Asthma

                                        Asthma
Definition
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways
in the lungs. This inflammation periodically causes
the airways to narrow, producing wheezing and breathlessness
sometimes to the point where the patient gasps
for air. This obstruction of the air flow either stops spontaneously
or responds to a wide range of treatments.
Continuing inflammation makes asthmatics hyper-responsive
to such stimuli as cold air, exercise, dust, pollutants
in the air, and even stress or anxiety.

Description
The changes that take place in the lungs of asthmatics
make their airways (the bronchi and the smaller bronchioles)
hyper-reactive to many different types of stimuli
that do not affect healthy lungs. In an asthma attack, the
muscle tissue in the walls of the bronchi go into spasm,
and the cells that line the airways swell and secrete
mucus into the air spaces. Both these actions cause the
bronchi to narrow, a change that is called bronchoconstriction.
As a result, an asthmatic person has to make a
much greater effort to breathe.
Cells in the bronchial walls, called mast cells, release
certain substances that cause the bronchial muscle to contract
and stimulate mucus formation. These substances,
which include histamine and a group of chemicals called
leukotrienes, also bring white blood cells into the area.
Many patients with asthma are prone to react to substances
such as pollen, dust, or animal dander; these are called allergens.
Many people with asthma do not realize that allergens
are triggering their attacks. On the other hand, asthma
also affects many patients who are not allergic in this way.
Asthma usually begins in childhood or adolescence,
but it also may first appear in adult life. While the
symptoms may be similar, certain important aspects of asthma
are different in children and adults. When asthma begins
in childhood, it often does so in a child who is likely, for
genetic reasons, to become sensitized to common allergens
in the environment. Such a child is known as an
atopic person. In 2004, scientists in Helsinki, Finland,
identified two new genes that cause atopic asthma. The
discovery might lead to earlier prediction of asthma in
children and adults. When these children are exposed to
dust, animal proteins, fungi, or other potential allergens,
they produce a type of antibody that is intended to engulf
and destroy the foreign materials. This has the effect of
making the airway cells sensitive to particular materials.
Further exposure can lead rapidly to an asthmatic response.
This condition of atopy is present in at least one
third and as many as one half of the general population.
When an infant or young child wheezes during viral infections,
the presence of allergy (in the child or a close
relative) is a clue that asthma may well continue
throughout childhood.
Allergenic materials may also play a role when
adults become asthmatic. Asthma can start at any age
and in a wide variety of situations. Many adults who are
not allergic have such conditions as sinusitis or nasal
polyps, or they may be sensitive to aspirin and related
drugs. Another major source of adult asthma is exposure
at work to animal products, certain forms of plastic,
wood dust, metals, and environmental pollution.

Causes & symptoms
In most cases, asthma is caused by inhaling an allergen
that sets off the chain of biochemical and tissue
changes leading to airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction,
and wheezing. Because avoiding (or at least
minimizing) exposure is the most effective way of treating
asthma, it is vital to identify which allergen or irritant
is causing symptoms in a particular patient. Once
asthma is present, symptoms can be set off or made
worse if the patient also has rhinitis (inflammation of
the lining of the nose) or sinusitis. When, for some reason,
stomach acid passes back up the esophagus in a reaction
called acid reflux, this condition also can make
asthma worse. In addition, a viral infection of the respiratory
tract can inflame an asthmatic reaction. Aspirin
and drugs called beta-blockers, often used to treat high
blood pressure, also can worsen the symptoms of asthma.
But the most important inhaled allergens giving rise
to attacks of asthma are:
• animal dander
• dust mites
• fungi (molds) that grow indoors
• cockroach allergens
• pollen
• occupational exposure to chemicals, fumes, or particles
of industrial materials
• tobacco smoke
• air pollutants
In addition, there are three important factors that
regularly produce attacks in certain asthmatic patients,
and they may sometimes be the sole cause of symptoms.
They are:
• inhaling cold air (cold-induced asthma)
• exercise-induced asthma (in certain children, asthma
attacks are caused simply by exercising)
• stress or a high level of anxiety
Wheezing often is obvious, but mild asthmatic attacks
may be confirmed when the physician listens to the
patient’s chest with a stethoscope. Besides wheezing and
being short of breath, the patient may cough or report a
feeling of tightness in the chest. Children may have itching
on their back or neck at the start of an attack. Wheezing
often is loudest when the patient exhales. Some asthmatics
are free of symptoms most of the time but may
occasionally be short of breath for a brief time. Others
spend much of their days (and nights) coughing and
wheezing until properly treated. Crying or even laughing
may bring on an attack. Severe episodes often are seen
when the patient gets a viral respiratory tract infection or
is exposed to a heavy load of an allergen or irritant.
Asthmatic attacks may last only a few minutes or can go
on for hours or even days. Being short of breath may
cause a patient to become very anxious, sit upright, lean
forward, and use the muscles of the neck and chest wall
to help breathe. The patient may be able to say only a
few words at a time before stopping to take a breath.
Confusion and a bluish tint to the skin are clues that the
oxygen supply is much too low and that emergency treatment
is needed. In a severe attack, some of the air sacs in
the lung may rupture so that air collects within the chest,
which makes it even harder to breathe. The good news is
that almost always, even patients with the most severe attacks
will recover completely.


Diagnosis
Apart from listening to the patient’s chest, the examiner
should look for maximum chest expansion while
taking in air. Hunched shoulders and contracting neck
muscles are other signs of narrowed airways. Nasal
polyps or increased amounts of nasal secretions are often
noted in asthmatic patients. Skin changes, like dermatitis
or eczema, are a clue that the patient has allergic
problems. Inquiring about a family history of asthma or
allergies can be a valuable indicator of asthma. A test
called spirometry measures how rapidly air is exhaled
and how much is retained in the lungs. Repeating the test
after the patient inhales a drug that widens the air passages
(a bronchodilator) will show whether the narrowing
of the airway is reversible, which is a very typical
finding in asthma. Often patients use a related instrument,
called a peak flow meter, to keep track of asthma
severity when at home.
Frequently, it is difficult to determine what is triggering
asthma attacks. Allergy skin testing may be
used, although an allergic skin response does not always
mean that the allergen being tested is causing the
asthma. Also, the body’s immune system produces an
antibody to fight off the allergen, and the amount of antibody
can be measured by a blood test. The blood test

will show how sensitive the patient is to a particular allergen.
If the diagnosis is still in doubt, the patient can
inhale a suspect allergen while using a spirometer to
detect airway narrowing. Spirometry also can be repeated
after a bout of exercise if exercise-induced asthma
is a possibility. A chest x-ray will help rule out
other disorders.

