HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR DIPHTHERIA
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection usually
affecting the mucous membranes of your nose and throat. Diphtheria typically
causes a sore throat, fever, swollen glands and weakness. But the hallmark sign
is a sheet of thick, gray material covering the back of your throat, which can
block your airway, causing you to struggle for breath.
Diphtheria
is extremely rare in the United States and other developed countries, thanks to
widespread vaccination against the disease.
Medications
are available to treat diphtheria. However, in advanced stages, diphtheria can
damage your heart, kidneys and nervous system. Even with treatment, diphtheria
can be deadly — up to 3 percent of people who get diphtheria die of it. The
rate is higher for children under 15.
Causes
--The bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae causes
diphtheria. Usually C. diphtheriae multiply on or near the surface of the
mucous membranes of the throat. C. diphtheriae spreads via three routes:
Airborne
droplets. When an infected person's
sneeze or cough releases a mist of contaminated droplets, people nearby may
inhale C. diphtheriae. Diphtheria spreads efficiently this way, particularly in
crowded conditions.
Contaminated
personal items. People occasionally catch
diphtheria from handling an infected person's used tissues, drinking from the
person's unwashed glass, or coming into similarly close contact with other
items on which bacteria-laden secretions may be deposited.
Contaminated
household items. In rare cases, diphtheria
spreads on shared household items, such as towels or toys.
You can also come in contact with diphtheria-causing bacteria by
touching an infected wound.
People who have been infected by the diphtheria bacteria and who haven't
been treated can infect nonimmunized people for up to six weeks — even if they
don't show any symptoms.
Symptoms--Diphtheria
signs and symptoms usually begin two to five days after a person becomes
infected and may include:
·
A thick, gray membrane covering your
throat and tonsils
·
A sore throat and hoarseness
·
Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes)
in your neck
·
Difficulty breathing or rapid
breathing
·
Nasal discharge
·
Fever and chills
·
Malaise
In some people, infection with diphtheria-causing bacteria causes only a
mild illness — or no obvious signs and symptoms at all. Infected people who
remain unaware of their illness are known as carriers of diphtheria, because
they can spread the infection without being sick themselves.
HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES
DIPHTHERINUM
200-
Start treatment with this remedy. Give thrice daily , for only one day.
APIS
MEL. 30- Apis mel is indicated when there is oedema of the throat ,
with stinging pains, ot it may be violent or may be painless. Aggravation from
heat.There may be blisters on the border of the tongue. Drowsiness and
dullness. Enlarged vulva . Puffy, glossy, bright red parts. Scaty urine,
puffiness about face.
BROMIUM
30-
Bromium is very effective for diphtheria. It is due to overheating or by
wrapping the child in the summer or at night. Here the membranes from the
pharynx. It initially begins in the bronchi, trachea or larynx and then ascends
upwards. There is membranous croup with much rattling of mucus during cough,
but there is no choking. It sounds loose but there is no expectoration . The
patient experiences chest pain which is running upwards. There is a peculiar
symptom, coldness in larynx on inspiration which is better after shaving which
is indicative in adults.
CROTALUS
HORRIDUS 30-Crotalus hor. Is indicated in malignant
diphtheria with haemorrhagic tendency. There is persistent bleeding from the
nose. Blood coming from the nose and mouth escaping from mucus membranes of the buccal cavity.Bleeding from
every orifices of body, even sweat is bloody. There is edema of fauces and
tonsils. There is dysphagia, but is more when empty swallowing. Another
indication is the intensely swollen tongue which is fiery red, smooth and
polished.
KALI
BICHROMICUM 30- Kali bichromicum is an excellent remedy for diphtheria.
Here the patch is firm, fibrinous and pearly white in colour, develops in
fauces, tonsils or phaynx and the it descends down to larynx and trachea. There
is associated croup with violent rattling and gagging. The discharge is
characteristic tough , stringy , ropy mucus from throat or nose which adheres
to part and can be drawn in to long strings. The pains are sticking , and
confined to small spots in each instance. Tongue coated thick like yellowish
brown fur, uvula relaxed with sensation
of plug in throat.
LACHESIS
200-Lachesis
is another excellent remedy for diphtheria. The discharge from the nose which
is acrid. Throat dark red, grey deep with bluish tinge. Membrane more marked on
the left , after that affection going to the right. There is swelling of glands
around neck, drowsiness feebleness of pulse . Cold extremities. Worse after
sleep. Swallowing liquid or saliva very painful.Symptoms are aggravated from
hot drinks.
LAC
CANINUM 200-Unlike Lachesis it changes sides starting on one
side , frequently the left. The soreness and swelling suddenly shifts to the
opposite side only to return in a few hours to the starting point. The membrane
is greyish, yellow and curdy. If ulcers are formed they show like silver glass
. Paralysis of the throat so that the fluids return by the nose when drinking.
There is constant inclination to swallow but is painful and almost impossible ,
pains extend to ear. It aggravates by empty swallowing.
LYCOPODIUM
CLAVATUM 200-In Lycopodium dyptheritic membrane arises in right
side and then the left one is affected. The patch may also arise from the nose
then it descends to right tonsil. All symptoms are aggravated from 4-8 pm. The
child awakes from sleep frightened or cross and angry. Fan like motion of alae
nasi is the leading symptom. Feeling of contraction in throat, nothing goes
down. Food and drink regurgitate through the nose.
MERCURIUS
CYANATUS 1000- Merc cyan. Is prescribed in cases of malignant
diphtheria with intensely red fauces and great difficulty in swallowing. Pseudo
membranous deposit extends all over the throat and fauces. Very putrid and
gangrenous diphtheria. Patient is excessively weak, cannot even get to his
feet. In cases of epidemic it can be used as an effective remedy. If given
before exudation is deposited , it will prevent it to appear at all. Here 30x
potency works.
PHYTOLACCA
DEC. 30-Throat dark red in colour, uvula large, dropsical and
almost translucent . Membrane ash coloured. Sensation of a lump in throat with
constant desire to swallow. Buring in throat like a coal of fire or a red hot
iron with dryness. Pain shoot from throat in to ear on swallowing, great pain
in root of tongue on swallowing.
NAJA TRI. 30- Naja tri. Is indicated
when there is an impending paralysis of the heart. The patient is blue and
awakened from sleep gasping. It is more indicated when the larynx is also
affected.
PREVENTION— Give DIPTHERINUM 1000 3 doses.
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