Hepatitis: Its Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Homeopathic Treatment

Hepatitis

The word hepatitis arise from the Ancient Greek word hepar meaning 'liver', and the Latin itis meaning ‘inflammation’. So Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver.

The most common cause of hepatitis is viruses. Other causes may include excessive alcohol use, certain medications, toxins, other infections, and autoimmune diseases.

Types of Hepatitis

Hepatitis is mainly of five types that are caused by a virus, A, B, C, D, and E. These can be commonly determined by a laboratory test. Hepatitis types A, C, D, and E is caused by viruses that have a core of Ribonucleic Acid (RNA). While the virus responsible for hepatitis B has a DNA core.

Causes of Hepatitis

• Hepatitis A and E are mainly spread by contaminated food and water. Hepatitis A is also called infectious hepatitis as it is a very highly contagious disease, but it is rarely fatal.

• Hepatitis B spreads through sexual transmission, but may also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth. Hepatitis B is also called viral hepatitis. It can be severe and often leads to liver cirrhosis. Hepatitis B may commonly transmit through transfusions of contaminated blood.

• Both hepatitis B and hepatitis C are commonly spread through infected blood like during sharing of the needle by intravenous drug users. Complications of Hepatitis C can lead to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver failure.

• Hepatitis D can only infect people already infected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis D is the most serious and also the rarest form of viral hepatitis. Many cases of hepatitis D are fatal, and most chronic cases lead to cirrhosis.

• Hepatitis E often occurs in epidemics that can be linked to poor hygiene and contaminated water. Pregnant women can be at risk due to infection by Hepatitis E. The disease has been reported almost exclusively in developing countries.

Symptoms of hepatitis

Many people with hepatitis experience either mild symptoms or none at all. Symptoms may not occur until liver damage occurs.

Acute hepatitis - 

The initial phase of hepatitis is called the acute phase. The symptoms may include:

•    Diarrhea

•    Fatigue

•    Loss of appetite

•    Mild fever and flu-like symptoms

•    Muscle or joint aches

•    Nausea & Vomiting

•    Pain in abdominal

•    Unexplained Weight loss.

Chronic hepatitis - 

The acute phase is not usually dangerous, but it may develop into the fulminant type of hepatitis which is a very serious stage and can lead to death. As the patient gets worse, these symptoms may follow:

•    Portal Circulation problems

•    Dark urine

•    Dizziness & Drowsiness (only toxic/drug-induced hepatitis)

•    Enlarged spleen (only alcoholic hepatitis)

•    Headache

•    Hives with or without Itching of the skin

•    Clay-colored stool, which may contain pus

•    Yellow skin, whites of eyes, tongue (jaundice).

Complications                                                                                  

Fibrosis - 

One of the most common complications of chronic hepatitis is fibrosis, which is a type of scarring of the liver. Due to constant inflammation, the liver is damaged and creates scar tissue to repair itself.

Cirrhosis of the liver - 

Extensive fibrosis is called cirrhosis. There are many causes for Liver cirrhosis, but alcoholic hepatitis and Hepatitis C are the most common.

Cancer of the Liver - 

One of the complications of cirrhosis is liver cancer, which is usually two types. First is hepatocellular carcinoma, where liver cells are affected. The other type is cholangiolar carcinoma, which affects the bile ducts.

Liver Failure - 

Liver failure is a serious, but uncommon, complication of hepatitis. In this condition, the function of the liver stopped and this leads to the body shutting down, and eventually, death.

Glomerulonephritis - 

Glomerulonephritis is a kidney disorder caused by inflammation of nephrons and is seen in chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections.

Cryoglobulinemia - 

Seen in chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection, cryoglobulinemia is an uncommon disease caused by an abnormal cluster of a kind of protein that blocks small blood vessels leading to circulation problems.

Hepatic Encephalopathy - 

Severe loss of liver function, such as liver failure, can lead to inflammation in the brain called encephalopathy. This causes mental problems, like confusion, and can lead to coma.

