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Vaccines during childhood give protection to children against many serious diseases. For example DPT vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis); MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella; OPV protects against polio; HiB vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae type B infection. Though vaccine use is safe but like many other medicines any of the vaccine can cause some side-effects though mild in most cases. This occurs from a natural response of the body while it is directed towards immunity building  against the disease for which vaccination is given. These side effects last from a few hours to one or two days after vaccination. Homeopathic remedies for vaccine side effects offer a very natural, effective, safe and gentle management of various ailments that arise after vaccination.

Side Effects

Some of the side effects that can occur after inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), DPT, Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine (HiB vaccine). They mostly appear within 24 hrs of vaccination. These include mild fever; pain, soreness, tenderness, swelling or redness at the site of the injection; loss of appetite; diarrhoea; vomiting; tiredness; sluggishness and irritability; fussiness; secondary blister elsewhere on the body.

Other than this side effects can occur 6 to 10 days after injection in case of MMR vaccine. These include mild fever, measles like rash, cough, runny nose, puffy eyes, swelling of salivary glands and loss of appetite.

Next vaccine is rotavirus vaccine that can sometimes lead to diarrhoea, abdominal pain, restlessness and irritability in children. 

Other side effects that can occur after vaccination include small, red lump at the injection site. In some vaccines temporary headache, muscle or joint pain, runny nose, nasal congestion, trouble sleeping or drowsiness and being sleepy than usual.

In case of high temperature rarely febrile seizures or fits can occur in young children. The chance of febrile seizure is high if a child has a history of such seizure earlier in his life or have a family history of seizures.

In any of the vaccinations there are very rare chances (even less than one in million) of severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Swelling of face, hives, difficulty in breathing and even collapse can occur in severe allergic reactions. This tends to happen within minutes of taking the vaccination. This needs medical help right away without any delay.

Homeopathic Remedies for Vaccine Side Effects

Homeopathy offers a very natural, effective, safe and gentle management of various ailments that arise after vaccination. These medicines are helpful to manage complaints of fever, diarrhoea, stomach pain, skin complaints, sleeplessness, redness, inflammation and swelling of arm, weakness headache, excessive sleep , runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, muscle or joint pain. In case of seizures use of homeopathic medicine should be considered along with conventional treatment. It is to be noted that homeopathic medicines have their own limitations to treat cases of severe reaction – anaphylaxis ( some of its signs and symptoms are swelling of tongue, throat, trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat, sudden drop of blood pressure). In such cases one must take immediate medical help from conventional mode of treatment without delay as it is a life threatening condition.

1. Thuja – Top Grade Medicine 

This medicine is prepared from fresh green twigs of plant Thuja occidentalis commonly named as Arbor Vitae. This plant belongs to family Coniferae. It is a leading medicine for managing numerous complaints arising after vaccination. Firstly it is indicated for diarrhoea after vaccination. It also helps in stomach pain in such cases. Secondly it is indicated for skin complaints, skin eruptions and skin growths that follow vaccination. Its third indication in these cases is seizures. Next it works effectively to manage sleeplessness that follows vaccination. Lastly it helps cases of weakness of legs that occur after re vaccination.

2. Silicea – Another Significant Medicine

Silicea is another highly valuable medicine for managing many issues that follows vaccination. Here it is well indicated for managing redness, inflammation and swelling of the arm that can appear after vaccination. Next it helps to manage weakness and lack of stamina in such cases. Another main indication for its use is nausea and loose motion that appear after vaccination sometimes. Headache, excessive sleep from vaccination are also well managed with this medicine. Apart from above indication seizures and weight loss are the rest of complaints where this medicine is indicated. 

3. Ledum Pal – For Swelling, Redness and Inflammation of Arm

This medicine is prepared from plant Ledum Palustre commonly known as  wild rosemary and also marsh cistus. This plant belongs to family ericaceae. It is a foremost medicine in homeopathy for puncture wounds as arising from needle prick. Here it is beneficial medicine to manage swelling, redness and inflammation of the arm after vaccination injection. This medicine is also considered as a preventive for side effects of vaccination.

4. Belladonna – To Manage Fever after Vaccination 

This medicine is prepared from plant deadly nightshade. It belongs to family solanaceae. It is very effective to manage fever after vaccination. In cases needing it the heat stage is prominent. There is burning heat over the whole body but especially most prominent in the head and face. Body feels burning hot like fire. With this redness of face is also there. Anxiety and restlessness is present with the internal heat of the body. There is excessive thirst during the heat stage. The heat stage alternates with the chill stage. In this stage there is coldness of limbs with heat in head. Violent chill is felt in the back. Apart from above it can also be used for managing redness, inflammation and swelling of the arm appearing after vaccination injection.