Treatment

Alternative medicine tends to view asthma as the
body’s protective reaction to environmental agents and
pollutants. As such, the treatment goal is often to restore
balance to and strengthen the entire body and provide specific
support to the lungs, immune and hormonal systems.
Asthma sufferers can help by keeping a diary of asthma
attacks in order to determine environmental and emotional
factors that may be contributing to their condition.

Alternative treatments have minimal side effects, are
generally inexpensive, and are convenient forms of selftreatment.
They also can be used alongside allopathic
treatments to improve their effectiveness and lessen their
negative side effects.

Dietary and nutritional therapies
Some alternative practitioners recommend cutting
down on or eliminating dairy products from the diet, as
these increase mucus secretion in the lungs and are


sources of food allergies. Other recommendations include
avoiding processed foods, refined starches and
sugars, and foods with artificial additives and sulfites.
Diets should be high in fresh fruits, vegetables, and
whole grains, and low in salt. Asthma sufferers should
experiment with their diets to determine if food allergies
are playing a role in their asthma. Some studies have
shown that a sustained vegan (zero animal foods) diet
can be effective for asthma, as it does not contain the animal
products that frequently cause food allergies and
contain chemical additives. A vegan diet also eliminates
a fatty acid called arachidonic acid, which is found in animal
products and is believed to contribute to allergic reactions.

Plenty of water should also be drunk by asthma sufferers,
as water helps to keep the passages of the lungs
moist. Onions and garlic contain quercetin, a flavonoid
(a chemical compound/biological response modifier)
that inhibits the release of histamine, and should be a
part of an asthmatic’s diet. Quercetin also is available as
a supplement, and should be taken with the digestive enzyme
bromelain to increase its absorption.
As nutritional therapy, vitamins A, C and E have
been touted as important. Also, the B complex vitamins,
particularly B6 and B12, may be helpful for asthma, as
well as magnesium, selenium, and an omega-3 fatty
acid supplement such as flaxseed oil. A good multivitamin
supplement also is recommended.

Herbal remedies
Chinese medicine has traditionally used ma huang,
or ephedra, for asthma attacks. It contains ephedrine,
which is a bronchodilator used in many drugs. However,
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a
ban on the sale of ephedra that took effect in April 2004
because it was shown to raise blood pressure and stress
the circulatory system, resulting in heart attacks and
strokes for some users. Ginkgo has been shown to reduce
the frequency of asthma attacks, and licorice is used in
Chinese medicine as a natural decongestant and expectorant.
There are many formulas used in traditional Chinese
medicine to prevent or ease asthma attacks, depending
on the specific Chinese diagnosis given by the
practitioner. For example, ma huang is used to treat socalled
“wind-cold” respiratory ailments.
Other herbs used for asthma include lobelia, also
called Indian tobacco; nettle, which contains a natural
antihistamine; thyme; elecampane mullein: feverfew;
passionflower: saw palmetto: and Asian ginseng. Coffee
and tea have been shown to reduce the severity of asthma
attacks because caffeine works as a bronchodilator. Tea
also contains minute amounts of theophylline, a major
drug used for asthma. Ayurvedic (traditional East Indian)
medicine recommends the herb Tylophora asthmatica.

Controlled exercise
Many people believe that those with asthma should
not exercise. This is particularly true among parents of
children with asthma. In a 2004 study, researchers reported
that 20% of children with asthma do not get
enough exercise. Many parents believe it is dangerous
for their children with asthma to exercise, but physical
activity benefits all children, including those with asthma.
Parents should work with the child’s healthcare
provider and any coach or organized sport leader to carefully
monitor his or her activities.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for asthma.
It is used in traditional Chinese medicine along with
dietary changes. Acupressure can also be used as a selftreatment
for asthma attacks and prevention. The Lung 1
points, used to stimulate breathing, can be easily found
on the chest. These are sensitive, often knotted spots on
the muscles that run horizontally about an inch below the
collarbone, and about two inches from the center of the
chest. The points can be pressed in a circular manner
with the thumbs, while the head is allowed to hang forward
and the patient takes slow, deep breaths. Reflexology
also uses particular acupressure points on the hands
and feet that are believed to stimulate the lungs.

Other treatments
Aromatherapists recommend eucalyptus, lavender,
rosemary, and chamomile as fragrances that promote
free breathing. In Japan, a common treatment for asthma
is administering cold baths. This form of hydrotherapy
has been demonstrated to open constricted air passages.
Massage therapies such as Rolfing can help asthma sufferers
as well, as they strive to open and increase circulation
in the chest area. Homeopathy uses the remedies
Arsenicum album, Kali carbonicum, Natrum sulphuricum,
and Aconite.



Allopathic treatment
Allopaths recommend that asthma patients should
be periodically examined and have their lung functions

measured by spirometry. The goals are to prevent troublesome
symptoms, to maintain lung function as close to
normal as possible, and to allow patients to pursue their
normal activities, including those requiring exertion. The
best drug therapy is that which controls asthmatic symptoms
while causing few or no side effects.


Expected results
Most patients with asthma respond well when the
best treatment or combination of treatments is found and
they are able to lead relatively normal lives. Patients who
take responsibility for their condition and experiment
with various treatments have good chances of keeping
symptoms minimal. Having urgent measures to control
asthma attacks and ongoing treatment to prevent attacks
are important as well. More than one half of affected
children stop having attacks by the time they reach 21
years of age. Many others have less frequent and less severe
attacks as they grow older. A small minority of patients
will have progressively more trouble breathing.
Because they run a risk of going into respiratory failure,
they must receive intensive treatment.

Prevention
Prevention is extremely important in the treatment of
asthma, which includes eliminating all possible allergens
from the environment and diet. Homes and work areas
should be as dust and pollutant-free as possible. Areas
can be tested for allergens and high-quality air filters can
be installed to clean the air. If the patient is sensitive to a
family pet, removing the animal or at least keeping it out
of the bedroom (with the bedroom door closed) is advised.
Keeping the pet away from carpets and upholstered
furniture, and removing all feathers also helps. To reduce
exposure to dust mites, it is recommended to remove
wall-to-wall carpeting, keep the humidity low, and use
special pillows and mattress covers. Cutting down on
stuffed toys, and washing them each week in hot water, is
advised for children with asthma. If cockroach allergen is
causing asthma attacks, controlling the roaches (using
traps or boric acid rather than chemicals) can help.
It is important to not to leave food or garbage exposed.
Keeping indoor air clean by vacuuming carpets once or
twice a week (with the asthmatic person absent), and
avoiding use of humidifiers is advised. Those with asthma
should avoid exposure to tobacco smoke and should not
exercise outside when air pollution levels are high. When
asthma is related to exposure at work, taking all precautions,
including wearing a mask and, if necessary, arranging
to work in a safer area, is recommended. For chronic
sufferers who live in heavily polluted areas, moving to less
polluted regions may even be a viable alternative.

