Homoeopathy is a system of medicine founded by a German physician, Dr.Samuel Hahnemann based on the principle Similia Similibus Curantur meaning like cures like. In fact it is the medical system which has a strong philosophical foundation and scientific explanations. The treatment of diseases is done by symptom similarity. It is a unique medical system differing in its application of philosophy into clinical practice to treat individual as a whole, not as isolated parts. In selection of medicine it follows a natural method of action and reaction of drug substances from various sources in the nature experimented on living healthy human beings which is known as Drug Proving. In administration of medicines it adopts a method of minuteness which is termed as dynamizations wherein a least minimum dose is used to treat the patient which prevents unwanted adverse effects on the already suffering human being. The treatment is directed to an individual in whom Vital Force which is deviating in its state of normal functioning to suffering depending on individual susceptibilities which is termed as disease. So disease is not an entity due to the external microorganisms but due to the disturbed vital force allowing them to act on the body. This entry takes place due to the flaw or a vacuum termed Miasm inherited from the predecessors which is the Fundamental cause for the origin and progress of the Chronic Diseases on human body.
Even now with the application of advanced technology in Medical Science to treat innumerable number of diseases with newer and newer nomenclature Homoeopathy remains to treat diseases based on philosophical concepts and scientific correlations. All the bio – medical & bio- technological investigations are taken up in diagnosis according to the modern medicine and assessing the follow up. This enables the Physician, Patient and the Scientific thinking to confirm the management of the individual case in the rational, standard methodology.
Accordingly in Homoeopathic System the diseases are treated on the basis of identifying the Fundamental Cause within the suffering individual. This gives an advantage of no adverse effects / reactions but the disease is cured in totto for which a definite time pattern is followed. Acute diseases get cured within a short period because they are of sudden onset and short duration. Whatever be the name of the disease & its duration, age & type of patient, the therapy is econonical and user- freiendly due to the method of dispensing is in sugar of milk pills, powders and dilutions/ tinctures.
Considering the above facts, treatment of Respiratory Diseases in Homoeopathy are done in the same manner. There may be some of the medicines which are therapeutically indicated due to the similarity of totality symptoms perceived in the patient are close to the diagnostic symptoms. Still a suitable homoeopathy medicine based on the individualising characteristic symptoms is a must to ensure cure.
A detailed case taking is done considering the Family History, Personal History of sufferings, physical constitution, emotional and intellctual character, occupation, mode of living and habits, social and domestic relations,age,sexual function etc..
Relevant investigations like Blood routine, IgE, Sputum examination, Culture Sensitivity , Chest X Ray, CT/MRI Scan, Invasive proceedures like Bronchoscopy may be recommended depending on the Clinical Findings to confirm the diagnosis and further management.
A suitable remedy is selected and prescribed depending on the Totality of Symptoms.
Homoeopathy is effective in all the respiratory diseases because it is one of the earliest responses to the external environment. Any variation in structure and function of the airways the discomfort begins and ends in variable complications.
Since Skin and mucus membranes are the first line of defence in the external and internal aspect of the body respectively, their response is the earliest depending upon the susceptibilities.
The respiratory diseases can be of Allergic, Obstructive airway, Infectious or Neoplastic. Patients suffering from any of these, approach for Homoeopathic treatment in different stages. This also includes the patients who are under long term treatment of other schools of medicine wherein repeated palliations in the name of instant cure have induced suppression. When such cases come Homoeopathic physcian has to understand the clinical condition in the background of original state of the disease and now the modified state after the treatment with other schools of medicine. This leads to the longer treatment duration for a recovery and the common feeling among the public that Homoeopathy takes longer period to produce results.
The importance of this division is because when the patients report to Homoeopathy after a considerable period of treatment from other systems there are times when disease has been suppressed and the treatment outcome is palliation. If the symptoms are characteristic and genuine then a certain cure is possible irrespective of disease diagnosis.
Environmental conditions and Life style also contributes to the disease manifestations due to the susceptibility of the individuals. Commonly known as Allergies of various types are being treated most effectively by Homoeopathy because of the concept of treating the person who is suffering from allergy and not the allergic diagnosis because we can not do away with the allergens like dust, cold,animal dander, strong smell, food additives etc.etc.. When others don’t have problem, only some people suffer from these so called allergens which are in and around everywhere. Same is the logic in the infections; micro- organisms are present in the environment but all don’t suffer. Only who are susceptible suffer. Otherwise everyone in a community should have suffered due any infection may it be viral, bacterial or any. Homoeopathy treats the individual who is suffering with respiratory diseases.
Even if it be a neoplasm; benign or malignant, the therapy is directed to the individual who is suffering with the condition depending on the stages. If the condition is in the early stage even in Homoeopathy the therapy is effective; both curative as well as palliative. There are no adverse effects of homoeopathic medicines and the therapy promotes better health for a happier life.