Category: Asthma

Can Homeopathy Handle Acute Illnesses? The Evidence Might Surprise You

Many patients and their families often express confusion regarding whether to use homeopathy or conventional medicine for acute illnesses like fever, loose motions, and cough. A common misconception is that homeopathy might take longer to handle acute conditions, leading to a tendency to resort to conventional medicine for quick relief. This article aims to clarify the effectiveness of homeopathy in managing acute illnesses and emphasize the importance of allowing homeopathic doctors to handle these conditions, based on my 15 years of clinical practice in Vasai, experience in homeopathic hospitals during my postgraduation, and work in the tribal area of Palghar.

Homeopathy’s Approach to Acute Illnesses

Homeopathy operates on the philosophy of stimulating the body’s innate immune mechanism to deal with illnesses. Understanding what classifies as an acute illness and its context is crucial for facilitating the healing process. Here are some examples:

  1. Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Diseases:
    Chronic diseases like ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis often have acute exacerbations. In such cases, the focus should be on managing the disease’s root cause. Simply addressing the acute phase with any medicine may not lead to long-term success. Homeopathy aims to treat these acute exacerbations while also addressing the chronic condition holistically.
  2. Acute Episodes of Periodic Diseases:
    Periodic diseases such as epilepsy, bronchial asthma, malaria, menstrual colic, migraines, allergies, and neuralgia have acute attacks interspersed with asymptomatic intervals. Managing these conditions requires understanding the dual phenomenon of acute and chronic symptoms. Homeopathic treatment involves acute prescribing based on the presenting totality of symptoms during an episode and a chronic prescription for the underlying condition. This approach ensures that the acute stage is managed effectively, allowing the chronic treatment to work in tandem.

The Importance of Homeopathic Management of Acute Illnesses

Patients often believe that managing acute symptoms with conventional medicine and using homeopathy for chronic conditions is a balanced approach. However, this practice can hinder the homeopathic doctor’s ability to assess the disease in its totality. Here are key points to consider:

  • Holistic Treatment: Homeopathy treats the patient as a whole, not just the symptoms. Managing acute symptoms with conventional medicine can mask the underlying issues, making it difficult for the homeopathic doctor to address the root cause.
  • Consistency in Treatment: Allowing homeopathic doctors to handle both acute and chronic conditions ensures a consistent treatment approach. This consistency is vital for understanding the patient’s overall health and tailoring the treatment accordingly.
  • Effective Management: Homeopathic hospitals have historically managed acute illnesses effectively, on par with conventional medicine. For instance, during my tenure at a homeopathic hospital, we successfully treated numerous acute cases, demonstrating homeopathy’s efficacy in such scenarios.

Real-Life Examples

  1. Case of Acute Bronchial Asthma:
    A patient with chronic bronchial asthma experienced frequent acute exacerbations. Initially, they used conventional medicine for immediate relief and sought homeopathic treatment only for chronic management. However, this approach led to inconsistent results. Once the patient allowed homeopathic management of acute episodes, the frequency and severity of exacerbations reduced significantly, demonstrating the effectiveness of a holistic approach.
  2. Case of Recurrent Migraine Attacks:
    A young woman suffered from recurrent migraines and initially relied on painkillers for acute relief while seeking homeopathic treatment for chronic management. After switching to exclusive homeopathic treatment for both acute and chronic phases, she experienced a notable decrease in migraine frequency and intensity. The comprehensive treatment plan addressed the underlying triggers and provided sustained relief.

Evidence of Homeopathy Effectively Managing Acute Diseases

Historical and Clinical Evidence

  1. Epidemic Management:
    • Spanish Flu (1918-1920): During the Spanish Flu pandemic, homeopathy demonstrated impressive results. Homeopathic hospitals reported significantly lower mortality rates compared to conventional hospitals. For example, Dr. Dean W.A. Pearson of Philadelphia collected 26,795 flu cases treated by homeopathic physicians with a mortality rate of 1.05%, compared to the usual rate of 30% with conventional treatment.
  2. Cholera Epidemics:
    • 19th Century Cholera Epidemics: Homeopathy played a significant role during cholera outbreaks in Europe. Hospitals using homeopathic treatments, such as in Vienna and London, reported mortality rates between 7% and 16%, much lower than the 40%-60% mortality rates observed in conventional hospitals.
  3. Dengue Fever:
    • Cuba (2007-2008): A homeopathic preventive treatment for dengue fever was administered to 2.3 million people in Cuba, leading to a drastic reduction in infection rates compared to the untreated population. This large-scale intervention demonstrated homeopathy’s potential in managing acute infectious diseases.
  4. Acute Respiratory Infections:
    • Clinical Studies: Multiple studies have shown the efficacy of homeopathy in treating acute respiratory infections. For instance, a study published in the “British Homeopathic Journal” (1994) found that 70% of patients with acute sinusitis treated with homeopathy experienced significant improvement within a week.