Portal Hypertension - 

One of the liver's important jobs is to filter blood. When this portal system is blocked due to liver cirrhosis and other problems, blood can't return to the liver from the digestive system, and pressure increases. This is called portal hypertension and it is a serious complication and can be fatal.

Porphyria - 

Porphyria is a group of diseases caused by problems processing important chemicals in the body called porphyrins. One type, called porphyria cutanea tara, leads to blistering of the hands and face and is a rare complication of chronic hepatitis C infection.

Viral Co-Infection - 

A challenging complication of hepatitis is the possibility of having two viral infections at the same time. A common with co-infection with hepatitis is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Other common co-infections are with hepatotropic viruses, named A through E. This type of Co-infections can be fatal.

Diagnosis

•    Complete blood count

•    Liver Function Test

•    Laboratory test to identify the virus in the blood

•    Bleeding time

•    Clotting time

•    Imaging- Ultrasonography, CT- scan, MRI

•    Liver biopsy

Role of Homoeopathy in the Treatment of Hepatitis and other liver problem

Homeopathy provides a very effective and safe treatment for Hepatitis and other liver disorders. It relieves the discoloration of the skin, mucous membrane, and sclera.  These medicines strengthen the liver and metabolic system. 

The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat Hepatitis infection but It works by treating the underlying cause and not just the symptoms. The treatment is gentle and the relief obtained is usually long-term.

There are many homeopathic medicines that have the potential to cure Jaundice. Out of them, few are –

Andrographis Paniculata - 

Useful in resistant jaundice. Useful in Hepatitis B and C. It is found useful when Chelidonium Majus does not help.

Arsenic Album

Where hepatitis results from bad food or food poisoning, Arsenic Album is the best Homeopathic medicine. There is burning pain in the liver which gets better with warm drinks.

Aurum Metallicum

Very effective for jaundice during pregnancy. Distension of epigastrium with increased thirst and appetite, followed by burning sensation and hot eructations.

Carduuas Marianus

Carduus Marianus is a very effective remedy for liver cirrhosis with general edema. There is an engorged and laterally swollen liver, which gets worse from pressure. Jaundice.

Carica Papaya

Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly are associated with fever, dyspepsia, and indigestion. Constipation is a marked feature of this remedy. Intolerance to milk even a small amount may lead to pain.

Chelidonium Majus

Chelidonium is very effective in treating an enlarged liver with tenderness. Hepatomegaly with bilious complications. Dull, throbbing pain in the region of the liver is also best treated with Chelidonium. Jaundice due to hepatic and gallbladder obstruction. Pain aggravation on eating. A marked desire for hot food and drinks

Chionanthus

Chionanthus is very effective in chronic cases of jaundice, which recur every summer. The symptoms include an enlarged liver, constipation, clay-colored stools, and very yellow skin.

Crotalus Horridus

Crotalus Horridus is used to treat jaundice cases where the entire body has gone yellow. Pain in the liver, coldness, Constant nausea, and vomiting. Jaundice with hemorrhagic manifestations. Atonic dyspepsia. Complications arise from a blood transfusion.

Lachesis

Lachesis is very effective for liver complaints largely among alcoholics. In cases where the liver region is very sensitive and a person can’t bear anything around the waist, Lachesis is one of the most effective Homeopathic medicines for fatty liver. Sensitiveness of right hypochondrium, hazards of blood transfusion.

Lycopodium

Hepatitis, the atrophic form of nutmeg liver. Shooting pain across lower abdomen from right to left. Excessive flatulence. Bread aggravates. The desire for sweet and warm things.

Natrum Sulpuricum

Natrum Sulphuricum is one of the great Homeopathic medicines for liver problems like jaundice where the symptoms include a liver region that is sensitive, tender, and sore to the touch. Vomiting bile is another indicator.

Nux Vomica

Hepatitis is associated with constipation. Liver enlarged with stitches and soreness. Alcoholic liver.