Dengue part 2

                         Additional dengue information
dengue fever the African subcontinent is credited with the inception of life on earth. Whether it was the swinging predecessors of the homo sapiens from tree to tree or the various kinds of viruses like chikungunya they all seem to have their place of birth as the sub Sahara. Further there is no difference of opinion regarding the guest viruses of this article i.e the Dengue viruses, four of their kind that they have all originated in the mirthy continent, Africa. They have the potential of causing a fever which can debilitate an individual with its myalgic pains and even worse can cause an effect on the circulation causing haemorrhagic tendencies as the life of the blood i.e the red blood cells, platelets are compromised.

How is the fever contracted?
An ally is what these viruses need to spread from one to another. That is ably supported by the Aedes aegypti mosquito which is a swarmy population in the forests of Africa and earlier it was the monkeys which were the pool for the viruses but now man has become the reservoir as it has spread to the homo sapiens. This virus needs a tropical or sub-tropical climate to thrive and no wonder our country has become the second home. It has also evolved in such a way that it can survive in the urban environments by living year round in moist storage containers, able to breed in water-filled flower pots, plastic bags and cans. The virus is contracted from the bite of this striped Aedes aegypti mosquito that has previously bitten an infected person. Though it is an infectious disease, the virus needs the man-mosquito-man transimission only to cause disease.

As such the virus is now endemic in many areas of the world and more so the South Asian continent of ours. It is likely to affect infants, children and young adults. It is more likely to find its habitat in the lowered immunity individuals.

Aedes Aegypti Mosquito
((Aedes aegypti Mosquito))

Signs & Symptoms of Dengue:
Once the virus enters into the body there is an incubation period of about 5 to 8 days, but symptoms may develop after as few as three days or as many as 15 days. The onset of symptoms is sudden and dramatic. Initially, chills tend to develop, followed by a headache. Pain with the movement of the eyes leads to more generalized and extreme pain in the legs and joints. A high fever can be produced, with temperatures reaching 104° F. Also, a pale rash may appear transiently on the face.

These symptoms can persist for up to 96 hours. Often, the fever then rapidly eases. After a short period when symptoms disappear, the fever reappears. The temperature elevates rapidly but the fever is usually not as high as in previous episodes. The palms of the hands and soles of the feet may turn bright red and become very swollen.

Petechiae & Purpuric rash
((Petechiae & Purpuric rash))

In about 80% of those who are infected, recovery is complete after a convalescent period of several weeks with general weakness and lack of energy. However, in some 20% of those who are infected a severe form of dengue fever develops. This malady is characterized by the increased leakage of fluid from cells and by the abnormal clotting of the blood. These factors produce the hemorrhaging that can be a hallmark of the disease, which is called dengue hemorrhagic fever. Even then, recovery can be complete within a week. Finally, in some of those who are infected, a condition called dengue shock syndrome can result in convulsions. In addition, a failure of the circulatory system can occur, resulting in death.

The reasons for the varied degrees of severity and symptoms that the viral infection can elicit are still unclear.

Leucopenia
((Leucopenia))

Characteristics & Diagnosis:
Dengue is characterized by high fever and rashes. Apart from that there need to be three other symptoms to call it as Dengue fever. They are:

Tendency to bleed profusely (positive tourniquet test, spontaneous bruising, bleeding from mucosa, gingiva, injection sites, etc.; vomiting blood, or bloody diarrhea)
Thrombocytopaenia (<100 platelets per mm³ or estimated as less than 3 platelets per high power field)
Evidence of plasma leakage (hematocrit more than 20% higher than expected, or drop in haematocrit of 20% or more from baseline following IV fluid, pleural effusion, ascites, hypoproteinaemia)

Since the antigen-antibody reaction produces a vascular permeablility there is a bleeding across various surfaces of the body which is the deleterious and dangerous effect of this fever. This also leads to dehydration. It produces a bradycardia and decreased pulse rate which is also characteristic of this disease. There is lowered blood pressure with cold and clammy skin. A pale, pink rash spreads all over the body which disappears after a transient time. As long as these two things are not found it cannot be called as dengue haemorrhagic fever.

It is also imperative to note that only 5-10% of patients who suffer from dengue really progress to have the complication of haemorrhagic fever.

As such whenever there is fever with defervescence only to rise again one of the few differentials to be considered in the primary health care is to rule out urinary tract infections, intermittent fevers like malaria and viral illnesses like dengue. As such there would be some urinary symptoms, chills characteristic of UTI, while malaria would present with chills, ague etc. But in dengue there would be a rash and a complete blood picture would reveal reduced mean corpuscular volume, reduced packed cell volume, raised lymphocyte count, compensatory reduction of neutrophils, increased ESR due to rise in lymphocyte count and more importantly a falling platelet count.

Once there is a rash, petechiae, bleeding from any mucus surfaces to differentiate with other haemorrhagic fevers a immunoglobulin study of Dengue is done. There are four serotypes of Dengue virus. It would reveal IgM positive if the Dengue fever has occurred for the first time in the individual and IgG positive if it has occurred for the second time nonentheless with a different serotype of the same Flaviviridae family.

Prevention, Management and Treatment of Dengue:

The best preventive measure is to eliminate the places where the mosquitoes lay their eggs containers holding water, rain water stagnating in big drums, unused buckets, automobile tires, plastic ontainers etc.
As such a viral illness causes typically bad myalgia which is appropriated with rest and since this virus leads to problem with fluid balance; enough hydration needs to be maintained. It is when the electrolytes seem to fall intravenous adminstration of the same can be applied. As and when there is any fall in the platelet count plasma would need to be transfused.
To see that the dengue fever does not transform into the haemorrhagic one is the need of the hour. If there is one system of Medicine which is capable of that; then it has to be Homoeopathic Medicine. As such the fever starts with a typical flu like symptoms with predominant ague, muscular soreness and pain and thereby all remedies which match influenza and intermittent fever like malaria seem to suit the picture.

Platelet Transfusion
((Platelet transfusion))

Probably the first remedy for any viral fevers which seem to set in with a typical pain in the muscles of the whole body and seeming to penetrating into the "bones" with a typical increased thirst and also associated with nausea and vomiting is Eupatorium perf.

The muscular soreness, great prostration and violent headache with the typical thirstlessness and slow pulse all characteristics of Gelsemium is one of the remedies for the fever.