5. Podophyllum – To Manage Diarrhoea

This medicine is prepared from plant Podophyllum peltatum commonly known as May Apple. This plant belongs to the family berberidaceae. It is a well indicated medicine to manage diarrhoea. In cases requiring it the stool is watery, profuse and gushing. It can be yellowish or greenish in colour and has a very offensive smell. The stool can be frothy and have mucus in it sometimes. There is a sudden urge to pass stool. Fetid flatus is present with this. There is an urge for stool immediately after eating and drinking. Diarrhoea is usually painless where it is required. Intense nausea can be present before passing the stool. After passing stool, extreme weakness is felt by the person.

6. Apis Mellifica – For Managing Skin Rash

It is a prominent medicine for managing skin rash appearing after vaccination. Violent itching is present in the rash where it is required. The itching is worse from warmth of bed and is better in the open air. Stinging and burning is marked in the rash. Skin is also sensitive to the slightest touch along with above symptoms. 

7. Sulphur – For Skin Eruptions Following Vaccination

It is a very beneficial medicine for skin eruptions that can occur after vaccination. The eruptions are pustular where it is required. These eruptions are most marked on the scalp, face, and legs. It is also indicated for scabby eruptions on scalp, arms and legs appearing after vaccination.

8. Arsenic Album – For Runny Nose and Nasal Congestion

Arsenic Album is a very helpful medicine for managing runny nose and nasal congestion. In cases needing it there is profuse and watery discharge from the nose. It can lead to burning sensation, excoriation in the nostrils. In some cases stoppage of the nose and fluent runny nose alternate with each other that requires this medicine. Great weakness may attend the above symptoms.

    9. Drosera – To Manage Dry, Irritative Cough

This medicine is prepared from plant Drosera Rotundifolia having a common name round – leaved sundew. This plant belongs to family droseraceae. It is an effective medicine to manage dry irritative cough. Along with cough roughness, dryness and tickling sensation is felt in the fauces. People needing it mainly complain of cough getting worse from lying down in the evening and from warmth. 

10. Antimonium Tart – For Loose Rattling Cough

This medicine offers great help in cases of loose cough with rattling of mucus in the chest. Cough is present day and night. Chest feels congested from mucus in the chest. Scanty, thick, phlegm is expectorated in these cases. Expectoration is difficult. 

11. Rhus Tox – To Manage Joint Pain and Muscle Pain

Rhus Tox is a very effective medicine to manage joint pain and muscle pain. It brings great relief in this complaint. The pain may be worse at rest and better by motion where this medicine is required. In cases needing it, stiffness of joints may also be present. The stiffness tends to get better by warmth and also by massage.

12. Cicuta – For Seizures after Vaccination

This medicine is prepared from the fresh root of plant Cicuta Virosa having the common name water hemlock. This plant belongs to the family umbelliferae. This medicine can be used along with conventional treatment for managing seizures after vaccination. In cases needing it the fits occur with frightful distortion of the limbs or whole body. Loss of consciousness and frothing at mouth may occur with this. High fever is present along with above symptoms. 

13. Malandrium – For Dry, Rough Skin

Homeopathic medicine Malandrium is particularly indicated for managing cases where dryness, hardness and roughness of skin occurs after vaccination.

Febrile seizures refers to convulsions (fits) that can occur in a child during a high fever. It usually occurs in children between the ages of 3 months to 6yrs. They can be frightening but most times are harmless and don’t point towards any serious health issue. Homeopathic Medicines for Febrile Seizures can be taken as a supportive help along with conventional mode of treatment.

Causes

An increase of body temperature (mostly higher than 38 °C  or 100.4 °F) usually can trigger a febrile seizure.  Sometimes a low – grade fever can also trigger a febrile seizure.

Most of the time the fever which lead to febrile seizures result from a viral infection and sometimes from bacterial infection. Virus which causes roseola ( also called as sixth disease is an infectious disease  caused by human herpesvirus 6 and 7 and usually spreads through saliva. It occurs in children before age of three and causes fever and skin rash), chicken pox, influenza and upper respiratory tract infection that are accompanied with high fevers are mostly linked with febrile seizures. Other infections linked with febrile seizures are middle ear infections, shigellosis (an infection of intestines caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella) and salmonellosis (a bacterial disease caused by bacteria of the Salmonella type affecting the intestinal tract causing diarrhoea, fever and abdominal cramps). 