Phosphorus

Acute hepatitis. Fatty degeneration of the liver, cirrhosis, and jaundice is associated with pancreatic disease. Suppuration with hectic night sweats, enlargement, and marked soreness.

Podophyllum

Chronic relapsing hepatitis. History of repeated jaundice. Pain in right hypochondrium. Not well since the first attack of hepatitis. Irritable temperament with suicidal tendencies.

About the Author: Dr. Rahul Singh

Dr. Rahul Singh is a registered Homeopath and Certified Nutritionist with over 16 years of experience and recipient of multiple awards, helps busy people in this fast life, re-energize with tips on a healthy diet, yoga, beauty, health, and wellness strategies that have an impact on their life.

How to Get Rid of Acne (Pimples) - Acne Cause, Types, Symptoms, Tips, and Their Homeopathic Treatment 

What is Acne?

Acne, also known as pimples, is a long-term skin disease that occurs when hair follicles become plugged with dead skin cells and oil from the skin. 

Acne usually appears on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. It affects almost all teenagers during puberty. It is not caused by bacteria, although bacteria play a role in its development. In some women acne develops in their mid-to-late-20s may be due to hormone imbalance.

Acne is characterized by areas of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and greasy skin, and may result in scarring.

Causes of acne

There is no exact cause of acne, known. Acne occurs when sebaceous (oil) glands attached to the hair follicles are stimulated and get inflamed

Hormonal cause: 

According to some experts, the primary cause is a rise in androgen levels which is a type of hormone in puberty. 

Rising androgen levels make the oil glands under your skin grow; the enlarged gland produces more oil. Sebum (oil) is a natural substance that lubricates and protects the skin. Excessive sebum can break down cellular walls into your pores, causing bacteria to grow.

Hormone changes during pregnancy may cause acne either to develop for the first time or to recur.

Hereditary Factors: 

Some studies indicate that acne is a result of hereditary. Children whose parents have dealt with acne are more likely to struggle with this skin condition. 

Family history can have a lot to do with the way your skin looks and feels and is usually a good indication of whether or not an individual will deal with acne breakouts.

Stress: 

While stress doesn’t directly cause acne, it can trigger or exacerbate a breakout. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol and androgen. 

When these hormones fluctuate, your skin secretes more oil, which can bring on a breakout or worsen pre-existing pimples.

Medication: 

Some types of medications such as those containing iodides, bromides, or oral or injected steroids, androgen, and lithium may cause or worsen acne. 

Most cases of acne, however, are not drug-related.

Cosmetic: 

Some cosmetics and skin-care products are pore-clogging (Comedogenic). Faulty and oily cosmetics may cause acne in some people. 

So it is important to read the list of ingredients and choose those which have water as a base. The "water-based" products are usually best for your skin, especially if it has acne.

Some myths about causing the Acne

There are a plethora of myths about the causes of acne, many of which are untrue and baseless.

•    Food: Parents often tell their teenage children to avoid oily, greasy, and fried foods and junk food. While these foods may not be good for overall health, they don't cause acne or make it worse. 

Although some recent studies indicate that a diet rich in carbohydrates can aggravate acne.

•    Frequent washing of face: Blackheads are oxidized oil, not dirt. Sweat does not cause acne and is produced by entirely separate glands in the skin. 

So frequent washing of the face does not help to cure acne. On the other hand, excessive washing can dry and irritate the skin.

•    Poor hygiene: It does not cause acne.

•    Chocolates: Eating chocolates is not a cause of acne break out.

Types of Acne

Acne is typically categorized into two main types: non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne.

A.    Non-Inflammatory Acne

Non-inflammatory acne is characterized by comedones (whiteheads & blackheads), which can be open or closed. 

Comedones are generally smaller and easier to treat. They develop when skin pores become plugged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

1. Whiteheads- These look like small blemishes with whitish “heads,” which are plugged with sebum and dead skin cells. It happens when there is an excess formation of sebum and dead skin cells.

2. Blackheads- If there are tiny blemishes that look like black dots, you’ve got blackheads. It is also called comedones. Blackheads appeared when the debris inside the follicle becomes oxidized.

