A case of diarrhea in ten month old baby girl

Copyright © 2014 Dr Vandana Patni

A ten month old baby girl presented on Sept 8,2014 with diarrhea since three days, increasing day by day. Stool frequent, mucous, green. Eruptions red, itching all over the body for a few days. Thirsty. Girl is very irritable and all the time wants to be carried. Becomes dull after vomiting.

Repertorization

Prescription:-

Chamomilla 30   three doses prescribed with interval of two hours in forenoon.

Patient reported at evening that no diarrhea occurred after medicine.

उल्टी, दस्त, बुखार,खाँसी, दर्द के कुछ केस

उल्टी, दस्त, बुखार,खाँसी, दर्द के कुछ केस
© Dr. R. S. Mann 2014

होम्योपैथी के बारे में एक बङी भ्रांति ये है कि यह धीरे- धीरे काम करती है, परंतु
वास्तविकता ये है कि होम्योपैथी एक्यूट केसों में तेजी से काम करती है. यहाँ तक
की कुछ मिनटों से कुछ घंटों में रोग ठीक किया जा सकता है.

होम्योपैथी के धीरे- धीरे काम करने की धारणा, इसके पुराने और वर्षों से चले आ रहे
रोगों को ठीक करने की प्रक्रिया की वजह से है. होम्योपैथी में आने वाले ज्यादातर
रोगी अपने वर्षों पुराने उन रोगों के लिये आते हैं जिनके लिये वे अन्य सभी तरीके
जैसे- एलोपैथी, आयुर्वेद, यूनानी दवायें इस्तेमाल कर चुके होते हैं, स्वाभाविक रुप से
ऐसे रोगों मे समय लगेगा ही. लेकिन इसी धारणा को एक्यूट केसों के लिये भी
स्वीकार कर लिया गया, जो कि पूरी तरह निराधार है.

एक्यूट केसों में होम्योपैथी किस तरह से काम करती है, देखें मेरी क्लीनिक से
कुछ केस-

केस 1:

नाम क, 17 वर्ष की लङकी, अप्रैल 3, 2014.

पिछली शाम से दस्त, रात को बुखार, आज सुबह से बार- बार दस्त,
मल पानी जैसा, दस्त से पहले पेट में दर्द जो दस्त के बाद ठीक हो जाता है,
पानी की प्यास बार- बार, सिर दर्द, जुखाम और हल्की खाँसी.

होम्योपैथी सॉफ्टवेयर पर इस केस का रिपर्टराइजेशन चार्टः-

दवा -   आर्सेनिक एल्बम 200 CH की तीन डोज दस- दस मिनट के अंतर
से दी गईं, पहली डोज देने के बाद फिर एक बार तेज दर्द के साथ दस्त हुआ.
फिर उसके बाद बुखार, सिर दर्द, दस्त सभी लक्षणों को आराम आता गया. तीन
घंटे में सभी लक्षण चले गये.


केस 2:

नाम र, 7 साल का लङका, मार्च 14,2014

दो दिन से दस्त, जो आज और ज्यादा बढ गये हैं, पेट में कोई दर्द नहीं,
बिल्कुल पतला मल, जो एकदम बह जाता है, जैसे पानी का नल खोल दिया हो,
मल के बाद बहुत ही ज्यादा कमजोरी. मल के साथ बहुत सारा गैस भी.

होम्योपैथी सॉफ्टवेयर पर इस केस का रिपर्टराइजेशन चार्टः-

दवा - पोडोफायलम 30 CH की तीन डोज दस- दस मिनट के अंतर से दी
गईं, दो बार और दस्त हुये लेकिन मल की मात्रा बहुत कम थी. शाम तक
मरीज ठीक हो गया, अगले दिन फिर कोई दस्त नहीं हुआ.

केस 3:

नाम भ, उम्र 47 वर्ष,महिला, अप्रैल 18, 2014

तीन दिन से, मौसम में अचानक बदलाव से, हल्की खाँसी शुरू हुई जो
कल शाम से लगातार होने लगी, खाँसी के हर तेज दौरे के साथ उल्टी,
छाती में दर्द, खाने से और बोलने से खाँसी और ज्यादा तेज होने लगती
है. गर्म पानी या चाय पीने से थोङा सा आराम मिलता है जो ज्यादा देर
तक नहीं रहता.

होम्योपैथी सॉफ्टवेयर पर इस केस का रिपर्टराइजेशन चार्टः-

दवा - ब्रायोनिया 30 CH की एक डोज दी गई और इंतजार करने के लिये
कहा. वेटिंग में बैठे- बैठे 10 मिनट में ही खाँसी का लगातार चल रहा दौरा
बंद हो गया. दोपहर तक खाँसी बिल्कुल बंद हो गई.


केस 4:

नाम ह, उम्र 23 वर्ष, पुरूष, फरवरी 12, 2014.

दाँत में चार- पाँच दिन से हल्का- हल्का दर्द था, जो रात में थोङा ज्यादा
महसूस होता था. कल रात से अचानक बहुत ही तेज होने लगा. बाँईं तरफ
के नीचे वाले जबङे में पीछे से दूसरा दाँत. दाँत थोङा खराब (caries) होने
लगा है. दर्द; मीठा खाने, चाय पीने, खाना खाने, गाल पर छूने से बढ जाता है.
ये दाँत दर्द बाँये कान में भी जा रहा है.

होम्योपैथी सॉफ्टवेयर पर इस केस का रिपर्टराइजेशन चार्टः-

दवा - सीपिया 200 CH  की दो डोज 2  घंटे के अंतर से खाने के लिये दीं
गईं. पहली डोज लेने के आधा घंटे बाद दर्द कम होने लगा और दूसरी
डोज के बाद पूरी तरह से बंद हो गया. अगले दिन मरीज ने किसी प्रकार
के दर्द की शिकायत नहीं की.




होम्योपैथी दवाओं का चुनाव पूरी तरह से लक्षणों पर निर्भर करता है. मरीज के
लक्षणों का पूरा समूह किसी विशेष दवाई को लक्षित करता है. उस दवाई को
ठीक ठीक शक्ति में देने पर, होम्योपैथिक दवा तुरंत काम करती है.

इन मरीजों के लक्षणों में होने वाला आराम कोई जादू नहीं है. लक्षणों और
दवा के ठीक चुनाव पर, होम्योपैथिक दवायें इसी तरह से काम करती हैं.
तत्काल आराम इस तथ्य पर निर्भर करता है कि मरीज अपने लक्षणों को
कितना विस्तार और कितनी सटीकता से बता पाता है और दूसरा इस बात
पर  निर्भर करता है कि होम्योपैथिक चिकित्सक कितनी सटीकता से उन
लक्षणों के आधार पर सही दवा का चुनाव कर पाता है.

Clinical Cases By Samuel Swann. M.D.

This article on clinical cases was published originally in "The Hahnemannian Monthly   Vol  6, September 1870." Repertorization part is prepared to understand the case by modern tools.This article is presented by Dr Ravinder S. Mann.

Clinical Cases

By Samuel Swann. M.D.

Acidum Lactis in Morning Sickness during Pregnancy

Mrs.H., a healthy brunette, two months pregnant with her first child, had nausea and vomiting in the morning on rising and after eating, with water-brash so profuse as to require the constant use of a spittoon, while at night her pillow was saturated with saliva. Gave one dose Acid Lac. 1 M and in less than an hour the water-brash had ceased, and she had no return of that or the nausea.