Research on Homeopathy for Acute Diseases

  1. Acute Otitis Media in Children
    • Journal: Pediatrics (2001)
    • Authors: Frei H, Thurneysen A
    • Summary: Individualized homeopathic treatment significantly reduced symptoms in children with acute otitis media within 24 hours compared to those untreated.
    • Link: Pediatrics Study
  2. Acute Respiratory and Ear Complaints
    • Journal: The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2007)
    • Authors: Haidvogl M, et al.
    • Summary: Homeopathic treatment led to significant symptom improvement and high patient satisfaction in acute respiratory and ear complaints.
    • Link: JACM Study
  3. Childhood Diarrhea
    • Journal: The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal (2003)
    • Authors: Jacobs J, et al.
    • Summary: Meta-analysis showed homeopathy significantly reduced the duration of acute diarrhea in children compared to placebo.
    • Link: PIDJ Study
  4. Primary Care in Germany
    • Journal: BMC Public Health (2005)
    • Authors: Witt CM, et al.
    • Summary: Homeopathic treatment in primary care resulted in better outcomes and fewer side effects for acute illnesses compared to conventional treatment.
    • Link: BMC Public Health Study
  5. Upper Respiratory Infections in Children
    • Journal: Global Pediatric Health (2014)
    • Authors: Bellavite P, et al.
    • Summary: Review supports homeopathy as a safe and effective alternative for symptomatic care of acute otitis media and upper respiratory infections in children.
    • Link: Global Pediatric Health Review

These studies provide evidence for the effectiveness of homeopathy in treating various acute conditions.

Acute Diseases Where Homeopathy Should Be Considered

Homeopathy can be highly effective in managing various acute conditions, including:

  • Viral Infections: Common colds, influenza, and viral gastroenteritis.
  • Respiratory Issues: Bronchitis, acute asthma exacerbations, sinusitis, and tonsillitis.
  • Gastrointestinal Complaints: Diarrhea, food poisoning, and acute gastritis.
  • Skin Conditions: Acute urticaria (hives), eczema flare-ups, and insect bites.
  • Musculoskeletal Problems: Acute sprains, strains, and injuries.

Acute Diseases Where Homeopathy Should Not Be Opted

While homeopathy is effective for many acute conditions, there are certain acute illnesses where it should not be the primary treatment, especially when immediate, life-saving interventions are required:

  1. Severe Trauma:
    • Example: Major accidents, fractures, or severe burns. Conventional emergency medicine and surgery are crucial in these cases to stabilize the patient and manage life-threatening injuries.
  2. Acute Heart Conditions:
    • Example: Heart attacks (myocardial infarction) or severe arrhythmias. These conditions require immediate medical intervention, including medications, and possibly surgical procedures.
  3. Severe Infections:
    • Example: Sepsis, bacterial meningitis, and other life-threatening infections that require prompt antibiotic treatment and intensive care.
  4. Acute Surgical Conditions:
    • Example: Appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, or any condition requiring emergency surgery. Delay in surgical intervention can lead to severe complications or death.
  5. Acute Severe Allergic Reactions:
    • Example: Anaphylaxis, where immediate administration of epinephrine (adrenaline) and emergency medical care are critical.

Conclusion

It’s essential for patients to trust homeopathic doctors to handle acute illnesses as well as chronic conditions. Homeopathy’s holistic approach ensures that both acute symptoms and underlying causes are addressed effectively, leading to better long-term health outcomes. The historical success of homeopathic hospitals in managing acute illnesses reinforces the capability of homeopathy in providing comprehensive care. By allowing homeopathic doctors to manage acute conditions, patients can benefit from a consistent and effective treatment plan that promotes overall well-being.