B.  Inflammatory Acne

Inflammatory acne is a result of bacterial infection. They develop when blocked pores get increasingly irritated and are more difficult to treat. 

There are four types of inflammatory acne: papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Inflammatory pimples include papules and pustules.

1. Papules - When there is a presence of bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells under the skin, which have caused inflammation, it is called papules. Papules do not have pus in them.

2. Pustules - Pustules are similar to papules, but they have pus inside and they may feel painful to the touch.

3. Nodules- Acne nodules appear in the latter stages of an acne breakout and are usually seen in severe cases of acne. They present as large, tender bumps underneath the skin’s surface and can feel hard and stiff to the touch. 

Similarly to papules, nodules contain sebum and dead skin cells, but at a deeper level of the skin and are much bigger and more painful than papules. They do not contain any pus but can remain buried within the skin for a long time.  

If squeezed or ruptured, these nodules can spread over a larger area of the skin and cause deep infections. These lesions can cause damaging and permanent scars on the skin.

4. Cysts - Cysts are similar to nodules, but cystic acne contains pus in it.  Cystic acne is one of the hardest types of acne to treat. 

Cysts are usually painful to the touch. They look like a big, red, and swollen lump on the skin.

Other Types of Acne

There are other types of acne that are different from Acne Vulgaris. Their appearance and symptoms can look similar to acne vulgaris, but they tend to be much more difficult to treat.

Acne Conglobata

These are uncommon and the worst type of acne which is characterized by painful abscesses and irregular scars, and features a large number of inflamed comedones, and nodules. 

It drains all connected sinus tracts underneath the surface of the skin and causes inflammation.  

These are indicative of a deeper condition than your average acne type and can cause more severe and permanent damage to the skin if left untreated.

Acne Rosacea

Acne Rosacea is not a disease of teenagers but it occurs mostly in adults of ages 30-45. It especially occurs in people with fair skin. 

Unlike common acne, there are usually no blackheads or whiteheads in rosacea. Symptoms can include facial flushing, facial redness, spots, thickening of your skin, and eye problems such as dry eyes and sore eyelids.

Acne Fulminans

It is a rare condition and a severe form of Acne Conglobata that is accompanied by horrible systemic symptoms. It always affects adolescent males. 

This condition can actually begin with pain and swelling in the joint and turn into nodular acne. 

This type of acne can come on suddenly and severely, with inflammatory and ulcerated nodular acne appearing on the chest or back.

Acne Mechanica

Acne Mechanica is a specific form of acne that is caused by heat, friction, and pressure against the skin. It is sometimes called "sports-induced acne" because it occurs frequently in athletes. 

Anything that traps heat against the body, whether it’s clothing or athletic equipment, can elicit a breakout. 

This condition can be prevented with absorbent material and shower immediately after activity.

Acne Keloidalis Nuchae

In this type of acne, there is a keloid-like papules & plaques on the occipital scalp and the back of the neck. 

This type of acne mostly appears in African American men. The lesions are often painful and cosmetically disfiguring.

Symptoms of Acne

Acne signs and symptoms vary depending on the severity of your condition:

•    Whiteheads - closed plugged pores

•    Blackheads - open plugged pores.

•    Pimples which are papules with pus at their tips

•    Big, solid, painful lumps (nodules) below the surface of the skin.

•    Painful, pus-filled lumps (cystic lesions) below the surface of the skin.

The Dos and Don'ts of Caring For Acne Prone Skin

Dos:

•   Do reduce Swelling with Ice - For swollen pimples, gently apply ice for a minute or so. Just don't keep the ice for so long that it irritates your skin.

•   Do look for cleansers with either alpha hydroxy acids (lactic or glycolic) or beta hydroxy acids (salicylic), or even better, a combination of the two. 

Check the bottle for those ingredients before you buy it. You can use any oil control natural face wash.

•  Do treat body acne. Use any natural antibacterial soap or benzoyl peroxide wash on your back and other areas of your body where you have acne.

