HOMOEOPATHY FOR SARCOIDOSIS

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects one or more organs but most affects the lungs and lymph glands. As a result of the inflammation , abnormal lumps or nodules called granulomas, form in one or more urgans of the body. These granulomas may change the normal structure and possibly the function of the affected organs.

Sarcoidosis is more common in women than men. Sarcoidosis rarely occurs in children. Symptoms usually occur in people between the ages of 20 and 60.

Causes

The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown, but experts think it results from the body’s immune system responding to an unknown substance. Some researchers suggests that infectious agents, chemicals, dust and a potential abnormal reaction to the body’s own proteins could be responsible for the formation of granulomas in people who are genetically predisposed.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis vary depending on which organs are affected. Sarcoidosis sometimes develops gradually and produces symptoms that last for years. Other times symptoms appear suddenly and then disappear just as quickly. Many people with sarcoidosis have no symptoms, so the disease may be discovered only by chest X-ray is done for another reason.

General symptoms

·        Fatigue

·        Swollen lymph nodes

·        Weight loss

·        Pain and swelling in joints, such as ankles

Lung symptoms

·        Persistent cough

·        Shortness of breath

·        Wheezing

·        Chest pain

Skin symptoms

·        A rash of red or reddish-purple bumps , usually located on the shins or ankles, which may be warm or tender to the touch.

·        Disfiguring sores on the nose , cheeks and ears

·        Areas of skin that are darker or lighter in color

·        Growths under the skin , nodules, particularly around scars or tattoos

Eye symptoms

·        Blurred vision

·        Eye pain

·        Burning , itching or dry eyes

·        Severe redness

·        Sensitivity to light

Heart symptoms

·        Chest pain

·        Shortness of breath

·        Fatigue

·        Irregular heartbeats

·        Rapid or fluttering heartbeat

·        Swelling caused by excess fluid, edema

Risk factors

·        Age and sex: At any age, but occurs between the ages of 20 and 60 years

·        Race: People of African descent and those of European descent have a higher incidence of sarcoidosis. African –Americans are more likely to have involvement of other organs along with the lungs.

·        Family history: If someone in the family has had sarcoidosis, more chance to develop the disease to the coming generations.

Complications

·        Lungs : Untreated pulmonary sarcoidosis can lead to permanent scarring , pulmonary fibrosis, making it difficult to breath and sometimes causing pulmonary hypertension

·        Eyes: Inflammation can affect any part of the eye and may cause damage to the retina, which eventually cause blindness. Rarely can cause cataract and glaucoma.

·        Kidneys: Sarcoidosis can affect calcium metabolism , which can lead to kidney stones and reduce kidney function, rarely kidney failure.

·        Heart: Sarcoidosis can cause formation of granulomas in heart , that can disrupt heart rhythm , blood flow and normal heart function, rarely lead to death.

·        Nervous system : If granulomas form in the brain or spinal cord , that results in nervous system related problems.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When sarcoidosis   is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms.

ARSENIC  IODATUM : Inflammation of lungs . Chronic bronchitis. Broncho-pneumonia. Short of breath, air hunger. Dry cough with difficult expectoration. Expectoration yellow-green and foul.  Enlarged scrofulous glands.  Fever. Weak heart . Pulse rapid and irritable.

BERYLLIUM METALLICUM: Inflammation of trachea and lungs. Bronchitis. Pulmonary sarcoidosis. Respiration painful, worse by movement. Blood streaked sputum. Slight fever with gradual weight lose. Tendency to skin tumors.

BRYONIA ALBA : Inflammation of lungs and bronchial tubes. Bronchitis. Pneumonia. Pleurisy. Dry, hard , painful cough. Scanty sputum, rusty blood streaked .  Stitches in chest. Soreness of larynx. Tough mucus in trachea, loosened only with much hawking. Joints re, swollen, hot with stitching and tearing worse on least movement.

CALCAREA IODATA: Enlarged lymph glands. Hectic fever with green purulent expectoration.

IODUM: Suited to emaciated persons. Losing weight with great appetite.  Enlarged lymph nodes. Inflammation of lung, pneumonia. Difficult expansion of chest. Blood streaked sputum. Pleuritis effusion. Croupy cough with difficult respiration. Violent heart action. Tachycardia. Joints inflamed and painful.

LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM: Inflammation of lungs. Pneumonia. Difficulty in breathing. Flying of ale nasi and presence of mucous rales. Deep hollow cough. Greenish yellow, lumpy, foul and bloody sputum.  Weak digestion. Flatulent abdomen.  Craving for sweets. Patient prefer hot drinks and food. Right sided remedy. Complaints worse in the evening, 4-8 pm.

PHOSPHORUS: Inflammation of lungs. Pneumonia of left lower lung. Pneumonia with oppression, worse lying on left side. Rusty , blood –colored , purulent sputum. Difficulty in breathing. Craves cold, ice drinks and chocolate.

PULSATILLA NIGRICANS: Pulsatilla patients are mild, emotional and tearful. Changeable moods. Weeps easily. Desires company. Difficulty in breathing. Shortness of breath, worse lying on left side. Dry cough in evening and night, must sit up in bed to get relief. Expectoration bland, yellow greenish. Joints red and swollen. Pain shifting rapidly.

RHUS TOXICODENDRON: Hot painful swelling of joints, worse after rest, better from movement. Red , swollen , itching eruptions on the skin. Dry , teasing cough. Red colored sputum.

TUBERCULINUM:   Intercurrent remedy.  Fever with profuse sweat. Difficulty in breathing. Pneumonia. Thick yellow or yellowish green sputum. Sensation of suffocation.