Homeopathy has a proven track record in managing a wide range of acute diseases effectively, as evidenced by historical data and clinical studies. However, it’s essential to recognize the limitations of homeopathy in acute medical emergencies where conventional medicine and surgical interventions are crucial for saving lives.

Exploring Holistic Solutions: Homeopathy for Childhood Food Allergies

In the complex realm of childhood food allergies, where the immune system reacts adversely to specific food components, finding effective and safe solutions becomes paramount. This article delves into the classification, mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and common allergenic foods associated with childhood food allergies. However, our focus shifts to an alternative approach – homeopathy, offered by Dr. Rajeshwari and Dr. Shailesh, as a potential avenue for managing and treating these allergies.

Understanding Childhood Food Allergies:

Childhood food allergies are characterized by immune reactions to specific food ingredients, resulting in a range of symptoms. These can be classified based on the time interval between ingestion and symptom manifestation: immediate allergic responses occurring within minutes to hours and delayed responses manifesting up to 2-48 hours later.

Mechanisms of Food Allergy:

These allergies may arise from immunoglobulin E (IgE) or non-IgE mediated immune responses, often triggered by proteins acting as allergens in ingested foods. Genetic factors, such as a family history of allergies, contribute to the likelihood of a child developing allergies. The immature intestinal tract in infancy increases susceptibility, with many children outgrowing allergies, especially to common allergens like milk and eggs.

Clinical Manifestations:

Symptoms vary widely, encompassing systemic reactions like anaphylaxis and growth failure, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal problems, and cutaneous manifestations. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for timely intervention.

Common Allergenic Foods:

Various foods can elicit allergic responses in children, ranging from vegetables like peanuts and fruits to animal sources like fish, eggs, and dairy products. Cow’s Milk Allergy (CMA) stands out as the most prevalent, presenting with diverse symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, skin issues(Eczema, Dermatitis), recurrent cough and cold and gastro-esophageal reflux.

Diagnosis and Management:

Accurate diagnosis involves evaluating anaphylactic reactions and adhering to established guidelines. Skin prick tests, serum IgE measurements, and atopy patch tests aid in diagnosis. Management includes eliminating allergenic foods from the diet, reintroducing them cautiously, and adopting preventive measures like wearing medical identification bracelets for extreme cases.

The Role of Homeopathy:

Dr. Rajeshwari and Dr. Shailesh advocate for homeopathic treatment, emphasizing its potential to address the root causes and predispositions associated with various food allergies. Homeopathic medicines are tailored to individual tendencies and can offer a holistic approach to managing adverse reactions.

Preventive Measures:

In addition to treatment, the article underscores the importance of preventive measures, such as educating parents, teachers, and caregivers, promoting breastfeeding as a primary strategy, and fostering awareness about allergic reactions.

Conclusion:

As we navigate the intricate landscape of childhood food allergies, exploring alternative approaches like homeopathy becomes integral. Dr. Rajeshwari and Dr. Shailesh offer a beacon of hope for parents seeking holistic and personalized solutions to manage and treat their children’s food allergies. By combining traditional wisdom with modern understanding, they pave the way for a comprehensive and patient-centric approach to wellness.

Asthma and Allergy

Asthma and Allergy It’s Cause and Prevention

In practise we see common allergic and asthma cases in clinic more frequently, parents of children
and adult patient have whole lot of query as to

  • What food should be avoided in asthma?
  • What food can cure asthma?
  • What triggers asthma?
  • Which fruits are bad for asthma?
  • What foods aggravate asthma?
  • What are the most common allergies?
  • Can you live with asthma without an inhaler?
  • Is exercise good for asthma?
  • Is cheese bad for asthma?
  • Is asthma worse in winter?
  • Why to my child get frequent attacks?
  • What can trigger allergies?
  • Do allergies come from Mom or Dad?

Cause
An allergy is an abnormal/hypersensitive reaction to certain substances termed all these substances are well tolerated by most people, but others may react adversely these agents. These individuals would be termed allergic to those substances.