•   Do wait for 20 to 30 minutes after washing your face to apply acne creams.

Don't:

•    Don't wash your face too much. Frequent washing can cause dryness and inflammation, making your skin feel itchy and painful?

•    Don't use exfoliating scrubs too often because they can irritate inflamed skin, causing tiny tears.

•    Don't pick, pop, or squeeze your skin. Squeezing blemishes or whiteheads can lead to scarring. And an open wound can get infected.

•    Don't forget to wash your pillowcase and phone! Dirt and bacteria can transfer from your phone, pillowcase, and anything else that touches your face. 

Complications

Possible complications include:

•    Cysts

•    Permanent facial scars

•    Changes in skin color

•    Damage to social life, self-esteem, confidence, and personality.

•    Side effects of conventional medications.

The Role of Homeopathy in Acne

Homeopathic treatment for Acne & pimples is a great alternative and natural therapy for acne. Homeopathic treatment of acne & pimples is totally side effect free and its long-term use does not lead to any damage to the body.

The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat Acne but to ensure that they do not leave any marks and scars. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several medicines are available for acne treatment that can be chosen on the basis of the cause of acne, the condition of acne, and the modalities of the complaints. 

There are many homeopathic medicines that have the potential to cure Acne. Out of them, some of the best Homeopathic medicines are Arsenicum brom, Arsenicum iod, Berberis aquifolium, Kali brom, Hepar sulph, Natrum mur, Pulsatilla, Sarsaparilla, Sulphur, etc.

Proper case-taking and detailed analysis of your symptoms can cure your acne permanently, with a well-selected homeopathic medicine.

About the Author: Dr. Rahul Singh

Dr. Rahul Singh is a registered Homeopath and Certified Nutritionist with over 16 years of experience and recipient of multiple awards, helps busy people in this fast life, re-energize with tips on a healthy diet, yoga, beauty, health, and wellness strategies that have an impact on their life.

Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome/Diseases (PCOD) with Homoeopathy

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome/Diseases:-

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), is a common endocrine system disorder among women of reproductive age. 

It is a condition in which levels of the sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone of a woman, are out of balance. This results in enlarged ovaries that contain tiny collections of fluid (ovarian cysts), referred to as follicles which might be settled in each ovary. 

These cysts are often seen during an ultrasound exam. Problems with a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, cardiac function, and hormonal imbalance can be the result of PCOS.

Background

The syndrome was previously called Stein-Leventhal Syndrome after the physicians who first characterized it in the 1930s. Although its cause remains unknown.

Hippocrates (460–377 B.C.) notes, ‘‘But those women whose menstruation is less than three days or is meager, are robust, with a healthy complexion and a masculine appearance; yet they are not concerned about bearing children nor do they become pregnant’’.

Epidemiology and risk factors

As per the NIH/NICHD criteria, the estimated prevalence indicates that PCOS is a common endocrine disorder, affecting 4%–8% of women of reproductive age. Many groups have demonstrated recently, that the prevalence of PCOS varies depending on the diagnostic criteria used.

A family history of PCOS is also a risk factor for PCOS. A high prevalence of PCOS or its features among first-degree relatives is suggestive of genetic influences.
 

The cause of PCOS

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Doctors believe that hormonal imbalances and genetics play a role. Women are more likely to develop PCOS if their mother or sister also has the condition. 

Production of the hormone androgen in excess may be another contributing factor. Androgen is a male sex hormone that women’s bodies also produce. This overproduction can affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation. Excess insulin may cause high androgen levels.

Symptoms of PCOS

1.    Irregular menses (usually delayed)

2.    Weight gain and difficulty in losing weight

3.    Acne

4.    Dandruff

5.    Pain in Abdomen

6.    Excessive unwanted hair growth on the chest, back, and face

7.    Thinning of hair

8.    Infertility

9.    Miscarriage

10.  High blood pressure

11.  Diabetes

12.  High cholesterol

Diagnosis of PCOS

There is no definitive test for PCOS. Diagnosis depends on the medical history and symptoms of patients. The physical and pelvic examination can help to find out the signs of PCOS. 

