlier the better. Also, cases before using the cortisone respond better than those who are on cortisone, especially for a long time. It does not mean that patients who are on cortisone do not respond. Those who have taken cortisone for a long time, say for over one year, especially oral cortisone, have their immune system suppressed; are prone to get an rebound effect after stopping cortisone. They pose a challenge in treating using homeopathy. All said and done, all cases of Atopic dermatitis can look for positive result using homeopathy
Asthmatic Bronchitis
Asthmatic Bronchitis Childhood Asthma
Simply, asthma in children is called as childhood asthma. When translated in a medical language, it is called Asthmatic Bronchitis. Again, it simply means a kind of bronchitis, which is asthmatic in nature.
It will be important to know what does asthma mean, in the first place. Asthma means panting (breathlessness), in Greek. In reality, asthma is more then panting. For example, if you exert yourself with intense exercise, you feel panting, but that is not asthma. Asthma means breathlessness due to the constriction of the respiratory tubes. The constriction of the large and small tubes of the lung may be because of the spasm caused by certain factors, discussed separately on this page.
Let us briefly understand the structure and the function of the lungs.
The lungs are two cone shaped vital organs on either side of the chest, as shown in the figure. Air, which we breathe through the nose, enters into the lungs through the air-tube (called Trachea) which bifurcates into two tubes, each going to the respective lungs. Each of the bronchus (plural bronchi) branches into multiple, innumerous small tubes called bronchioles. The bronchioles lead to terminal sacs called alveoli. The air eventually passes through the bronchioles to the alveoli to exchange carbon dioxide (CO2) with Oxygen in return.
In the normal circumstances, there is a clear passage in the bronchi and the bronchioles facilitating effortless breathing process. In case of the asthmatic episode, due to certain factors the bronchi and the bronchioles go into ’spasm’ leading to obstructed air passage (as shown in the figure II), not allowing the oxygen to go across. This is a typical phenomenon of the acute asthmatic episode.
So, asthmatic bronchitis is nothing but a disorder of the respiratory system whereby the lung tubes meet with episodic or chronic episodes of spasms, where the precipitating cause might differ from patient to patient and the frequency of attacks, the duration of attack as well as the intensity of the attack could vary from child to child.
The factors, which decide the intensity of the attack, are not only the external factors such as the strength of the allergens or irritants but it is the individual sensitivity (susceptibility) which decides the intensity of the breathlessness. Similarly, the same rules apply to frequency, the length of the attack. When said so, it is not difficult to derive that the Child Asthma is a disorder where one has to ascertain the ‘internal’ factors (such as the susceptibility of the patients) rather then just the external factors such as the food allergens. This understanding is quite vital with reference to the homeopathic approach to the treatment of asthma.
As a result of the entire process, which involves spasm and an inflammation of the lung tubules, the child may present with cough, difficult breathing (called dyspnea), panting and weakness.
Asthma
Asthma
The word asthma has originated from an ancient Greek word meaning panting. Essentially asthma is a chronic inflammation of the air ways (Bronchi) that result in
obstruction of air flow.
What happens in Asthma? (Pathogenesis)
There is a decrease in the lumen of the air ways resulting from a two fold response to the allergens and other irritants.
Primarily in a hyper reactive response, the smooth muscles in the airways constrict and narrow excessively. Followed by an inflammatory response where the immune system responds to the allergens by sending white blood cells and other immune factors to the airways. These inflammatory factors cause a swelling of the airways and also an increase in the mucus secretion thus causing symptoms like wheezing, cough and shortness of breath.
Prevalence
Children aged 2-12 years reported higher rates of asthma (15.7%) than adults aged 16 years and over (10.1%). In males, the prevalence of asthma was highest among children aged 2-12 years; in females, prevalence was highest among young adults aged 16-24 years. Asthma is also closely linked to allergies. Most, but not all, people with asthma have allergies. Children with a family history of allergy and asthma are more likely to have asthma.
Symptoms of asthma:
The most common symptoms are
1. Cough
2. Difficulty in breathing
3. Mucus production.
The most important and distressing symptom is the breathlessness or sense of suffocation, which may be of varying intensity. Some patients may not have cough or mucus production (expectoration) at all.
The symptoms of asthma may be
1. Periodical (once in a a week to once in a year)
2. Seasonal (a few weeks in a year)
3. Continuous (all throughout or most of the time).
The symptoms might get triggered by one or more of the following:
a. Physical exertion
b. Change in weather or temperature
c. Infection
d. Mental stress
e. Exposure to pollution (dust, chemical, pollen, etc.)
f. Without any apparent reason
Homeopathic treatment:
Homeopathy offers excellent treatment for asthma, which can do following jobs:
a. Reduce frequency of asthmatic attacks
b. Reduce severity of asthmatic attacks
c. Reduce duration of attacks
d. Reduce need for bronchodilators, cortisone and antibiotic (in case of infections)
Limitation of homeopathic medicines:
Homeopathy may not easily control acute attacks, which are better taken care of by conventional medicines.
Recommendation about homeopathy for asthma:
It can be said that those who do not take homeopathy for asthma are deprived of the wonderful benefits of it. It is very strongly recommended during all stages.
Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic Anemia
Definition:
Aplastic anemia is a rare (5-10 cases per million), serious condition where the bone marrow fails to produce white cells, red cells and the platelets. Aplastic anemia is observed in children as well as in adults.
