Asthma

Dyspnea - Breathing difficulty
Dyspnea is the sensation of difficult or uncomfortable breathing. It’s usually reported as shortness of breath. Its severity varies greatly and is usually unrelated to the severity of the underlying cause. Dyspnea may arise suddenly or slowly and may subside rapidly or persist for years. Most people normally experience dyspnea when they exert themselves, and its severity depends on their physical condition. In a healthy person, dyspnea is quickly relieved by rest. Pathologic causes of dyspnea include pulmonary, cardiac, neuromuscular, and allergic disorders. It may also be caused by anxiety.
Breathing difficulty in Asthma -  Acute dyspneic attacks occur with asthma, along with audible wheezing, a dry cough, accessory muscle use, nasal flaring, chest muscle retraction, increased breathing rate, tachycardia, excess sweat, prolonged time for breathing out  and apprehension. Medicines for hypertension like Beta blockers can also cause dyspnea.
Ayurvedic approach for Dyspnea will be to address lung issue if any, give treatment for downward movement of Vata dosha in the body and treating anxiety through methods like improving the quality of sleep. Chronic Asthma patients can be given substantial relief through Ayurvedic medicines, thereby reducing the frequency and intensity of asthma attacks.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)?

It is a group of progressive lung inflammatory diseases like emphysema and chronic Bronchitis.

Emphysema- Inflammation of the alveoli (smallest airbags of the lungs).

Bronchitis- Inflammation of the bronchial tubes and lining of the lungs.

The inflammation causes airway obstruction. The air we breathe in goes into the lungs through bronchial tubes and reach the small air sacks (alveoli) and into the blood. In COPD there is blockage and loss of elasticity in the tubes, loss of hair like cilia (which propels the mucous out of the lungs) in the bronchial tubes and destruction and collapse of the air sacs making it difficult to breathe in/out.

Cause and risk factors of COPD

  • Age, occupational (chemical irritants) and hereditary causes
  • Long term exposure to irritants like Tobacco smoking, dust, pollen and air pollution
  • Certain long term medications.

What are the symptoms of COPD?

  • Persistent Coughing up of mucous which may be clear, white, yellowish or greenish
  • Shortness of breath during physical exercise
  • Wheezing
  • Chest tightness
  • Tiredness
  • Frequent colds or flu
  • Blue fingernails
  • Weight loss (in later stages)

How is COPD treated in Homeopathy?

The treatment is based on the following factors

Symptom severity and duration

  • Degree of airway obstruction
  • The extent to which the attack is interfering with regular activities
  • Miasmatic approach (a concept which is unique to Homeopathy)
  • Causative and triggering factors along with modalities
  • Symptoms that are specific to the patient, their modalities and concomitants- Factors that improve or worsen the condition, any other related/non related symptoms associated with present condition.
  • Family history and medical history of asthma or allergic related conditions
  • And generalities such as appetite, thirst, sleep, etc which are unique to the patient.

Reflux Oesophagitis

GORD disease that affects 2.3 to 8% of the population in Asia and common among middle-aged men and women.What is gastro oesophageal reflux Disease?

It is defined as backward flow of the stomach or gastric contents into the food pipe. In other words, it is condition which develops when the stomach contents cause troublesome symptoms or complications that adversely affect the individual’s quality of life. It is common cause of heartburn and indigestion. About 39% of the adult population experiences an occasional heartburn. Gastro oesophageal reflux is also responsible for the most use of antacids. Heartburn is a problem in more than 25% of pregnant women in their third trimester. The symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe.

What are the factors that increase the risk of GORD?

  • Over weight/Obesity
  • Pregnancy hormones causes relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter causing the stomach contents to go upward into the food pipe
  • Hiatus hernia- a condition in which a part of stomach and food pipe pushes itself upwards through the diaphragm causing relaxation of the sphincter.
  • Delayed stomach emptying as in Diabetes mellitus
  • Some connective tissue disorders
  • Prolonged intake of pain killers
  • Foods- carbonated and caffeinated drinks, citrus fruits, spicy/fried/fatty foods.

When to see a Doctor?

Symptoms such as Heart-burn and regurgitation are severe and occur several times a week.

Heartburn- Burning sensation in the chest.

Difficulty or painful swallowing of foods.

Regurgitation or flow of stomach contents into the mouth or severe vomiting.

Sleep disturbance due to the above symptoms as GORD renders the patient difficult in the recumbent position and at night.

General Management of GORD

  • Adequate Rest and adequate physical activity.
  • Raising the head of your bed if symptoms are worse at night.
  • Eating evening meal at least 3 hours before going to bed.
  • Avoiding foods that cause heartburn.
  • Avoid lying down immediately after eating.

Homeopathic Management of GORD

Homeopathy is based on a holistic approach taking the person’s mind, emotions and body into consideration and finding the root cause of the ailment and individualizing the case.

GORD can be effectively treated in Homeopathy. The Homeopath will ask you a set of questions about the following so a keen observation of yourself and your physical condition is necessary.

Homeopathic management and remedy selection focuses on the following factors.

  • Causative and triggering factors
  • Duration and severity of suffering
  • In case of pain- location of pain, any specific sensation
  • Modalities and concomitants- Factors that improve or worsen the condition, any other related/non related symptoms associated with present condition.
  • Family and past history of similar illness and other generalities like appetite, thirst, sleep which help in individualizing the case which is unique to Homeopathy.

 

Reference- Current Practice of Medicine, Vol 4

Diseases