Common allergens

  • foods like eggs, fish, wheat, corn, artificial milk liquid and powder form, milk products, soya
    preparations, nuts, peanut butter, chocolates, tomatoes, pork, citrus fruits, and coconut
  • certain drug like penicillin and sulpha;
  • Pollen of some flowers; house dust; animal hair and feather Cockroaches, cats and dogs are
    dominant sources of indoor allergens.
  • Children born into families with a history of allergy
  • Children who consume animal milk in the first year of life are more prone to get allergic disorders Babies exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life are less prone to it

The symptoms of allergy are as follows

  • Nose: itchy or running nose
  • Skin: small reddish rashes which itch
  • Digestive system: tingling in the mouth, swelling of lips, tongue, face and throat.
  • Chest: Cough tightness in chest, wheezing and shortness of breath.

In asthma cases there is wheezing, breathing is faster than usual. When child breathes he sometimes to take the help of his neck muscles. The normal gap between two clavicles (collarbones) tends to dip during inspiration (breathing in). While breathing out, the child makes a musical hissing sound termed wheezing expiration (breathing out) is more prolonged than usual. The child finds it to breathe sitting up or wants a pillow or two on the lap to put his head for comfort. If the child has had eczema before or has had similar attacks before this episode or has a strong family history of allergy or was artificially fed (not breastfed), the diagnosis is more or less confirmed. It does not mean a breastfed child cannot get asthma. It is just that artificially fed children are at much higher risk. Thunderstorms can precipitate an attack in those who suffer from seasonal asthma to an increase in the amount of airborne pollen. Recent evidence also shows infants living near a highway are more
likely to have attacks of wheezing.

Prevention

  • Besides a familial tendency, passive smoking, allergy to certain foods, sudden exertion in the form of unaccustomed exercise or sports, anxiety or unresolved conflict at home or school, and respiratory infections may precipitate an attack.
  • However, sports should be encouraged. Children who get exercise-induced asthma are given medication for their asthma immediately before the activity.

  • House dust mixed with mites in the room in which the child sleeps should be specially taken care of. Keep cockroaches away.

  • The room should be kept scrupulously clean and have minimum furniture in it. Old books,
    clothes blankets and musty bedding may trigger the attacks.

  • Expose them to the sun frequently.

  • Make sure no dust remains on fans, in corners, behind or underneath the furniture or on curtains. Thin curtains, which can be washed frequently, are better than thick or heavy curtains.

  • Mop the room with a wet cloth rather than dust it. Avoid using wool blankets and carpets in the bedroom

  • Also avoid keeping stuffed toys and plants in the room. Hairy pets can also be a source of allergy. If your child has asthma, do consult your doctor before you get a pet.

  • If you have a vacuum cleaner, use it only while the child is away from home.

  • Let the child avoid all types of talcum powder, strong perfumes, scented soaps cold drinks, as well as sudden variations of temperature (for instance, entering a very cold air conditioned room from outside where the temperature was very hash), sudden exertion and foods that he is allergic to (eg cold drinks, peanuts, packaged drinks and wafers etc.)

  • To find out whether a child is allergic to the foods listed above, first introduce an item into the diet when he is perfectly well. Watch for a week. If the child remains well (without medication), he is probably not allergic to that item of food.

  • Avoid offering any suspicious item for 6 months and then try again. If the child reacts severely to any food, do not offer it for at least a year.

  • Bananas are often blamed for bringing on attacks of cold and asthma. This is probably not true. If the child who is given a banana gets an attack on certain occasions and not on others, he is probably not allergic to it. A banana, especially when given on an empty stomach at least half an hour to one hour before meals is a healthy fruit and should not be easily discarded from the child’s diet.

  • Finally I understand the concern and anxiety as a parents, do not overact if your child gets an
    attack of asthma. You may pass your anxiety on to child and so worsen the attack.

The good news about asthma is that if the attacks start in early childhood, they are more likely to disappear with age. Also, in children without a history of heredity and other factors mentioned above, and in whom the attacks always start with a viral cold rather than coming up suddenly, the diagnosis of asthma should never be made in a hurry. Such children may temporarily react to a cold with a wheeze but may not have asthma. Half the children with definite attacks of asthma are likely to be free of symptoms within 10 to 20 years. However, recurrences are known in adulthood. Also, those who have severe attacks in early childhood are more often found to continue getting attacks in adulthood.

Homeopathy has a huge potential to tackle this illness. It is arguably the only therapy with no negative side effects or after effects. It not only addresses the symptom, the disease, the cause thereof but the whole totality of the patient. It touches not only the body, the function of the body, the mind but also the aura of the spirit which animates the entire individuality.