In this, as in several cases where the morning sickness had been cured with Acid Lac., I did not again see the patient till confinement, there being apparently entire exemption from the usual derangements attendant on pregnancy.

I use the 1 M potency, because one dose at night is sufficient, while with the 15th, 30th and 200th, I have sometimes been obliged to repeat the dose.

Repertorization:

MOUTH - SALIVATION - sleep, during

MOUTH - SALIVATION – profuse

STOMACH - VOMITING - pregnancy, during

STOMACH - NAUSEA - pregnancy - during

STOMACH - NAUSEA - morning - rising - agg.

STOMACH - NAUSEA - eating - after

STOMACH - VOMITING - morning

STOMACH - VOMITING - eating - after

STOMACH - ERUCTATIONS; TYPE OF - water brash - pregnancy, during

On repertorization  Lactic Acid come prominently with Natrum Mur, Lyco, Nux Vomica, Sepia, Phos, Sil  as indicated remedy. In small Rubrics + Small Remedies group it comes on 1^st rank.

                              

Cerebral Irritation- Apis Mel.

A male infant, seven months old, with the large head and large prominent hazel eyes. Symptoms: single, sharp, shrill scream, both while sleeping and waking; at the same time raising the hand to head back of the ears; bores the head in the pillow; breathes heavily and with difficulty, and gasping; vomits food as soon as taken, followed by retching; retention of urine twenty-four hours; small movement from the bowels, dark, and smelling brassy; high fever; full pulse; short sleep; eyelids half open, pupils turned up. Gave Apis 1 M, one dose dry on tongue. In one hour after, he urinated profusely; urine of a dark color and strong, ruinous odor. Six hours after, had a profuse evacuation, olive green, slimy, and full of bright red lumps, like chopped beet, with colic and tenesmus. The next day he was well and continued so. The mother states, that after taking the remedy he did not scream and the breathing became easier very soon.

Repertorization:

MIND - SHRIEKING - sleep, during

MIND - SHRIEKING - waking - on

HEAD - BORES head in pillow

STOMACH - VOMITING - eating - after

STOMACH - RETCHING - vomiting - after

RESPIRATION - DIFFICULT

RESPIRATION - GASPING

BLADDER - RETENTION of urine

STOOL – SCANTY

STOOL - ODOR - brassy

Combined Rubric

STOOL - DARK

STOOL - BLACK

FEVER - INTENSE heat

GENERALS - PULSE - full

SLEEP - SHORT

EYE - TURNED - upward

EYE - OPEN eyelids - half open

Out of 16 rubrics :  Apis 16/33, Ars 13/29, Arnica 13/25, Lyco 12/28, Bell 12/26, Cupr 12/24, Zincum 12/24

A Case of Chronic Gastritis

© Dr.R.S.Mann 2011

Presented By

Dr. R S Mann

Mr S.. kumar, 35 yr male, From Nainital, has following complaints since 10 years.

Burning in stomach, whole abdomen, with eructations which starts every time after eating. Lot much thirst and frequently drinks water, with dry lips. Constipation with insufficient stool. Heaviness of abdomen with tight feeling.

Dose not want to involve anywhere, not want to work, not want to talk and aversion to noise.

No taste in mouth. Aversion to fatty food, sweets. Desire salt. Weakness, want to lie down always. Feel coldness in back.

Frowning constantly while explaining his complaints. Very thin person.

Likes winter, remain healthy comparatively in winters but worse in summers from beginning of March to October. Complaints aggravate at change of weather.

Personal history of recurrent jaundice from many years. Jaundice at beginning of summers in march, every year from few years.

Drug History: Taking antacids of many types daily since many years. Lot much burnings if he miss even a single dose.

Repertorization:- Radar

GENERALS - EATING - after

GENERALS - LEAN people

GENERALS - PERIODICITY

GENERALS - SEASONS - summer; in - agg.

GENERALS - WEATHER - change of weather - cold to warm agg.

GENERALS - FOOD and DRINKS - sweets - aversion

GENERALS - FOOD and DRINKS - salt - desire

GENERALS - LIE DOWN - desire to

GENERALS – WEAKNESS

MOUTH - TASTE - wanting, loss of taste

STOMACH - ERUCTATIONS - eating - after

STOMACH - THIRST - large quantities, for

STOMACH - THIRST - large quantities, for - often; and

STOMACH - PAIN - burning - eating - after

ABDOMEN - PAIN - burning

ABDOMEN – HEAVINESS

RECTUM - CONSTIPATION – insufficient

BACK – COLDNESS

SKIN - DISCOLORATION – yellow

MIND - FROWN, disposed to

MIND - LAZINESS

MIND - TACITURN

Combined Rubric:-

MIND - NOISE - aversion to

MIND - SENSITIVE - noise, to

 Medicines: Total 24 rubrics are taken into account. Out of 24 score is -- Nat Mur 24/56, Sulph 21/47, Ars Alb 21/40, Nux V 20/40, Phos 19/46, Lyco 19/40, Sep 19/38, Bryonia 19/38.

Natrum Mur. covering every symptom of the patient.

Prescription:-

19 October, 2011

Natrum Mur 200  CH  3 doses prescribed 6 hourly, with Sac Lac for a week.

Patient does not returned after a week.

26 December, 2011

Patient came for weakness after viral fever.

All his gastric complaints cured magically, after 4^th day of prescription on 19^th October 2011, patient start to relive, day by day all the complaints gone. No eructations, no burning afterward, no weakness. Now he works smoothly all the day without tiring.

Homeopathic Medicines in Constipation

Constipation is a very common symptom. Here is one more page for Indicated Homeopathic Medicines in Constipation.

Following article was published in THE CRITIQUE, Formerly THE DENVER JOURNAL OF HOMEOPATHY, VOL. V. DENVER, COLO., MARCH 15,1898. No. 3.

THERAPEUTICS OF CONSTIPATION
By Pearl B. Wheeler, M. D., Physician to the Ladies Relief Home, Denver.

Since the intestinal canal is governed by the two great
systems of nerves, the sympathetic, presiding over the upper

portion and the cerebro-spinal, taking charge of the lower; it
would be but natural to think of a close association between
this canal and all other parts of the body. Consequently, when
a physician has a case of constipation to deal with, he finds
but an index to disorders in the nervous system and the result
and not a cause of trouble as is supposed by many.
The character of the stool becomes a guide to the cure of
distresses elsewhere, for seldom will there be found a case of
real constipation without other symptoms in connection with
it. The true homeopath, then, who accurately chooses his
remedy with reference to the totality of symptoms will seldom
need to resort to enemata(enema), injections, etc.
The following remedies with their accompanying symptoms

may perhaps prove worthy of consideration.

Aesculus:—Constant urging to stool or ineffectual efforts
(Ambra Gris., Nux, Colch., Iod., Anacard.) Stools large, hard,
dry and dark. (Bry. Nux) Dryness of rectum which feels as if
full of sticks. Hemorrhoids with little bleeding. Constant
back-ache, feels as if it would break (Kali. Con). After stool
prolapse of anus with back-ache, (Prolapse of rectum Podo
and Ruta).