Blood tests:-

•    Thyroid function tests (TSH).

•    Fasting glucose tests to measure blood sugar levels.

•    Lipid level tests to assess the amount of cholesterol.

USG (Ultra Sonography)

Treatment of PCOS

Treatment for PCOS is not curative. It focuses on controlling and managing the condition to prevent complications. The treatment also varies from woman to woman, depending on their symptoms.

A healthy diet and regular exercise may help to control PCOS, particularly in those women, who are overweight. This can help to regulate your menstrual cycle and lower your blood glucose levels.

Surgery can be the last option. A recent treatment option uses laparoscopy to treat patients with PCOD.

Complications of PCOS

•    Hypertension (high blood pressure)

•    High cholesterol

•    Anxiety and depression

•    Endometrial cancer (cancer caused by thickening of the lining of the uterus)

•    Heart attack

•    Diabetes

•    Breast cancer

Homeopathic management for PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) can be treated with Homoeopathic medicines. Homeopathic medicines are very safe and can cure PCOS permanently and without any side effects. 

The complete cure of PCOS is a time-consuming process and it cannot be expected in a few days. It requires complete observation regarding the change of symptoms in the patient and frequent clinical follow-ups. 

Here is a case of PCOS/PCOD treated by Homoeopathic medicine.

Cases of PCOD treated by Homoeopathy

Case 1

This is a case of a college-going 18-year-old girl, who came to me with the complaint of Amenorrhea for the last 6 months and pain in the right side of the abdomen. She came to me on the 5th of February, 2016. Her mother is a regular patient of mine.

Associated problem: -

Acne on the face, Weight was increasing

Past h/o: - Nothing specific

Family H/o: -

•    Father: - Hypertension, renal calculi, drinking alcohol regularly

•    Mother: Pain in Legs

Personal H/o: -

•    Appetite: Normal

•    Craving: Pickle

•    Thirst: Below average

•    Perspiration: only on exertion

•    Thermal: Hot, can't remain in a warm room, likes open air.

•    Stool: Regular, Disturbed by oily and fast food

•    Urine: normal

•    Sleep: normal

•    Fear: Of ghosts, Dark, Height

Mental: -

•    Get irritable on the small thing

•    Weeping mood

•    According to her mother, she is very sweet by nature and obeys her instructions most of the time

Menstrual H/o: -

•    Menarche: at the age of 14 years

•    Much pain in the abdomen before and on the first day of menses

•    Amenorrhea for the last 6 months

Investigations: -

I advise her to get an Ultrasonography of the Lower Abdomen.

According to her USG report, she was having Poly Cystic Ovarian disease in her Right ovary.

Treatment: - After a proper analysis of her symptoms, she was given PULSATILLA 0/1 BD.

After two months she had her menses with less pain. Now mentally she is calm and her acne was also disappearing.

Follow-up: PULSATILLA 0/1 refill.

After about six months, she was normal with regular menses. Her USG report confirms it, as a report was normal.

Both USG reports are attached.

                                           Before Treatment

                           After Treatment

Case 2

This is a case of a 30 years old lady having problems with irregular and painful menses for the last 1 year. After doing USG whole abdomen, She was told of having PCOS, by her gynecologist. 

She refused to start hormone therapy and came to us for homeopathic treatment as previously she was cured by our homeopathic medicines for her facial "flat warts". 

After a proper assessment of her case, we started homeopathic medicine for her. Within three and half months, her USG report was normal for PCOS. 

                      

                          Before Treatment

                             After Treatment

About the Author: Dr. Rahul Singh

Dr. Rahul Singh is a registered Homeopath and Certified Nutritionist with over 16 years of experience and recipient of multiple awards, helps busy people in this fast life, re-energize with tips on a healthy diet, yoga, beauty, health, and wellness strategies that have an impact on their life.