Another remedy for the acute stage of fevers is Dulcamara and this kind sets in usually in damp weather or changes in weather with the muscular soreness and sore throat and cough are the associated symptoms.

Baptisia is another remedy because of the muscular soreness it produces apart from the slow pulse but in this case the putridness of the discharges, perspiration, urine or stool carry weight to indicate this remedy.

Bryonia is a remedy when there is sore throat and the severe headache and the trouble is threatening to go down into the bronchial tree but with this remedy the pulse is full and hard which may be contradictory to the pathology of Dengue.

No fever study can be complete without the study of Rhus tox as muscular soreness as it transcends the joints, tendons and sheaths causing pain. This remedy has aborted many a pathology in the bud. Physical restlessness compelling the patient to constantly change his position is another characteristic of this drug.

Arsenicum is a remedy of individuals who are more prone to coryza with the languor and prostration unmatched and also a burning, dryness and copious, irritating secretions of the conjunctiva, nasal mucosa and the pharynx. This remedy will probably help the first half of the disease and more often than not abort its progress to the haemorrhagic phase. Also when the symptoms do not match any particular remedy this drug is the first to be thought about to check the viral fevers to carry on into their next phase. Needless to say whether it is the reduced osmolality of the blood, leucopenia, increased lymphocyte count or the impending reduction of platelets, Arsenic is a remedy of unmatched importance with any other remedy of Materia Medica.

Cinchona is a remedy which suits the later half of the disease because of the exhaustion and debility due to loss of vital fluids. Literally there may not be any loss of fluids apparently but since the blood picture is devoid of the packed cell volume, leucopenia, rise in lymphocytes and the gradual loss of platelets is the same picture. Probably the only feature that stands against this disease is that it is not usually indicated in acute phase of the disease. But for recouping this is second to none.

To see that the disease does not cause any lethal complications and which matches the second stage of the disease or dengue haemorrhagic fever perfectly is Phosphorus. The suddenness of symptoms like the sudden prostration, faints, sweats, shooting pains, extravasation of blood from the mucus surfaces, destructive metabolism in the circulating leading to leucopenia and reduced platelet count and later the debilitating condition is all covered by Phosphorus and once the diagnosis of Dengue is confirmed there need not be much thought to indicate this remedy.

Dengue part 1

                                    Dengue 

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease caused by any one of four closely related dengue viruses (DENV-1, -2, -3, and -4). Infection with one serotype of DENV provides immunity to that serotype for life, but provides no long-term immunity to other serotypes. Thus, a person can be infected as many as four times, once with each serotype.

Dengue viruses are transmitted from person to person by Aedes mosquitoes (most often Aedes aegypti) in the domestic environment.

Epidemics have occurred periodically in the Western Hemisphere for more than 200 years. In the past 30 years, dengue transmission and the frequency of dengue epidemics have increased greatly in most tropical countries like India, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam.

What are the symptoms of Dengue Fever?

Classic dengue fever, or “break bone fever,” is characterized by acute onset of high fever 3–14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

Symptoms include

frontal headache,
retro-orbital pain,
myalgias,
arthralgias,
hemorrhagic manifestations,
rash, and
low white blood cell count

The patient also may complain of anorexia and nausea.

Acute symptoms, when present, usually last about 1 week, but weakness, malaise, and anorexia may persist for several weeks.

Some patients with dengue fever go on to develop dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), a severe and sometimes fatal form of the disease.

Diagnosis of Dengue Fever

The diagnosis of dengue is usually made clinically.

The classic picture is high fever with no localising source of infection, a petechial rash with thrombocytopenia and relative leukopenia – low platelet and white blood cell count.

= Laboratory Diagnosis of dengue infection

One can get DENGUE FEVER ANTIBODY, IgM & IgG. This is a costly test. From Dr Lal Path Lab, it is costing nearly Rs. 1200.

Aim of treatment of dengue fever:

• Relieving symptoms of pain.
• Controlling fever.
• Telling patients to avoid aspirin and other nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medications because they may increase the risk for hemorrhage.
• Reminding patients to drink more fluids, especially when they have a high fever.

= How to Treat Dengue Fever

• Drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.
• Antipyretics to control temperature. Children with dengue are at risk for febrile seizures during the febrile phase of illness.
• Avoid aspirin and other nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medications because they increase the risk of hemorrhage. People generally take Brufen or Combiflam tablets in such fever conditions, these are to be avoided.
• Get platelet counts.

= Prevention of Dengue Fever

- There is no tested and approved vaccine for the dengue.
- Primary prevention of dengue is mosquito control.

= Dengue fever and Homeopathy medicines

In Homoeopathy, we have more than 20 medicines which can be taken based on different symptoms of fever in different stages. I would suggest you to please consult your homeopathic physician or homeopathic consultant for appropriate selection of the homeopathic drug for dengue fever.

Just for reference, 16 homeopathic remedies for dengue fever are mentioned in Knerr’s Repertory :
Acon., ars., bell., Bry., chin., coloc., EUP-PER., ferr., ham., ip., merc., nux-v., podo., Rhus-t., sec., sul-ac.

Boericke has mentioned 12 remedies : acon., ars., bell., bry., canth., chin., eup-per., gels., ip., nux-v., rhus-t., rhus-v.

Get additional dengue information in part 2 in same blog..

Epilepsy

                                   Epilepsy  


I - INTRODUCTION

Epilepsy, also called seizure disorder, chronic brain disorder that briefly interrupts the normal electrical activity of the brain to cause seizures, characterized by a variety of symptoms including uncontrolled movements of the body, disorientation or confusion, sudden fear, or loss of consciousness. Epilepsy may result from a head injury, stroke, brain tumor, lead

 poisoning, genetic conditions, or severe infections like meningitis or encephalitis. In over 70 percent of cases no cause for epilepsy is identified. Some 40 to 50 million people suffer from epilepsy worldwide and the majority of cases are in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 2 million new cases are diagnosed each year globally.

II - TYPES OF SEIZURES

Epileptic seizures vary in intensity and symptoms depending on what part of the brain is involved. In partial seizures, the most common form of seizure in adults, only one area of the brain is involved. Partial seizures are classified as simple partial, complex partial (also known as psychomotor), and absence (also known as myoclonic or petit mal) seizures.

People who have simple partial seizures may experience unusual sensations such as uncontrollable jerky motions of a body part, sight or hearing impairment, sudden sweating or flushing, nausea, and feelings of fear.