Alumina:—No desire for stool. Difficult evacuation from
want of peristaltic motion and dryness even when soft stool is
passed (China) requiring great pressing (Merc. Prot.) Stools
hard, knotty and scanty, (Graph. Agar. and Kali Bi) or soft
and clinging to anus. Bad effects of lead (Platina, Opium),
scanty and insufficient (Carbo. Veg., Hepar, Kali Bi., Nat.Carb.,

 Nit. Ac., Ruta., Verbasc., Zinc). Vertigo, as if every
thing was turning in a circle.

Agaricus.—Stools hard and knotty at first, followed by
loose stool and finally diarrhoea. Itching, burning and red-
ness of feet and hands as if frozen. Itching at anus as from
worms (Nux). Violent cutting in abdomen and discharge of
flatus with sharp stitching in liver. Painful drawing in pit of
stomach. Hysterical subjects.

Ammon. Carb.:—Stools difficult, hard and knotty (Alumum.

 Graph. and Kali Bi). Hemorrhoidal tumors protruding
before, during and after stools. Discharge of stool during and

after evacuation. Can't sleep at nights on account of burning
pains.

Ammon. Mur.:—Large, hard stool, crumbling after passing

 anus, requiring great effort to expel, then followed by soft
stool (Anacard.) Feces covered by glairy mucus. (Causticum
Graph and Lyc.) Giddiness with fullness in head in A.
M. and especially after getting up. Crumbling stool is characteristic

of all the muriates.

Ambra Gris.:—Frequent ineffectual urging to stool (Nux
Aesculus, Colch., Iod., Anacard.) Stinging, smarting and itching

 of anus. Varices of rectum. Hemorrhoids (Aesculus,
Hydrast., Iris, Nux.) Heat in head on alternate days with
fear of losing his senses.

Anacard:—Frequent urging through the day, unable to expel

 anything. Sensation as if rectum was stopped up with plug,
(Nux) Sensation as if lump had lodged in rectum (Sepia).
The expulsion not taking place immediately, a painful twisting
twitching is felt across the abdomen. Stools loose at first, then
hard (Opposite Agar., Am. Mur.) Pale color, violent pressing
in region of right temple.

Antimon. Crud.:—Hard stool with difficult expulsion
without previous straining. Alternating constipation and di-
arrhoea of old persons (Bry. Lach., Rhus, Puls.) Feces too
large. Milky white coating on tongue. Stupefying headache
with nausea in the evening or after eating.

Apis:—Prolapsus Ani (Calc., Ferr., Mur. Ac., Acetum,
Pod. and Aescul.) Hemorrhoids with stinging pains. Tenderness

 of abdomen to pressure (Bry. and Nux) Feeling in
abdomen as if something would give away if he strained at
stool. Great debility as if he had worked hard. Must lie
down.

Bell:—Constipation with tendency of blood to head. When
stooping, blood rushes to head followed by dizziness. Plethoric

 individuals. Shuddering during stool. Stools in lumps
like chalk.

Bry.:—Constipation. Chronic constipation (Verat. Alb.)
Stools large, hard, (Calc. Carb., Mag. Mur.) and as if burnt.
(Mag. Mur.) Lips dry and parched. Thirst. Rheumatic
tendency. Headache, as if skull would split by motion.

Calc. Carb.:—Stools large and hard (Nux, Mag. Mur.,
Bry.) sometimes only partially digested (Hepar). White
stools (Black- Opium, Phos., Verat. Alb.) increasing
from day to day. After stool, gloomy feeling in head and
feeling of faintness. Oozing of fluid from the rectum, smelling

 like herring brine. Too early and too profuse menstruation (Bell)

 Scrofulous individuals. Violent itching of anus
(Caust. Nit. Ac., Sil., Sulph.)

Carbo. Animal:—Constipation. Unsuccessful desire for
stool (Nux, Anacard., Ambra Gris.) Passes only very offen-
sive flatus (Lach.) During stool, pain in small of back (Aesculus)

with inflation of abdomen. Stools hard and knotty
(Alum., Graph., Am. Carb., Kali Bi.)

Carbo. Veg.:—Hard, tough, scanty stool (Caust.) Labor
like pain. Discharge of tough feces in fragments. Violent
urging with tingling in rectum and pressure in bladder (Sulph)
Burning in bowels and sensation as if diarrhoea would set in.
Great debility (Apis) and weakness as soon as he makes the
least exertion.

Caust.:—Frequent and unsuccessful desire to pass stool,
with red face and anxiety. Hard, tough stool (Carbo. Veg.)
covered by mucus (Hyd.) Shining as if greased. Stool too
small shaped (Phos.) comes off in pieces, (Carbo. Veg., Mag.
Mur.) Passes better while standing. Light colored (pale Anacard,

like chalk- Bell,) white stool (Calc. Carb.) Writhing
pain in abdomen, previous to stool. Excessive itching in anus
day and night (Caust., Sil., Sulph., Nit. Ac., Calc. C.) Soft
small stool, size of a goose quill (Phos.) Constipation of
children. Involuntary emissions of urine when coughing
sneezing or laughing, frequent and urgent desire to urinate
with scanty emission. Thirst.

Chelidon:—Stools in hard lumps (Hyper) like sheep dung
(Mag. Mur., Plumb., Ruta, Verbasc.) Suitable to persons with
hepatic diseases, shooting pains from liver to back. Constant
pain under lower inner angle of right scapula. Crawling and
itching in rectum and reddish urine.

China:—Difficult stool even when soft (Alum.,Plat., Phos.Ac.)

 Dizziness and heat in head with accumulation of feces

in rectum. Menses profuse, bright or black and clotted. Discouraged.

Cimex:—Stools hard and in small balls (Plumb., Thuja,
Opium, Mag. Mur.) Stools with hemorrhoidal sufferings.
Pain in small of back, extending over abdomen with distension
of abdomen. After white stool, discharged in small pieces,
rectum closes firmly.

Cocculus:—Hard stool expelled with difficulty (Nux), after
stool, violent tenseness of rectum even to fainting. Contractive

 pain in rectum, preventing sitting.

Colchicum:—Extremely painful stools. Scanty evacuation
even soft stool is expelled with hard straining in back (Alum.
China, Plat., Phos. Ac.) with pain in back (Aesculus, Kali Carb.)

 Ineffectual pressing to stool (Nux, Colch., Anacard.)
Feels feces in rectum but can't expel them. Lancinating or
lancinating-lacerating at anus.

Conium:—Frequent urging without stool (Anac, Lyc,
Nux). Hard stool with tenseness (headache discharge of
prostate fluids). Tremulous weakness after every stool (Verat.Alb.)

passing off in open air. Frequent stitches in anus between stools.

Involuntary flow of urine, suddenly stops and
continues after a short intermission. (Ledum., Gummi-Gutti)
Dizziness when turning in bed. Heat and burning in rectum
during stool, (Burning in Epigastrium, Apis).

Cuprum:—Suppressed stool with general heat. Obstruction

of intestinal canal or violent evacuation.

Eup. Per.:—Constipation with catarrh.

Euphorb.:—Stool like glue (like putty, Alum. Plat.) with
previous itching of rectum. Burning sore pain around the anus
(Mur. Ac, Aloes, Ars.) Itching of rectum during desire for
stool (Mur. Ac).