Next, fever that follows immunizations mainly the MMR (measles, mumps rubella vaccine), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus vaccine) can also cause febrile seizures. A child who has some family member having febrile seizure is at risk of it suggesting a link of genetics with this.

These seizures mainly occur in children between the age group of 3 months and 6 years and the children between 12 months and 18 months of age are at the highest risk of it.

 Complications 

In most cases febrile seizures don’t cause any complication. But some children get the complication of recurrent febrile seizures. Few children who had a febrile seizure have a chance of getting another seizure from some future infection usually within the year of first seizure. The chances of recurrence is more if the first febrile seizure occurred before age of 18 months, the first febrile seizure occurred from a low fever, the time span between the fever onset and seizure was short and there is a family history of febrile seizures and if the child goes to day care that increase the chances to contract infections common in childhood like influenza, chicken pox.

Symptoms 

In febrile seizures fever is more than 38°C (or 100.4°F), twitching of limbs, jerking of limbs, stiffness of body, shaking of limbs / whole body, loss of consciousness occurs. Other than this rolling of eyes and foam at mouth  can be there.

There are two types of febrile seizures – simple and complex.

1. Simple Febrile Seizures 

These are most common and last from a few seconds to one or two minutes. But sometimes they can last for around  15 minutes. They are not specific to any one part of the body. Its symptoms include twitching of limbs,  stiffening and shaking of limbs, shaking all over the body, eye rolling, loss of consciousness, loss of bladder / bowel control. After the seizure is over the child may feel confused, tired, sleepy, irritable but no weakness in the arm or leg is felt. Simple febrile seizures occur for only one time in a 24 hr period and do not repeat again in this time period. 

2. Complex Febrile Seizure

These are less common and they last for more than 15 minutes. These seizures occur more than once during 24 hours time. These are confined to one side of the body. Its symptoms are twitching or shaking of one limb of the body, loss of consciousness and  weakness in the arm or leg which is temporary.

Note

The child should be taken to doctor as soon as possible after the febrile seizure. One must urgently rush to hospital in case a child has a stiff neck, vomiting, extreme lethargy and breathing difficulty that may be indicative of brain infection.

Homeopathic Medicines for Febrile Seizures

Homeopathic medicines are helpful for managing cases of febrile seizures which are mild to moderate in intensity. These medicines mainly focus to boost the immunity of a child to fight with the infectious agent which is causing fever and to help regulate the temperature. Use of these medicines can be considered to treat the tendency of recurrent febrile seizures.  The homeopathic medicines for these cases should be taken after consulting a homeopathic physician and never be self prescribed. This is because the medicine for this condition is not specific and which medicine is required for a given case of febrile seizures can only be selected after a thorough case analysis. It is to be noted that in severe cases with some warning signs like vomiting, stiff neck, breathing difficulty and extreme lethargy urgent help from conventional mode of treatment should be taken.

1. Belladonna – Top Grade Medicine 

This medicine is prepared from plant deadly nightshade. This plant belongs to family solanaceae. It is a leading medicine for febrile seizures. The important features to use this medicine are twitching of limbs, jerking of arms and hands. There is twisting, turning of limbs along with jerking. Sometimes twitchings are present in muscles of face. Rolling of eyes may also present. With the above there is loss of consciousness. After the end of fit sound sleep occurs. There is fever with excessive heat in head and face, redness of face, great thirst.

2. Nux Vomica – For Twitching of Single Muscle or Limb

This medicine is beneficial for cases in which there is twitching of single muscle or single limb.  The child may also have frothing at mouth. Deep sleep can after the fit attack is over. There is fever with marked chills. A peculiar feature during fever is desire to be covered in  all stages of fever – chill, heat or sweat. 

3. Stramonium – With Stiffness and Rigidity of Body

This medicine is indicated when during fit the body becomes stiff, rigid; the eyes are staring and there is frothing at the mouth. Other than this there is jerking of arms, fingers and to and fro motion of head. Sometimes  there is jerking of the left side of the face that appears distorted. There is profuse sweating during fit. Along with the above symptoms there is no loss of consciousness.