Complex partial seizures, also called temporal lobe epilepsy, last for only one or two minutes. The individual may appear to be in a trance and moves randomly with no control over body movements. The individual's activity does not cease during the seizure, but behavior is random and totally unrelated to the individual's surroundings. This form of seizure may be preceded by an aura (a warning sensation characterized by feelings of fear, abdominal discomfort, dizziness, or strange odors and sensations).

Absence seizures, rare in adults, are characterized by a sudden, momentary loss or impairment of consciousness. Overt symptoms are often as slight as an upward staring of the eyes, a staggering gait, or a twitching of the facial muscles. No aura occurs and the person often resumes activity without realizing that the seizure has occurred.

In a second type of epilepsy, known as generalized seizure, tonic clonic, grand mal, or convulsion, the whole brain is involved. This type of seizure is often signaled by an involuntary scream, caused by contraction of the muscles that control breathing. As loss of consciousness sets in, the entire body is gripped by a jerking muscular contraction. The faEpilepsyce reddens, breathing stops, and the back arches. Subsequently, alternate contractions and relaxations of the muscles throw the body into sometimes violent agitation such that the person may be subject to serious injury. After the convulsion subsides, the person is exhausted and may sleep heavily. Confusion, nausea, and sore muscles are often experienced upon awakening, and the individual may have no memory of the seizure. Attacks occur at varying intervals, in some people as seldom as once a year and in others as frequently as several times a day. About 8 percent of those subject to generalized seizures may have status epilepticus, in which seizures occur successively with no intervening periods of consciousness. These attacks may be fatal unless treated promptly with the drug diazepam.

III - DIAGNOSIS

In persons suffering from epilepsy, the brain waves, electrical activity in the part of the brain called the cerebral cortex, have a characteristically abnormal rhythm produced by excessive electrical discharges in the nerve cells. Because these wave patterns differ markedly according to their specific source, a recording of the brain waves, known as an electroencephalogram (EEG) is important in the diagnosis and study of the disorder. Diagnosis also requires a thorough medical history describing seizure characteristics and frequency.

IV - TREATMENT

There is no cure for epilepsy but symptoms of the disorder may be treated with drugs, surgery, or a special diet. Drug therapy is the most common treatment-seizures can be prevented or their frequency lessened in 80 to 85 percent of cases by drugs known as anticonvulsants or antiepileptics. Surgery is used when drug treatments fail and the brain tissue causing the seizures is confined to one area and can safely be removed. A special high-fat diet known as a ketogenic diet produces a chemical condition in the body called ketosis that helps prevent seizures in young children. Like any medical condition, epilepsy is affected by general health. Regular exercise, plenty of rest, and efforts to reduce stress can all have a positive effect on a person with a seizure disorder.

First aid for generalized seizures involves protecting the individual by clearing the area of sharp or hard objects, providing soft cushioning for the head, such as a pillow or folded jacket and, if necessary, turning the individual on the side to keep his or her airway clear. The individual having a seizure should not be restrained and the mouth should not be forced open-it is not true that a person having a seizure can swallow the tongue. If the individual having the seizure is known to have epilepsy or is wearing epilepsy identification jewelry, an ambulance should only be called if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, another seizure closely follows the first, or the person cannot be awakened after the jerking movements subside.

ANTI-EPILEPTIC ALLOPATHIC DRUGS

TEGRETOL Carbamazepine

This is a powerful anti-epileptic drug with a wide range of activity. It is available as white tablets of two strengths (100 mg and 200 mg), and is usually given twice a day (say after breakfast, and then after the evening meal, around 12 hours later). An average sized adult usually requires between one and two tablets (200 mg size, twice a day).

If the dose is too high, the patient may appear to be "drunk", with drowsiness, lack of co-ordination in walking, etc. Reduction of the dose, based on blood levels, is all that is required.

Side effects (unwanted symptoms occurring in someone whose levels are correct) are common in the first few days or week or two, especially giddiness and light headedness, mild nausea, and dryness of the mouth. These usually disappear within a few days. They are less likely to occur if Tegretol is introduced in a gradual way. A measles-like rash sometimes occurs during Tegretol treatment, and in this event, Tegretol must be replaced by another anti-epileptic drug. Serious side effects are fortunately rare. They include jaundice due to liver involvement, and lowering of the white cell count of the blood, resulting in persistent ulceration of the throat and mouth.

The manufacturers recommend that blood tests (full blood count, tests of liver and kidney function) be carried out before starting Tegretol, and that the full blood count be repeated weekly for the first month of treatment, then monthly for the first year.

In practice, Tegretol side effects are usually mild, and disappear within the first week or two. It is arguably the most powerful and useful anti-epileptic drug currently available.

EPILIM Sodium Valproate

This is another extremely useful drug with a wide range of anti-epileptic activity. It is thought to act by increasing the brain's levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA.

Epilim is presented as lilac colored tablets of 200 mg and 500 mg strength. These should be swallowed whole. It is also available as crushable tablets of 100 mg strength, and as syrup of 200 mg/5ml strength, and sugar free liquid of similar strength.

It is usual to give Epilim twice a day, with meals, with roughly 12 hours between doses. Since blood levels of Epilim are unreliable as a guide, adjustment of the dosage is made according to the patient's body weight, and the adequacy of seizure control. The usual dose range is 20 to 30 mg/kg body weight/24 hours.

Mild side effects, especially nausea and diarrhea in the first few days, are common. A fine tremor of the hands is often noticed in patients taking Epilim over the long term. Weight gain and loss of hair (usually reversible) can also occur.

Very rarely, Epilim may produce acute liver disease, and there have been instances of acute liver failure, some fatal. Small children and infants with serious underlying medical conditions are most at risk. The question of the safety of Epilim has received careful study by Australian health authorities, and its continued use has been endorsed, for it is in practice a widely used, effective, and well tolerated medication.

It is suggested that Epilim be avoided in patients with a history of liver disease, and that blood tests to check liver function and the level of platelets in the blood (sometimes reduced by Epilim) be carried out before starting treatment, and repeated after one month's treatment, and thereafter at intervals of not more than 6 months. Minor abnormalities of liver function are common in patients taking most anti-epileptic drugs, but evidence of increasing abnormality would require substitution of Epilim.

Symptoms of this rare complication of liver failure include severe nausea persistent abnormal pain, jaundice (yellowish discoloration of the skin), severe nausea, weakness and tiredness, and swelling of the face. Any of these symptoms should be reported to the treating doctor.