Graph.:—Stools hard and knotty, (Alum., Kali Bi) lumps
being united by threads of mucus. A quantity of white mucus
is expelled with stool (Lach.) or the feces are covered with
mucus (Am. Mur., Lyc) Stools size of lumbricoides.
Humid tetters and eruptions.

Hepar:—Sluggishnsss of rectum (Alum.) Stools hard or
soft and insufficient (Alum., Carb. Veg., Kali Bi, Nat. Carb.,
Nit. Ac, Ruta). After mercurial dosing.

Hydrastis:—Stools lumpy, covered with mucus. (Lyc.,
Graph., Am. Mur.) Constant headache with piles, severe
pains in anus and rectum for hours after stool. Fainting turns
and heat in bowels.

Ignatia:—Difficult stool causing prolapsus ani (Aesculus,
Mur. Ac., Ruta, Cale. C., Ferrum). After stool a violent, stabbing,

stitching from anus up into rectum (Mezer) Constipation

from taking cold or from riding in a carriage (from traveling, Plat.)

Grieving. All-gone feeling at stomach.

Iodium:—Ineffectual desire for stool, immediately prompted

by drink of milk. Scrofulous people with low cachectic
state of the system. Stools hard, knotty and dark (Graph.)
Part of feces retarded.

Kali Bi:—Habitual constipation. (Verat. Alb.) Painful
retraction of anus. Stools dry, knotty, with burning at anus,
(Nat. M., Verat.) Stools slate colored, bloody, coldness of extremities,

debility and headache.

Kali Carb:—Insufficient, soft stool (Alum.) Constipation

with distress and colicy, stitching pains an hour or two
before stool. Too large sized feces (Ant., Collinson., Cond.)
Stools resembling sheeps dung (Chel., Mag. M., Verbasc., Berber.)

Passing of white mucus before and during stool. Large
painful varices (Mur. Ac.), inactivity of the rectum (Alum.,
Ign., Opium).

Lach.:—Chronic constipation without any other ailments.
Constipation of years standing (Verat. Alb., Lach., Phytol.,
Sarsap.) Unsuccessful urging to stool, anus feels closed, feces
press against it at all times without passing, only flatus
is passed, sensation as of lump lodged in rectum (Sepia)
Sheep's dung stool (Chel., Ruta, Plumb., Mag. M., Verbasc.,
Berber.) with difficult, scanty discharge or tenesmus. Severe
pains in back with constipation (Aesculus, Kali Carb). Cadaverous

smelling stools.

Lycopod:—Ineffectual urging owing to contraction of
sphincter ani. Small stool with sensation as if much remained
behind (Part of feces ratarded, Iodium), (Nux). Acid and
heartburn with great drowsiness after dinner (Phos.). Red
sand in urine (Phos., Sil.) Fermentation in abdomen.

Mag. Mur:—Constipation, stool hard, difficult and insufficient.

Knotty, like sheep's dung, covered with blood and mucus.

Stools in little round balls (Opium, Plumb,) crumbling
as they pass the anus (Am. Mur., Nat. Mur.) Throbbing in
stomach with dullness of head.

Nux Vom.:—Constipation with rush of blood to the head.
Stool insufficient, black, hard, often streaked with blood as
from inactivity of intestines, with ineffectual effort to go to
stool (Bry., Anacard., Lyc, Iod.) Sensation as if anus were
closed or too narrow (see Anacard. and Lyc.) Large hard feces

(Calc. C, Mag. Mur., Bry., Verat. Alb.) Piles, blind or
bleeding. Frequent eructations of some bitter fluid. Sensation

as of stone or lump of lead in stomach. Frontal headache.
Sedentary habits. Pregnant women (Bry., Lyc, Sepia) Victims

of drugs.

Opium:—Torpor of bowels after chronic diarrhoea or from
abuse of cathartics (Nux) Stools small, hard, black balls,
(Plumb.) balls that crumble as they pass, like excrement of
dogs in small lumps, (Prun. Spin.) Constipation from fear
or fright. Costiveness for weeks with loss of appetite. Inertia
of rectum (Alum. Hepar). Vomiting of stecoraceous matter
in consequence of intussusception.

Phos.:—Stools long, narrow and hard like a dog's (Caust.
Opium, Prun. Spin.) Very difficult to expel. Exceedingly
painful cramps in rectum after stool. Alternate constipation
and diarrhoea (Bry., Ant. C, Lach, Rhus., Phos.) Very sleepy
after eating, especially after dinner.

Platina:—Difficult expulsion of scanty stool, adhering to
parts like soft clay. After lead poisoning (Alum, Opium).
Constipation caused by travelling. Cramp like pressing in
temples from within, outward. Low spirited and nervous.
After expulsion sense of great weakness in abdomen or chilliness

(Puls., Cocc, Gummi Gutti, Verat.)

Plumb:—Stools consist of hard balls made up of smaller
balls. Constipation with violent colic. Sensation of constriction

in sphincter ani (see Lyc. and Nux.) with ineffectual
urging.

Puls.:—Constipation, especially if feces are large and hard
after suppressed intermittent fever by quinine, with menstrual
disorders. Constipation consequent upon eating rich greasy

food. Alternate constipation and diarrhoea (Ant. C., Bry. Phos*
Lach., Rhus.)

Ruta Grav.:—Frequent urging to stool with protrusion of
rectum (Ign. Nux., Podo, Aesculus.) Constipation following
mechanical injuries.

Sabadilla:—Violent urging to stool with noise like croaking

of frog. Must sit a long time before stool (which is enormous)

is passed, preceded by immense amount of flatus, and
followed by burning in abdomen.

Sarsaparilla:—Obstinate constipation with urging to
urinate. Desire for stool with contraction of intestines and
excessive pressure from above downward as if bowels would be
pressed out. Frequent scanty emissions of urine, especially at
night.

Selen.:—Stools so hard and impacted that they must be removed

by mechanical agency. Feces contain threads of fecal
matter like hair.

Sepia:—Hard, knotty stools, sometimes mixed with mucus
with cutting pain in rectum (Ignatia, Mag. Mur.) Unsuccessful

urging to stool. Only wind and mucus are passed with sensation

in rectum as if lump had lodged in it (Anac., Sepia.)
Not relieved by stool. Insufficient stool with teneemus. Pressing

stool does not relieve. Constipation during pregnancy
(Alum., Bry., Lyc., Nux.)

Silic.:—After much effort and straining stool recedes back
in rectum after partial expulsion. Stools composed of hard
lumps. Constipation of women before and during menses

(Constipation before and diarrhoea after menses Graph.) Infants
and scrofulous children.

Sulph.:—Stools hard, lumpy, (Silic) mixed with mucus,
followed by burning pain in anus and rectum (Sepia). Constant

heat on top of head (Coolness, Verat.) Frequent weak
spells. Constant urging pressing on rectum as if it would protrude,

with pressure on bladder. Palpitation of heart. Fainting

regularly towards 10 or 11 in forenoon.

Thuja:—Obstinate constipation as from inactivity or

intussusception (Opium). Stools in hard balls (Opium, Plumbum,

Verat. Alb.) streaked with blood (Sulph. ac.) Violent
pain in rectum during stool. Copious and frequent urination

with burning in urethra. Offensive perspiration in anus at
perineum. (Colch.)