4. Cina – When There is Twitching or Jerking of Limbs

This medicine is prepared from plant Cina maritima also known as Artemisia maritima. This plant belongs to family compositae. Use of this medicine is considered when there is twitching or jerking of limbs. The child throws arms from side to side. Distortion of limbs may also appear with this. Its use is also done when the child becomes suddenly stiff  during seizure attack. In cases needing it consciousness is preserved during the attack.

5. Cicuta – for seizures with frightful distortion of limbs

This medicine is prepared from the fresh roots of a plant called Cicuta Virosa commonly known as water hemlock. This plant belongs to the family umbelliferae. This medicine is helpful in cases presenting with fits with frightful distortion of limbs and sometimes the whole body. There are spasms with rigidity of muscles. There is loss of consciousness. With this there is high fever, pupils are dilated, head is retracted and there is frothing at mouth.

6. Hyoscyamus – When Fit Starts with Twitchings of Muscles of Face

This medicine is prepared from plant Hyoscyamus niger commonly known as henbane. This plant belongs to family solanaceae. It is useful for cases where fit begins with twitchings of muscles of face. In children needing it there may be jerking in the body which is wandering. At one time there is jerking of feet and at other times, the arms. Staring eyes, clenching of teeth and foaming at the mouth are some accompanying symptoms. 

7. Causticum – With Violent Limb Movements

This medicine is indicated for cases with violent movements of limbs. With this there is gnashing of teeth, screaming, crying. The eyes are half closed with a fixed look. Involuntary passage of urine can be there along with above symptoms. There is feverish heat in the body. Coldness of hands and feet is there. 

8. Ignatia – For Jerking of Limbs and Trembling of Tongue

This medicine is valuable to manage cases with jerking of limbs and trembling of tongue. Other accompanying symptoms are fixed eyes, frothing at mouth, clenched thumbs, loss of consciousness and redness of face. After consciousness is regained excessive thirst is felt. It is also well indicated for convulsions in children during the first period of dentition with increased body temperature and marked redness of one cheek.

9. Opium – For Spasmodic Jerking of Limbs

This medicine is prominent for cases with spasmodic jerking of limbs. For using it there may be jerking of one or other arm to and fro. It is also one of the best medicine when a fit occurs during sleep.

Guillain Barre Syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). It is a serious disorder and the initial symptoms are weakness, tingling and numbness in the limbs. It can eventually lead to paralysis. Homeopathic Remedies for  can be used along with conventional mode of treatment to manage the symptoms.

Causes

The exact reason behind Guillain – Barre syndrome is still unknown. In this syndrome the immune system (that normally comes in action to destroy the microorganisms like bacteria, virus, parasites) starts to attack the nerve cells out of a misdirected response. It has multiple types and among them the most common form is AIDP (acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy). In AIDP the protective covering of the nerves known as myelin sheath is damaged. Due to this damage the nerves are not able to send proper signals to the brain and weakness , numbness and paralysis can arise. It has been found that in most cases it  occurs some days or weeks after a respiratory illness or a digestive tract infection. Persons of any age group can be affected with this but the risk increases with advancing age. Its chances are more in males as compared to females.

It can be triggered after an infection with campylobacter jejuni bacteria (most times found in undercooked poultry). Some other infections have also been associated that can trigger it. These include cytomegalovirus, influenza virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), AIDS causing HIV virus,  mycoplasma pneumonia and zika virus. Hepatitis A, B, C and E, Hodgkin’s lymphoma are also associated with the occurrence of this syndrome. Apart from above other triggers linked with it are a recent surgery and vaccination.

Symptoms 

In the beginning tingling sensation or weakness is felt in the feet, toes and legs. Afterwards it spread to the upper body, arms, fingers. However in some of the cases (around 10%) the initial symptoms can occur in the arms or face. With the progression of the condition paralysis may appear after muscle weakness. Its signs and symptoms may include tingling, prickling sensation or pins and needles sensations in fingers, wrists, toes, ankles. Next is muscle weakness in legs that spread  to the upper body. There is difficult / unsteady walking and sometimes a person with this is unable to walk or climb stairs. Other symptoms include difficulty in  moving face (from loss of control over facial  muscles) that causes difficulty in talking, chewing or swallowing; and difficulty in  eye movement and double vision. Rest of the symptoms that can arise includes intense pain in lower back; severe shooting, cramping pain that may increase at night; difficulty or loss of bladder control or bowel control; rapid heart rate; difficult breathing; low or high blood pressure and paralysis. There are chances of progression of the symptoms quickly  resulting in a serious condition in a matter of just a few hours in some people. 