DILANTIN Phenytoin Sodium

This is the oldest of the effective major anti-epileptic drugs. It is still one of the most potent in preventing major seizures of tonic-clonic and other types, but its troublesome side effects have meant that the other, newer drugs such as Tegretol and Epilim are usually selected instead. Dilantin has a powerful action in controlling seizures, and is very useful as an additional drug where seizures cannot be controlled by one drug alone, or when it is not intended to continue treatment over a very long period (for example, when anti-epileptic drugs are given routinely for a year or two after brain surgery).

Dilantin is presented in capsule form (100mg, orange and white capsules, 30mg, all white capsules), in liquid form (30 mg/5ml strength for children, 100 mg/5ml. "Dilantin Forte Suspension" for adults), and as chewable tablets for children (50 mg, "Infatabs")

The drug is slowly released, so that theoretically it would be possible to take the medication as a dingle daily dose; however, people's memories being what they are, it is recommended that the medication be taken twice a day (e. g. after breakfast, and after the evening meal as a routine). The usual dose for an adult of average size is 3 to 4 capsules of 100 mg strength per 24 hours.

Dilantin overdose produces symptoms similar to drunkenness, with drowsiness, unsteadiness on the feet, etc. Blood levels of Dilantin will indicate the true picture.

Short term side effects of Dilantin are not usually a problem, but side effects developing gradually over a period of years do present serious objections to its long term use, especially as other effective anti-epileptic drugs which do not have these problems are now available. These long-term side effects of Dilantin are the growth of hair on the face, arms and legs, especially in female patients of dark complexion, unhealthy overgrowth of the gums, with a tendency for them to bleed, and mental sluggishness and loss of memory.

If Dilantin is to be taken over a long period, special attention should be paid to brushing the teeth and generally maintaining good oral hygiene. An uncommon complication of Dilantin therapy is the development of an allergic measles like rash, which requires substitution of the drug with another.

ZARONTIN Ethisyxunudem

This drug is effective in controlling one form of epilepsy only, namely absence seizures (formerly known as "petit mal"). As this form of epilepsy begins in childhood, Zarontin is made available as a red syrup (250 mg/5 ml) and as capsules (250 mg). The dose required will vary according to blood levels and body weight, the average dose for a child aged 6 years being one capsule, 2 or 3 times a day.

Side effects are not common, but include nausea and digestive upset, drowsiness and sleep disturbance.

Benzodiazepine Drugs

These drugs have sedative and anti-anxiety properties as well as being anti-epileptic. They are in fact only fairly week drugs against epilepsy, while their tendency to produce sedation and dependency greatly limit their usefulness. In practice, these drugs should never be used as a first choice, but rather reserved for those situations where epilepsy remains uncontrolled despite treatment with adequate doses of other anti-epileptic drugs.

The benzodiazepine drugs include:

RIVOTRIL (Clonazepam).
FRISIUM (Clobazepam).
VALIUM (Diazepam).
MOGODON (Nitrazepam).

The main side effects of these drugs are sedation and drowsiness in the daytime. There is a risk of producing drug dependency. Also, patients may experience various unpleasant side effects, such as restlessness, sleep disturbances, etc. when these drugs are withdrawn after a long period of administration.

Barbiturate Drugs

These drugs were widely used in the 1950's and 1960's, but are now considered to be obsolete. They are not very effective in suppressing seizures, but they frequently cause slowing of the intellect and depression. Withdrawing these medications can be extremely traumatic, with anxiety, restlessness, tremors, insomnia, and an increased risk of convulsions being prominent as the drug leaves the system.

An effort should be made to change every patient still taking these drugs over to one of the newer anti-epileptic medications, difficult as this might be.

Barbiturate anti-epileptic drugs still available include:

PROMINAL (Methylphenobarbitone).
MYSOLINE (Primidone).
PHENOBARBITONE.

Other Drugs

OSPOLOT (Sulthiame, Bayer Pharmaceuticals)

This drug may have a special value in controlling epilepsy in intellectually disabled, aggressive children. It is not a very effective anti-epileptic, and is not widely used.

The Newest Anti-epileptic Drugs

These drugs are the outcome of research aimed at suppressing seizures by either increasing inhibition (through enhancing the activity of the natural inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, or simulating its action); or, alternatively, reducing the effectiveness of natural excitatory neurotransmitters, such as glutamate.

HOMŒOPATHIC TREATMENT

Calcarea carbonica.

The treatment of epilepsy should be directed to the underlying dyscrasia, as this is at fault in most, if not all, cases. Calcarea carbonica, with its rickety, tuberculous, scrofulous and flabby symptoms, its characteristic deficiency of lime assimilation, as shown in children by the open fontanelles and backward dentition, will frequently be the remedy with which to commence the treatment. The characteristic relaxation on falling asleep and the sweating of the head and neck are fine indications for its use. It has an excellent clinical record. A epileptic suffering continually from the dread of an attack will withdraw himself as much as possible from the outside world, brood over his affliction and become melancholic, and there is no other remedy so well adapted to this condition as Calcarea. Its anxiety, palpitation, apprehensive mood despondency, fretfulness and irritability, its weakness of memory, its loss of consciousness, its vertigo and convulsions are prominent and characteristic indications for its use in epilepsy. If epilepsy be caused by fright, suppression of some long standing eruption, onanism or venereal excess it will probably be one of the remedies to use in the course of the treatment, and here it would follow Sulphur well. The aura may begin in the solar plexus and pass upwards like a wave, or go from the epigastric region down to the uterus and limbs. Like Sulphur it has a sensation as if a mouse were running up the arm previous to the attacks.

Causticum, too, is closely allied to Calcarea, and is indicated in epilepsy connected with menstrual irregularities and also in epilepsy occurring at the age of puberty.

Bufo rana.

Epilepsy arising from fright, or self-abuse, or sexual excesses, will often find its remedy in Bufo rana. The aura preceding the attacks starts from the genital organs; even during coitus the patient may be seized with violent convulsions. In another form for which Bufo is suitable the aura starts from the solar plexus. Previous to the attacks, the patient is very irritable, often talks incoherently and is easily angered. It is especially in the sexual form, that brought on by masturbation, that Bufo is signally useful. It has also proved useful in severe cases in children where the head in the convulsion is drawn backwards. Indigo has epileptiform convulsions from the irritation of worms, but the patient must be low-spirited and sad-- "blue as indigo." It is the "bluest remedy in the materia medica." Dr. Colby, of Boston, considers it superior to the bromides. Flushes of heat seem to rise from the solar plexus to the head and there is an undulating sensation in the brain similar to Cimicifuga. Bufo, like Nux vomica, is vehement and irritable. These two remedies and Silicea and Calcarea have the aura starting from the solar plexus. Stannum is also a remedy for epilepsy arising from reflex irritation, as from worms and also from sexual complications.