Verat. Alb.:—Chronic constipation (long standing Lach,
Phytol., Sarsap.) particularly in infants. Much straining with
cold perspiration on head. Stool too large and hard (Bry.,
Calc. C., Mag. Mur.) Inactivity of rectum, it seems as if

paralyzed (Alum., Opium.)

For Treatment:-

Dr Vandana Patni

Dr Ravindra Singh Mann

Consultant Homeopathic Physician

Shikhar Homeopathic Clinic

Kapil Complex,

Mukhani, Haldwani

Uttrakhand

Contact: 9897271337

Unnecessary Use of Antibiotics, Intestinal Flora and Homeopathy

 In present times, as we commonly see in India, Antibiotics are sold over the counter by pharmacists (Although it is illegal), prescribed by quacks and even prescribed by Registered medical practitioners more than their actual need, more frequently, for a longer period than its usual course and antibiotics are even prescribed in disorders even where they are not indicated. One is the most common disorder in which Antibiotics are prescribed without indication are Viral infections either they are viral fever or some other viral infections.

Use of antibiotics kill the intestinal flora either they are good or bad. Acidophilus bacteria make their colonies in our intestines and produce useful vitamins for our normal functioning but unluckily use of antibiotics destroys them. Effects of antibiotics on intestinal bacterial flora last for weeks and longer period. In mean time a person start to suffer some intestinal disorders like diarrhea , constipation, indigestion, flatulence, bad smell and taste in mouth, mouth ulcers and stomatitis etc. These deficiencies may lead to Fatigue, Allergies, Chronic recurrent infections, Indigestion etc.

On other hand, the increased use of “ready to eat” food also leads to loss of intestinal flora. Process used in commercial food manufacturing can destroy these useful bacteria in food necessary for intestinal flora and good health. Chemical ingredients used in “ready to eat” food like preservatives, additives kill intestinal bacterial flora. Beside these factors, increased use of alcohol, rich-fat diets, hormonal pills, birth control pills, use of steroids can harm to useful intestinal bacterial flora.

Homeopathy has multifactor role in this situation. All the common Viral infections like Viral fever on change of weather, coryza, common cold, cough, Viral hepatitis, Viral Rhinitis, Viral infections in ear, nose, throat and chest infections by virus are easily treated by homeopathic medicines safely and successfully. On other hand, after a course of antibiotics, the intestinal bacterial flora can be regenerated by using homeopathic medicines to counter act the side effects of antibiotics. Homoeopathic medicines, like Nux Vomica, Carbo Veg, Lachesis, Sulphur etc., if used judicially can maintain the useful intestinal bacterial flora again.

Using homeopathic medicines with balance diet can restore useful intestinal bacteria, if someone is not want to visit a Homeopath, in that case Acidophilus Lactobacillus are available in capsule and sachet form at medical stores, although Physicians seldom prescribe them. Regenerating intestinal flora not only control digestive disorders like constipation and diarrhea but also it improves bad breath, improves the lactose intolerance, reduces the intestinal flatulence, reduce the chances of intestinal infections  and lastly it manage cholesterol by improving absorption of dietary fats.    

    

Constipation: Indicated homeopathic Medicines and their comparative features

Presented By:

Dr Ravinder S Mann

Dr Vandana Patni

Constipation is not a disease but a clinical symptom, so whenever we need to prescribe a medicine for constipation always review and consider the underlying cause or disease which is causing constipation. Homeopathic medicines are prescribed on basis of complete symptom picture of a patient.

For effective treatment of your case consult  here with us.

Some Important medicines with their clinical features are:- 

Abies Nigra - Constipation in Low-spirited persons with dyspepsia. Pain in stomach always comes on after eating. Patient feels as though he had swallowed some indigestible substance which had stuck at the cardiac orifice of the stomach.

Aesculus Hippocastanum – Ineffectual effort with constant urging to stool. Large, Hard, Dry stool. This medicine acts especially on lower bowel. Dry, swollen mucous membrane of rectum causes burning and pain as if rectum is full of small sticks. These pains lasts for hours after stool. Low backache of lumbo-sacral region which worsen on walking and stooping. 

Aletris Farinosa - Anemic women who, feels tired all the time, in addition to uterine trouble and leucorrhea, have extreme constipation. Stool large, hard, difficult, great pain with great effort being required to effect an evacuation from the bowels.

Alumen – Medicine for one of the most severe kind of constipations. No desire for stool for days. Ineffectual evacuations . Stool hard, knotty and marble like. Long lasting pain and smarting in rectum after stool with itching in anus. Hemorrhage from anus. 

Alumina – Inactivity of rectum. No desire and ability to pass stool unless there is large accumulation of stool in rectum. Rectum sore, dry, inflamed, bleeding. Itching and burning in anus. Characteristic symptom of Alumina is that even soft stool passes with great difficulty. Very much straining.

This medicine indicates in constipation of infants and old peoples. 

Ammonium Muriaticum - Ammonium muriaticum acts on mucous membranes. All mucous secretions are increased and retained. Constipation is with hard and crumbly stools which are covered with glairy mucus. Burning and smarting in rectum during and after stool. 

Anacardium – Sensation of a plug anywhere in the body. Patient feels as if his anus is plugged. Great urgent desire for stool, but on sitting for stool; desire passes away without any evacuation. Itching in anus and moisture from rectum. Hemorrhage during stool.

According to Dr E. A. Farrington in his clinical materia medica “ The rectum seems powerless; he complains of a sensation as of a plug or of some foreign substance in the rectum; this symptom is not the mechanical result of the retained feces. Here again you notice the sensation as of a plug or some foreign substance interfering with the normal function of the organ. Now these symptoms that I have mentioned are more common than we think. When they do occur ,we are more apt to think of Nux Vomica, Ignatia, Sulphur and forget Anacardium.”

Antimonium Crudum - Diarrhea and constipation alternates, especially in old peoples. Summer constipation with thickly coated white tongue, irritability and fretfulness. Hard lumps of stool mixed with watery discharge. Piles continually oozing mucous.

According to Dr E A Farrington; in his Clinical Materia Medica; “If there is constipation, as is often the case when vomiting predominates, the stools will consist of white, hard and dry lumps that look like undigested curd. In older persons, particularly in the aged, for Antimonium crudum suits both extremes of life, we have an alteration of constipation and diarrhea: the stool, in constipation consisting of hard, dry lumps; that in diarrhea, of water mixed with fecal lumps.” 

Bryonia Alba – Mucous membranes are all dry. Dry, parched lips and mouth; excessive thirst, bitter taste; feeling of a stone in the stomach; stools large, dry as if burnt and hard. Stools brown, thick, bloody; worse in the morning, from moving, in hot weather , from cold drinks.

Complaints in warm weather especially after cold days. Bryonia patient can not tolerate the heat of sun. 

Cascarilla – Cascarilla has abdominal symptoms relieved by warm drinks, we use this medicine when there are hard knotty stools covered with mucus like Graphites, and constipation is associated with colic and burning.

Causticum - Stool is hard, tough, covered with mucus; shines like grease; small shaped; expelled with much straining or only on standing up. Rectum sore and burns.

Chelidonium Majus - Constipation with stools hard, round balls like sheep’s dung, bright yellow, pasty; clay colored, stool floats in water. Diarrhea alternates with constipation. Burning and itching in anus. 

Collinsonia Canadensis – Pelvic and portal congestion causes hemorrhoids and constipation, especially in females.