The term Aplastic comes from the word aplasia that means failure of generation or formation. Anemia means deficiency in the oxygen-carrying component of the blood.
The spongy material inside the bones is called as bone marrow and is like a factory that produces blood cells (red cells, white cells and platelets). In case of Aplastic anemia bone marrow fails to form or develop blood cells.
Remarks:
The red cells in the blood carry oxygen from the lungs to all areas of the body. In Aplastic anemia with less number of red cells, body parts do not get sufficient oxygen that is absolutely essential for their functioning.
White cells fight infection by attacking and destroying germs and their less number in Aplastic anemia leads to poor defense mechanism making the suffering individual prone to various and at times lethal infections.
Platelets are blood cells that control bleeding by forming blood clots in areas of injury. Reduced platelets lead to blood clotting disorder, whereby blood does not clot naturally, leading to uncontrolled bleeding.
Suggestion about homeopathic treatment: Role of Homeopathy in Aplastic anemia
1. Homeopathy medicines attempt to stimulate the healthy portion of bone marrow to improve cell production. This may help to reduce the number of blood transfusions.
2. Homeopathy medicines improve general vitality and well being of a patient to help him fight infections.
3. Homeopathy medicines can be useful to control bleeding disorder associated with Aplastic anemia.
4. Homeopathy medicines are effective in curtailing further course and pace of disease.
5. The diagnosis of Aplastic anemia can have terrible emotional impact on the patient, which can have detrimental effect on immunity, thus adding fuel to the fire. Homeopathy medicines having positive influence on the psyche of patient can take care of this mind-body link.
6. Homeopathy medicines are beneficial in countering side-effects associated with conventional therapy.
7. Homeopathy medicines have very effective long term beneficial effect or preventive effect in terms of countering genetic tendencies and balancing disturbed immunity that are root causes of this serious malady. The chances of relapse significantly diminish with homeopathy treatment. The important point that should be emphasized is that when dealing with serious condition like Aplastic anemia, the beneficial effects of multiple therapeutic systems should be used in concordance with each other. There cannot be a single or exclusive line of treatment. Homeopathy medicines, as they do not adversely interfere with conventional medication, are absolutely safe to have synergetic effect of treatment. Moreover, homeopathy medicines are absolutely safe and do not have any side effects what so ever. However, considering the pace and grievous nature of disease, homeopathy alone may have limitations in managing Aplastic anemia. One cannot expect miraculous cure for Aplastic anemia with homeopathy alone. Nonetheless, homeopathy treatment along with conventional treatment can add a lot to quality management of patient with Aplastic anemia. It should be emphasized that Homeopathic treatment is not a substitute to any mode of modern medicine such as blood transfusion or bone marrow transplant, etc. The role of homeopathy is more complementary than alternative, when it comes to managing Aplastic anemia.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Introduction:
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is one of many forms of chronic inflammatory arthritis, affecting the spine, especially the joints between the vertebrae of the spine and the joints between the spine and the pelvis (sacro-iliac joints). It may also affect other joints of the body. The joints are initially inflamed and this may be followed by progressive stiffness and inflexibility. It eventually leads to the fusion of the spine, giving permanent painful stiffness of the back. It is often called bamboo spine, as the spine tends get stiff like a bamboo. This condition is more common in males as compared to females and usually occurs in individuals between 16-40 years of age.
Causes:
The exact cause of Ankylosing spondylitis is not understood. It has been considered to be an autoimmune disease (like many others such as Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Alopecia Areata, Thyroiditis, etc.). Genetic factors are likely to be involved. The majority of people with Ankylosing spondylitis have a gene called HLA-B27. However, the presences of HLA-B27 (Human Leukocyte Antigen B27) is not absolutely diagnostic of Ankylosing Spondylitis. There are theories on its link with some bacterial infection as a triggering factor.
Disgnosis:
Presence of HLA-B27 antigen, increased levels of CRP (C- Reactive Proteins) and ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) along with suggestive clinical history help in diagnosis of Ankylosing spondylitis.
Symptoms:
These include: painful stiffness of the lower back and hips which is often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Over a period of time, the pain and stiffness may progress up the spine and to other joints such as hips, shoulders, knees and feet. Reduced mobility may be noted by the patient and gradually he may notice difficulty in bending the spine. In advanced stages of the condition patient may notice chronic stooping, stiff and inflexible spine, restricted expansion of the chest. Features such as loss of appetite, fatigue, weight-loss, inflammation of the eyes (iritis) and of the bowels may also be seen.
Homeopathic treatment:
Homeopathic treatment helps two ways:
a. Control underlying disease process
b. Significant Relief in pain and stiffness
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) being a constitutional disorder calls for a constitutional approach to its treatment. Homeopathic approach incorporates detailed study of the cases of AS inclusive of the genetic trend of the patients. The remedy prescribed after such detailed evaluation offers effective pain control as well as helps in controlling the progress of this condition. Early cases of AS can be treated with good success with homoeopathy. Cases that have advanced to a moderate extent can also be helped, especially in preventing the further progress of the disease and limiting the pain. However, severe cases can only be relieved symptomatically with homoeopathic treatment. Homeopathy is strongly suggested for Ankylosing Spondylitis, especially in the early and mid stages. Patients opting for homeopathic treatment do better than those who do not.