Cuprum Metallicum.

Cuprum is a very deep-acting remedy, its well-known power of producing convulsions and spasms and its excellent clinical record make it a valuable remedy in epilepsy. We know positively that poisonous doses of Cuprum cause epileptic symptoms, and it is among the most curative remedies for epilepsy in child life. The convulsions start form the brain, though the aura, which is one of long duration, seems to center in the epigastrium. Owing to this long duration of the aura consciousness is not immediately lost, and the patient will often notice the contractions in the fingers and toes before they become unconscious. The face and lips are very blue, the eyeballs are rotated, there is frothing at the mouth and violent contractions of the flexors. The attacks is usually ushered in by a shrill cry and the cases are most violent and continued. It is also a remedy for nocturnal epilepsy when the fits occur at regular intervals, such as the menstrual periods. Epileptiform spasms during dentition or from retrocessed exanthema may indicate Cuprum. Dr. Halbert remarks that Cuprum will stop the frequency of the attacks more satisfactorily than any other remedy, it is his sheet anchor in old and obstinate cases.

Butler also claims his best results from this remedy. Argentum nitricum is also a remedy for epilepsy, the strong indicating features being the dilated pupils four or five days before the attack, and the restlessness and trembling of the hands after the attack. Menstrual and fright epilepsies often call for this remedy the characteristic being the aura, which lasts a number of hours before the attack. Moral causes may lead to an attack. Patient is low spirited, easily discouraged and frightened.

Œnanthe crocata.

Perhaps no remedy in the materia medica more closely pictures epilepsy than Œnanthe. Its use in the disease has been mainly from clinical data, but there is ample proof from studying toxic cases that it is homœopathic to many cases of epilepsy. The reliable and practical symptoms calling for its use may be summed up as follows: Sudden and complete loss of consciousness; swollen livid face; frothing at the mouth; dilated or irregular pupils; convulsions with locked jaws and cold exremities. Dr. S. H. Talcott, of the Middletown State Hospital, summed up his experience with the remedy as follows:

The fits decrease in number 40 to 50 per cent.
The convulsion are less severe than formerly.
There is less maniacal excitement before the fits.
Less sleeplessness, stupor and apathy after the fits and the debilitating effects of the attacks are more quickly recovered from.
The patients treated with Œnanthe are less irritable, less suspicious and less fault finding.
The patients are more easily cared for.

The writer can add his testimony to the effect of Œnanthe in controlling attacks of epilepsy. It seems to act better in the 3X or 6X potency than in the tincture. Cases of cure of the disease are becoming more numerous. Artemisia vulgaris is another remedy which has been successfully used for epilepsy from fright or some mental emotion, where the attacks occur in rapid succession, and also in petit mal, where the patient is unconscious only for a few seconds and then resumes his occupation as if nothing had happened. Artemisia absinthium indicated in seizures preceded by vertigo, a warm sensation rising from the stomach, and by a slight impairment of speech, and Solanum Carolinense are also remedies which in some cases have wrought cures, the latter according to Dr. Halbert, of Chicago, also praises it. Melancholia seems to be an indication and also attacks appearing at menstrual periods. Verbena hastata is also recommended, but no special indications are to be found.

Kali bromatum.

This remedy should have no place in the homœopathic treatment of epilepsy; it is given here because it is the principal drug employed by the allopathic school, and because nearly all cases coming to us for treatment from old school hands are liable to be complicated by a previous treatment with the bromides, notable the Bromide of Potash. It is not a curative remedy, but a palliative one; it strikes at the attack and not the disease. It will often modify the attacks, and used as a prophylactic may avert the seizure, but its prolonged use works inevitable harm. It weakens the mental faculties and hastens imbecility. Camphora is useful to prevent the attacks, shorten the duration and lessen the intensity. It is indicated by all the characteristic of epilepsy and hence is a safer prophylactic than the Bromide of potash. Camphora, Nux vomica and Zincum are mentioned as antidotes for the abuse of the Bromide of Potash. Bromide acne is often present in cases coming to us from old school hands.

Silicea.

Silicea is one of our most valuable remedies in epilepsy. It suits especially scrofulous and rickety subjects. The aura starts from the solar plexus, as in Bufo and Nux vomica. Certain phases of the moon are said to affect the attacks, which are brought on by an overstrain of the mind or emotions. Nocturnal epilepsy, feeling of coldness before an attacks is also characteristic of the drug, and the fit is followed by warm perspiration. Cuprum is also a remedy for nocturnal epilepsy and must be thought of when attacks invariably occur in the night. When Silicea is required there is an exalted susceptibility of the upper spinal cord and the medulla and an exhausted condition of the nerves. The attacks occur about the time of the new moon. It comes in after Calcarea in inveterate chronic cases, and coldness of the left side of the body preceding the attack is very characteristic.

Nux vomica.

The characterizing feature of epilepsy is loss of consciousness, therefore, Nux vomica is not often a remedy in the idiopathic form. It suits cases arising from an excess of the reflex action caused, for instance, by indigestion. The aura in a case calling for Nux starts in the solar plexus, and among the most characteristic symptoms is a sensation of ants crawling over the face. The middle and higher potencies will be found more useful in the spinal form of epilepsy, and this is the form most suitable to Nux. Plumbum has caused epilepsy, and we may use it for these symptoms: the attack is preceded by a heaviness of the legs and is followed by paralysis; epileptic seizures from sclerosis, or from tumors of the brain, consciousness returning slowly after an attack is another indication and it is more suitable to the chronic forms of the disease. Constipation and abdominal pains further indicate. Secale is recommended for sudden and rapidly recurring convulsions, with rapid sinking of strength and paralysis of the spinal nerves.

Cicuta virosa.

The indications for cicuta are sudden rigidity followed by jerks and violent distortions, and these followed by utter prostration. The prostration is characteristic, being equaled only by that of Chininum arsenicosum. There is

a tonic spasm renewed by touch simulating Strychnia; but in Cicuta there is loss of consciousness, thus resembling more the epileptiform. There is great oppression of breathing, lockjaw, face dark red, frothing at the mouth and opisthotonos. The reflex excitability under Cicuta is much less than under Strychnia. Another characteristic of Cicuta is fixed staring eyes; others are trembling before and after the spasm and strange feeling in the head preceding the attack. Bayes, however, regards muscular convulsions as a specially prominent symptom for Cuprum.