Hemorrhoids and constipation are with sensation of sharp sticks in rectum. Bowel symptoms are worse in evening and at night. Most obstinate constipation with aching in anus and hypogastrium. Constipation of pregnancy.

Collinsonia has a symptom found under Opium, namely, dry balls of fecal matter are passed from the rectum; but they differ from those of Opium is that they are of a light colour.

Graphites – Bowels are usually constipated. Stools are large, difficult, knotty covered with mucus or united by shreds of mucus. Smarting, sore anus with itching. Hemorrhoids which burn and sting, the anus is so extremely sore that patient is very much annoyed when sitting. Flatus is rancid or putrid.

Hydrastis – Constipation with sinking feeling in stomach and dull headache. Smarting pain during stool in rectum and long lasting pains after stool. The bowels are apt to be constipated, the stools being coated or intermixed with mucus.

Lac Defloratum – Constipation with ineffectual urging like Anacardium and Nux Vomica, feces dry and hard like Bryonia and Sulphur; Stool large, hard, great straining, lacerating anus;Painful extorting cries.

Lachesis – Constipation; inactivity, stool lies in rectum without urging; sensation of constriction of sphincter. Offensive stool. Constant urging in rectum, not for stool.

Lycopodium Clavatum – Medicine for intellectual peoples. Excessive accumulation of flatulence immediately after eating; not like Nux Vomica in which distress in stomach occurs sometimes later after eating. Cannot bear the pressure of clothing about the waist.

The bowels are usually constipated, however, with ineffectual urging to stool. Stool hard, difficult, small, incomplete. After stool there is a feeling as of a great quantity remaining unpassed.

Constipation since puberty; since last confinement; when away from home; of infants.

Magnesia Mur - Feces are so dry that they crumble as they pass the anus, stool hard, knotty, difficult passage, like sheep's dung, covered with blood and mucus and intestines get obstructed by this kind of stool. Abdomen tense, sore, sensitive to touch but ameliorated from pressure.


Natrum Mur - Constipation obstinate, stool hard, difficult, crumbling, difficult expulsion of feces, fissuring the anus, with bleeding during stool, leaving behind soreness at anus, constipation from inactivity of rectum, worse when walking about, with troublesome perspiration at the slightest movement. Natrum mur suits to depressed peoples who are prone to take cold, skin troubles like eczema and have irritability and dryness of mucous membranes and emaciated.     


Nitric Acid - Desire for stool but passes very little; ineffectual urging to stool with sharp, splinter-like cutting pains in rectum during stool and this pain remains for hours, patient feels as if stool remains in rectum and could not pass. 


Opium - Chronic constipation, no urging for stool for days, stool as few hard, round, dark-balls; inactivity of rectum. Dryness of mucous membranes. 


Sepia - Sepia patient has all-gone sensation in rectum & stomach and sometimes a sensation of ball in rectum. Constipation of pregnancy. Sepia patient is hypochondriasis with aversion to family and to household duties.


Silicea - Large stool, hard lumps which remains long in rectum, with violent efforts the feces are nearly expelled but suddenly recede into the rectum, even as soft stool  expelled with much difficulty, extreme hunger, aversion to meat, in women constipation before and after menses.


Sulphur - Habitual constipation, sulphur patient are hypochondriac, having hemorrhoids, complaining of dull feeling in brain with heaviness on top of head, weak, hungry sensation in stomach about noon, burning of soles at night, heat and itching of anus, stool hard, insufficient, difficult, first effort is so painful that patient stops straining, stool hard, black as if burnt, sleep short and broken easily.


 Some more Homeopathic medicines for constipation.

Bibliography:-

1. Homeopathic Materia Medica and Repertory by W. Boericke

2. Allen’s Keynotes by H. C. Allen

3. Clinical Materia Medica by E.A.Farrington

4. Homoeopathic Drug Pictures by M.L.Tyler

5. Leaders in Homoeopathic Therapeutics by E. B. Nash

6. Analytical Repertory by C. Hering

7. Homoeopathic Therapeutics by Samuel Lilienthal

Heartburn Or Hyperacidity

Esophagus is a tube like structure which passes food from mouth to stomach. At lower end of esophagus a valve like structure called Lower Esophageal sphincter (LES) act as one way valve which let pass food from esophagus to stomach but stop its regurgitation.
Secretion of acid in stomach is normal process to digest the food. Inner most lining of stomach wall is acid resistant, so stomach itself does not get any harm from acid secreted in stomach but esophagus has not such kind of protective lining. In normal conditions acid mixed food does not regurgitate up in esophagus. But when food and acid refluxes back into esophagus it produces symptoms from mild discomfort to severe burning. This is known as Gastro-Esophageal Reflux( GER).
Acid Reflux is a very common symptom but if it is felt more than twice a week in long term it can produce Gastro- Esophageal Reflux Disease ( GERD).
Symptoms of Gastro- Esophageal Reflux Disease ( GERD) :-
1. Frequent Heartburn- although it is a burning sensation in mid chest or lower part of esophagus but it has no relation with heart.Burning mostly increases with eating and may last for hours after eating. Burning may increase with stooping, lying down.
2. Acid Belching- Eructation of acid or acrid water in mouth with eructation.
3. Symptomless- Less incidentally GERD may occur without usual symptoms of burning or heartburn. Instead in children there may be Dry cough, Asthma like symptoms or difficult swallowing indicating to GERD.
Factors or Causes Responsible for GERD:-
In many cases exact cause remains unclear but some important factors are underlined.
A. Acid reflux caused by Hiatus Hernia, a structural abnormality in which stomach and LES ( Lower Esophageal Stricture) junction moves above the diaphragm.
B. Pregnancy- Many women feel heartburn first time in pregnancy, it occurs due to increasing level of hormones and growing size of fetus which increases intra-abdominal pressure which reflux acid into esophagus. Most women feel worst symptoms in third trimester and after delivery symptoms go away completely.
C. Smoking- Smoking increases heartburn episodes by increasing acid secretions, reducing salivation in mouth which neutralize acid effects in esophagus, reducing lower esophageal sphincter muscle’s function which increases acid reflux into esophagus.
D. Obesity- Obesity increases intra abdominal pressure which increase acid leakage into esophagus.
E. Foods and Food Habits– Eating large meals and eating just before bedtime can increase heartburn.Some foods increases events of heartburn as :- Alcohol, Carbonated beverages , chocolate, tomato and tomato products like sauce, citrus food , coffee and tea, spicy food, garlic and onions. All these foods can trigger heartburn.
F. Mental stress related to shift working, emotional and economical issues may increase Heartburn symptoms.
Diagnosis :-
Frequent heartburn, sour and acrid eructation is sufficient to diagnose this condition. But sometimes to know extent of disease further examination is needed-
A. Barium Swallow.
B. Endoscopy.
C. pH Monitoring.
D. Biopsy in cases of suspicion of cancer.
Management and Treatment :-
Lifestyle and dietary changes can improve episodes of Heartburns and prevent Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease.
A. Avoid food and beverages which trigger heartburn as alcohol, soda, carbonated drinks, chocolates, tomato based foods, garlic etc.
B. Quit Smoking.
C. Food Habits- Eat small meals at a time.Finish your food 2-3 hours before going to bed.
D. Weight Reduction and manage obesity- Weight reduction and managing obesity can improve recurrent episodes of heartburn.
E. Improve your sleep- Quit night watching and improving sleep quality can reduce heartburns.
F. Raise 6 inches of your head side of bed- Raising head side 6 inches improve the flow of acid in stomach away from esophagus which reduce the heartburns.
G. Stop wearing tight clothes.
If using these tips is not sufficient to stop episodes of heartburn then further treatment is necessary because frequent acid spilling in esophagus can produce ulcers, bleeding and can develop cancer of esophagus.
Allopathic Treatment-
Antacids are used to reduce heartburns and acrid eructation. Foaming agents, H2 blockers, Proton pump inhibitors and Prokinetics are most common type of drugs used for antacid effects.
Long term effect of antacids can result in side effects as diarrhea, altered calcium metabolism and extra build up of magnesium in body. Too much magnesium can effect patient of kidney disease.
So continuous use of antacids without consultation may endanger health.
Homeopathic Treatment-
Homeopathy has very effective medication for acute and chronic cases of Hyperacidity and heartburn. Regular use of homeopathy on one hand can prevent from GERD and on another hand homeopathic medicines prevents from side effects as in case of regular use of allopathic antacid drugs.
Homeopathy has 274 medicines for Heartburn, Acrid Eructation and burning esophagus. Long term use of these medicines never impose any side effect on health. Some very common medicines are-
Lycopodium, Nux Vomica, Acid Sulf, Robinia, Sang. Can., Arsenic Alb, Nitric Acid, Phosphorus etc.
When to Consult a Physician:-
1. If heartburn occurs more then two times a week.
2. If You wake up in night due to heartburn.
3. If routine medicines which you are using is not working now.
4. If heartburn associated with difficulty in swallowing.
5. If there is hoarseness, difficulty in respiration after eating or lying down after eating.
6. If there is unexplained weight gain or weight loss.
7. If heartburn is started to disturb your routine life.