Sulphur

Like Calcarea, Sulphur is a constitutional or basic remedy, and it will act well where there is a scrofulous taint. It is useful for the same class of cases as is Calcarea; namely, those brought on by sexual excesses or the suppression of some eruption. The convulsions are attended with great exhaustion and it is suitable to the chronic form of epilepsy in children who are typical Sulphur patients. There is perhaps a tendency to fall to the left side. Sulphur is also a useful intercurrent remedy in the course of the treatment of an epilepsy. Psorinum may also be needed as an intercurrent.

Hyoscyamus

In epileptic convulsions Hyoscyamus is a most valuable remedy. There is much twitching and jerking and hunger previous to the attack, there is frothing at the mouth and biting of the tongue. A violent fright will produce an attack that will call for Hyoscyamus. The convulsions seem to have more of a hysterical nature, and there are illusions of sight and hearing. Stramonium has epilepsy from fright, sudden loss of consciousness and jerking of the head to the right, with rotary motion of the left arm. Stramonium is the opposite of Belladonna, for whereas the Belladonna patient shuns light, fears noises and is sensitive in the highest degree, the Stramonium patient fears darkness and hates to be alone; he acts like a coward and trembles and shakes. Agaricus 30 cured a case of epilepsy of 22 years' standing for Dr. Winterburn. He was led to its prescription by the unusual symptom of "great flow of ideas and loquacity after the attack."

Belladonna

Belladonna is especially a remedy for acute epilepsies, when the cerebral symptoms ar prominent, where the face is flushed and the whole trouble seems to picture cerebral irritation, and more especially if the patient be young. There is an aura as if a mouse were running over an extremity, or of heat rising from the stomach. There are illusions of sight and hearing, and the convulsions are apt to commence in an upper extremity and extend to the mouth, face and eyes. The great irritability of the nervous system, the easily disturbed sleep, the startings, the tremors and twitching and the general Belladonna symptoms will render the choice easy. Atropine, the alkaloid of Belladonna, has also been used successfully in the treatment of epilepsy. Hydrocyanic acid. Another remedy is Hydrocyanic acid, to which Hughes ascribes specific powers in the disease. In recent cases it perhaps our best remedy. the cases calling for it will be characterized by loss of consciousness, clenched hands, set jaws, frothing at the mouth, inability to swallow, and the attack is followed by great drowsiness and prostration. Children are disinclined to play and take but little interest in anything. It is one of our mainstays in epilepsy and its clinical record ranks it high.

Causticum.

Causticum is useful in Petit mal, also when the patient falls while walking in the open air, but soon recovers. It is said to be useful when the attacks occur at new moon. It menstrual epilepsy and that occurring at puberty Causticum is the remedy. Kafka recommends Hepar in nocturnal epilepsy. Causticum is perhaps better suited to recent and light cases. Another preparation of potash, Kali muriaticum, is a most useful remedy in epilepsy; it has an affinity for the nerve centers and it is a slow acting remedy.

Reference :
MS Encarta Encyclopedia 2002.

Chikangunia

                            Chikungunya

1. Introduction to Chikungunya
2. Symptoms of Chikungunya
3. Spread of Chikungunya
4. Treatment of Chikungunya
5. Prevention of Chikungunya

Introduction to Chikungunya

Chikungunya fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of infected Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a member of the genus Alphavirus, in the family Togaviridae. CHIKV was first isolated from the blood of a febrile patient in Tanzania in 1953, and has since been identified repeatedly in west, central and southern Africa and many areas of Asia, and has been cited as the cause of numerous human epidemics in those areas since that time. The virus circulates throughout much of Africa, with transmission thought to occur mainly between mosquitoes and monkeys.
Symptoms of Chikungunya

Symptoms of Chikungunya includes fever, debilitating arthralgia (joint pain), swelling of joints, stiffness of joints, myalgia (muscular pain), headache, fatigue (weakness), nausea, vomiting and rash.

The incubation period (time from infection to illness) can be 2-12 days, but is usually 3-7 days. "Silent" CHIKV infections (infections without illness) do occur; but how commonly this happens is not yet known.

Acute chikungunya fever typically lasts a few days to a couple of weeks, but some patients have prolonged fatigue lasting several weeks. Additionally, some patients have reported incapacitating joint pain, or arthritis which may last for weeks or months. No deaths, neuro-invasive cases, or hemorrhagic cases related to CHIKV infection have been conclusively documented in the scientific literature.

CHIKV infection (whether clinical or silent) is thought to confer life-long immunity.

Spread of Chikungunya

CHIKV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person infected with CHIKV. Monkeys, and possibly other wild animals, may also serve as reservoirs of the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other humans when they bite. Aedes aegypti (the yellow fever mosquito), a household container breeder and aggressive daytime biter which is attracted to humans, is the primary vector of CHIKV to humans. Aedes albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito) may also play a role in human transmission in Asia, and various forest-dwelling mosquito species in Africa have been found to be infected with the virus.
Treatment of Chikungunya

Effective treatment for Chikungunya fever is available in homeopathy.

Homeopathy has very effective treatment for Chikungunya. After diagnosis of Chikungunya, homeopathic treatment should be started as early as possible. Homeopathic treatment can also be given along with conventional treatment (allopathy) if desired. Conventional treatment consists of only symptomatic treatment of fever, stiffness, joint pain etc. of this viral illness, whereas homeopathic medicines give better and comparatively long lasting relief from the disease. Rhus Tox, Eupatorium Perf, Bryonia, Arnica are the few homeopathic remedies that help in Chikungunya but more accurate and effective remedy can be chosen by a homeopathic doctor according to clinical picture of that particular case. Homeopathy works effectively in all viral diseases. Homeopathic pills are simply chewed (dissolved) on tongue and are sweet in taste. Homeopathic medicines do not cause gastric irritation, are safe on kidneys and liver even when taken for long duration.

In epidemics, prevention of Chikungunya can be achieved by administering Homeopathic "Genus Epidemicus". Genus Epidemicus is a homeopathic remedy that is chosen as a preventive remedy for that particular epidemic in that particular locality. Homeopathic medicines are equally effective for post-chikungunya complaints like weakness, stiffness in joints, muscles pain etc. Infected persons should be protected from further mosquito exposure (staying indoors and/or under a mosquito net during the first few days of illness) so that they can't contribute to the transmission cycle.

Know more about Curative and Preventive Homeopathy in Chikungunya.
Prevention of Chikungunya

The best way to avoid CHIKV infection is to prevent mosquito bites. In addition we strongly recommend to have "Homeopathic Genus Epidemicus" for double protection.

Prevention tips:

• Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin.

• Wear long sleeves shirts and pants.

• Have secure screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out.

• Additionally, a person with chikungunya fever should limit their exposure to mosquito bites in order to avoid further spreading the infection. The person should stay indoors or under a mosquito net.