Constipation

© Dr Vandana Patni 2008

Constipation refers to a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements. For some people, it may mean difficulty in passing stools. A constipated stool is hard because it contains less water than normal.

 Constipation is a symptom, not a disease.Constipation is difficult to define clearly because as a symptom it varies from person to person.

The frequency of bowel movements also varies greatly, ranging from 3 movements per day to 3 per week. Generally, if your bowel has not opened for 3 successive days, the intestinal contents harden, and you may have difficulty or even pain during defecation.

A common misconception about constipation is that wastes stored in your body are absorbed, are dangerous to your health, and may shorten your lifespan. Some people have an underlying fear that they will be "poisoned" by their own intestinal wastes (feces) if they retain the waste in their bodies for more than a certain length of time. It is not true.
Older people are five times more likely than younger people to develop constipation. But experts believe that older people become too concerned with having a daily bowel movement and that constipation in this age group is overestimated.

What causes constipation?

Constipation may result from a poor diet, poor bowel habits or problems in elimination of stool, whether physical, functional or voluntary.

These are the most common causes of constipation:

Poor diet: Eating foods rich in animal fats (dairy products, meats, and eggs) or refined sugar but low in fiber (whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) may cause constipation.

Poor bowel habits: Ignoring the desire to have bowel movements may initiate a cycle of constipation.After a period of time, you may stop feeling the desire for opening your bowel.
This leads to progressive constipation. For example, some people may avoid using public toilets or ignore going to the toilet because they are busy.

Medications: Many medications can cause constipation.

1.Antacids - Those containing aluminum hydroxide and calcium carbonate

2.Antispasmodic drugs-Used for pain.

3.Antidepressants- Used for mood disorders and other psychiatric illness.

4.Iron tablets- For anemia and used in Pregnancy.

5.Anticonvulsant drugs- used in Epilepsy

6. Painkillers: Narcotic-containing drugs, for instance, may interfere with bowel functions.

Travel: Changes in lifestyle, low fluid intake, and eating fast food may cause constipation.

Irritable bowel syndrome (spastic colon): This is one of the most common causes of constipation. Because of changes in bowel function, if you have this disorder, you may have crampy abdominal pain, excessive gas, bloating, and constipation.

Laxative abuse: Habitually using laxatives gradually will produce dependency on them.

A.You may eventually require increasing amounts of laxatives to move your bowels.
B.In some instances, the bowel will become insensitive to laxatives and fail to open.

Pregnancy: Constipation during pregnancy may be due to several factors. Each of the following conditions produces severe pain on defecation, which may trigger a reflex spasm of the anal sphincter muscle. The spasm may delay bowel movement and decrease the desire for bowel opening as a means to avoid the anal pain.

1.Mechanical pressure on bowel by the heavy womb
2.Hormonal changes during pregnancy
3.Changes in food and fluid intake

Anal fissure (cracks in the anus)
Hemorrhoids (piles)
Anal stenosis (narrow anus)

Intestinal obstruction: Mechanical compression and interference with the normal functions of the bowel may occur in the following ways:

Inflammatory adhesions and joining of tissues
Intestinal tumors or foreign bodies
Gallstones that have become immovably wedged in the intestine
Twisting of the intestine upon itself (volvulus)
Intussusception: "Telescoping of the intestine" in which one part of your intestine slips or is drawn onto another part just below it (This occurs mainly in children.)
Abdominal hernia: Loops of the intestine become obstructed
Damage to nerves within intestine: (Spinal cord tumors, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injuries may produce constipation by interfering with the function of the nerves supplying the intestine.)
Connective tissue diseases: Conditions such as scleroderma and lupus
Poor-functioning thyroid gland : A low production of thyroxin, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, hypothyroidism, causing constipation

Lead poisoning and other metabolic disorders

Age: Older adults are more likely to have constipation for these reasons:

Poor diet and insufficient intake of fluids
Lack of exercise
Side effects of prescription drugs used to treat other conditions
Poor bowel habits
Prolonged bed rest, for example after an accident or during an illness
Habitual use of enemas and laxatives

Symptoms

You may exhibit a broad range of symptoms of constipation depending on your normal bowel habits, diet, and age. These are common problems you may have if you are constipated:

1. Difficulty in starting or completing a bowel movement
2.Infrequent and difficult passage of stool
3.Passing hard stool after prolonged straining in the toilet
4.If you have irritable bowel syndrome, crampy abdominal pain, excessive gas, a sense of bloating, and a change in bowel habits
5. If you have intestinal obstruction, nausea, vomiting, no defecation, and inability to pass gas
6.Distended abdomen, headaches, and loss of appetite
7.Coated (furred) tongue, offensive breath, and bad taste in your mouth

When to Seek Medical Care

If you have these concerns:
1.Symptoms are severe and last longer than 3 weeks
2.Recent and significant change in bowel habits, for instance, constipation alternates with diarrhea
3.Severe pain in the anus during a bowel movement
4.Symptoms of other diseases in addition to constipation (For example, tiredness, fatigue, poor tolerance to cold weather may suggest the need to assess your thyroid function for hypothyroidism, an under active gland.)
5.Constipation for 2 weeks or longer with returning abdominal pain, which might be a sign of lead poisoning

Seek emergency medical care: Although constipation may be extremely uncomfortable, it is usually not serious. It may signal a serious underlying disorder, however, such as cancer of the bowel. Because constipation may lead to complications such as Rectal bleeding
1.Anal pain and hemorrhoids
2.Anal fissures or cracks in the mucous lining (severe pain during defecation in the anal area)
3.Fecal impaction (immovable intestinal contents) in very young children and in older adults
4.Rectal prolapse or sagging (Occasionally, straining causes a small amount of the intestinal lining to push out from the rectal opening. This may lead to secretion of mucus that may stain underpants.)
5.Recurrent vomiting with constipation and abdominal pain (This may suggest intestinal obstruction and needs urgent hospital treatment.)

Exams and Tests

Your Doctor may ask you several questions, conduct a physical exam, and perform certain lab tests to find out possible causes of your constipation.

Your answers to these questions will help your doctor assess your condition and plan treatment options.
1.What are your normal bowel habits?
2.How long have you had difficulty in passing stool?
3.When was the last time you passed stool?
4.Are you able to pass gas?
5.Do you experience any abdominal or anal pain?Could you indicate with your finger the site of your pain?How would you describe your abdominal pain?
6.Have you noticed any changes in your body temperature?
7.Have you tried any medication? Did it help?
8.Do you usually take laxatives or an enema? If yes, what type of laxatives and how many tablets per day do you usually take?Do you feel that you always need laxatives to pass stool?
9.Do you have any other symptoms?
10.Any changes in your appetite?
11.Any changes in your body weight?
12.Do you feel better after passing stools?
13.Do you feel sick? Have you thrown up?
14.Any hospital admission or investigations for similar illness?
15.Are you pregnant?
16.Do you smoke cigarettes? When did you start smoking? How many cigarettes do you smoke per day?
17.Do you drink alcohol? Coffee? Tea?
18.Do you use drugs? Any medications?
19.Have you ever had surgery? What surgery? When?
20.Any joint pain, eye problems, back or neck pain, or skin changes?
21.Do you usually prefer the warm weather?
22.Do you usually feel tired?
23.Do you have a family history of constipation or bowel cancer?

Examination

Your Doctor will examine your abdomen, anus and other body systems including the nervous system, the thyroid gland (for any goiter), and the musculoskeletal system. What the provider examines will depend on your answers to the questions and any history that may suggest certain disorders.
Your Doctor will decide which tests you need based on your symptoms, history, and examination. These tests will help assess the actual cause of the problem. The most commonly used tests may include the following:

Laboratory tests

Examining a stool sample under a microscope
Full blood count and blood film
Thyroid function tests if hypothyroidism suspected

Imaging

Upright plain x-ray of your chest and abdomen - May show free air from intestinal perforation or signs of intestinal obstruction
Barium enema - May reveal a normal sized colon
Assessment of food movement - May demonstrate a prolonged and delayed transit time

Procedures

Sigmoidoscopy - May help to detect problems in your rectum and lower colon. Your doctor will insert a flexible lighted instrument through your anus to visualize the rectum and the lower intestine.
Colonoscopy - Using an internal examination, your doctor can confirm the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome by ruling out more serious disorders. The doctor also may take tissue biopsies for further studies to assess the cause underlying your symptoms.

Treatment

If your bowel is not blocked, you and your health care provider must establish realistic goals of medical treatment.
All cases will require dietary advice. Treatment may be difficult, particularly in those with chronic constipation. Your doctor may prescribe bulk-forming agents in addition to dietary changes.
Increased activity in the elderly and regular exercise in younger people will help.

Care at Home

1.Get more fiber or bulk in your diet.
2.Regular physical activity is an important component in bowel health.
3.Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and fruit juices. Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily in addition to your beverages with meals.
4.Go to the toilet at the same time every day—preferably after meals—and take enough time.
5.Use non digestible sugar (lactose) or specially formulated solutions.
6.Avoid using over-the-counter laxatives. Try to avoid laxatives containing senna (Senokot) or buckthorn (Rhamnus purshiana) because long-term intake may damage the lining of your bowel and injure nerve endings to the colon.
7.Try a daily exercise such as the knee-to-chest position. Such positions may activate bowel movements. Spend about 10-15 minutes in this position. Breathe in and out deeply.

Medication

If these initial measures fail, your doctor may try a number of laxatives on a short-term basis. You must consult with your doctor before using any of these agents, particularly on long-term basis.
A.Mineral oils
B.Sodium docusate or calcium docusate are useful when you must avoid straining, such as after a heart attack, during pregnancy, or after gastrointestinal surgery.
C.Saline laxatives such as magnesium hydroxide (Phillips Milk of Magnesia) or sodium phosphate (Phospho-Soda, Fleet enema) are not recommended if you have renal insufficiency (an inability or reduced capacity of the kidney to remove waste). These laxatives may produce severe side effects if used on long-term basis.
D.Polyethylene glycol 3350 (Miralax) is an osmotic laxative that is not absorbed by your stomach. It holds water in the bowel, resulting in looser stools and a laxative effect. It may be taken occasionally for constipation (up to 2 wk). Miralax is a drink prepared by mixing a powder with 240 mL (8 oz) of water.
E.Nonabsorbable sugars such as lactulose and sorbitol may be useful. Furthermore, they are usually acceptable for long-term use. However, they usually produce crampy abdominal pain, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalance.
F.Cisapride (Propulsid) may work if you have constipation caused by slow fecal movement. However, it has been withdrawn from US markets because it may cause lethal irregular heartbeats.
Your doctor will treat any underlying diseases (intestinal obstruction, anal fissure, hemorrhoids, and bowel cancer).
G.If you have irritable bowel syndrome, you should stop smoking and avoid coffee and milk-containing foods. A food diary may help to identify foods that seem to worsen symptoms.
H.Thyroxin will be prescribed if the doctor determines through clinical and laboratory tests that you have an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).

Homeopathy : Wide scope in Constipation

Homeopathy has  811 medicines for constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Hemorrhoids, Fissure, Pregnancy related constipation, constipation caused by medication for another diseases(side effect of other therapies), constipation in Bottle fed babies and co existing symptoms as headache,recurring ulcers in mouth,bad smell in mouth,lack of appetite,headache with constipation are permanently curable by Homeopathy.

Homeopathy treats on basis of individual symptoms and signs ,habits, behavior and chronicity of disease. Homeopathic medicines not make a patient Dependent on them but slowly try to regularize the system. Constipation is permanently curable by Homeopathic medicines.

Detail Indications of some common Homeopathic medicines are given on another page here.

A Case of Constipation Cured by Homeopathic Medicines is available here.


An historical article on  
How we can Prevent Our self from Constipation?

1.Develop regular bowel habits. Set aside time after breakfast to visit the toilet.
2.Do not ignore the desire to defecate. Answer nature’s call to empty your bowel as soon as possible.
3.Eat a well-balanced diet that includes wheat grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Recent evidence suggests that increasing dietary fiber intake may help some people with hard stools but is not necessarily of benefit to every person with constipation.
4.Drink plenty of water and fruit juice.
5.Exercise regularly. Walking is especially important.
6.Avoid intake of medications that may cause constipation. Your doctor will help you in this regard.
7.The use of laxatives can actively make a constipation problem worse in the long run and should be avoided.

For Treatment:-

Dr Vandana Patni

Dr Ravindra Singh Mann

Consultant Homeopathic Physician

Shikhar Homeopathic Clinic

Kapil Complex,

Mukhani, Haldwani

Uttrakhand

Contact: 9897271337