Types

This syndrome has many types. The major types are as follows :

1. Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) – in this the muscle weakness begins in the lower part of the body and ascends upward.
2. Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) – in this case paralysis begins in the eyes.
3. Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) and acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN)

Complications

The complications includes difficulty breathing when the weakness / paralysis involves muscles that control breathing; weakness, numbness and other sensations even after recovery;  blood pressure problems; heart problems like cardiac arrhythmias; blood clots; bedsores that can happen from long immobility; severe nerve pain; problem with bladder and bowel function.

Homeopathic Remedies for Guillain Barre Syndrome

Homeopathic mode offers supportive help in these cases along with conventional treatment for symptom relief. These medicines help in halting further worsening of this condition and provide symptomatic relief. It is a serious disorder and the most suitable medicine for managing its symptoms is selected after complete case analysis. So one must take any homeopathic medicine as per the guidance of a homeopathic doctor and never self prescribe them.  In case of complications like breathing difficulty, heart problems and others it is strictly advisable to take immediate help from conventional mode of treatment. 

1. Conium – Top Grade Medicine 

Conium is a leading medicine to manage cases of Guillain barre syndrome. The main indicating feature to use this medicine is paralysis of lower limbs followed by upper limbs. Next indication for using it is weakness in legs. Along with this there is difficulty in walking and staggering gait. Sometimes there is an inability to walk. Numbness and weakness is also felt in thighs. Persons needing it may complain of heaviness and tiredness, weakness in all limbs. They may also have numbness of fingers and toes. Hands and feet may feel cold. Other than this it is also helpful when there is tearing pain in the limbs.

2. Aconite – For Tingling beginning in Feet and Spreading Upwards

This medicine is prepared from plant Aconitum Napellus commonly known as monkshood. It belongs to family ranunculaceae. It is a prominent medicine for cases in which tingling starts in the feet followed by its spread upwards. In most cases needing it the tingling in limbs is accompanied by shooting pains. Shooting pains are marked in legs, knees, ankles, toes. There may be coldness and sweating of hands and feet. Numbness in legs and feet can also be present.

3. Causticum – For Weakness and Paralysis

This is a very suitable medicine to manage cases of  weakness, paralysis and loss of bladder control. It is well indicated for weakness or paralysis of the limb. It is also indicated for weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles. Some other indications for its use are hand numbness, weakness in ankles, difficulty of speech, unsteady gait with easy falling. Apart from above it is a top grade medicine for managing cases having loss of bladder control.

4. Lathyrus – For Weakness in Lower Limbs

This medicine is prepared from plant Lathyrus sativus commonly known as chick – pea. This plant belongs to family leguminosae. It is prominent medicine for cases having weakness in lower limbs. For using it the left side is more weak than right. There is difficulty in standing and walking with this. It is also indicated for paralysis of legs. 

5. Picric Acid – For Weakness, Numbness, Pricking in Legs

It is a very helpful medicine for weakness, numbness and pricking in legs. Along with this heaviness is also felt in lower limbs and there is difficulty in lifting legs from the floor.

6. Agaricus – For Prickling Sensation in Feet, Toes and Uncertain Gait

This medicine is well indicated for cases having prickling, tingling sensation in feet, toes. Shooting pain is also present with this. Another marked symptom for using it is weakness and weariness of lower limbs. The legs feel heavy. The gait is uncertain. There is also pain in legs and a sensation of paralytic numbness in lower legs. There is difficulty going upstairs from pain and weakness in legs. Apart from above weakness and paralytic sensation in the arm especially the left side also indicates its use.

7. Arsenic Album – For Tingling, Prickling in the Fingers

It is a very beneficial medicine for managing tingling sensation in fingers. Weakness and exhaustion in limbs is also present. Limbs feel heavy with this. It is also well indicated for weakness and numbness in feet. 

8. Phosphorus – for Tingling, Weakness and Paralysis of Limbs

It is another significant medicine for these cases. Firstly it is helpful when there is tingling sensation in limbs. Secondly, it is beneficial for weakness of limbs. In cases requiring it the arms are weak with difficulty in moving them. The lower limbs are also weak and weakness is mainly felt while going upstairs. Thirdly it offers help to manage numbness in hands and arms. Lastly it is indicated for paralysis that begins from ends of fingers and toes and ascends upwards. 

9. Argentum Nitricum – For Weakness of Lower Limbs and Staggering Gait

Use of this medicine is considered in cases having weakness in lower limbs. The legs also feel heavy with this. People needing it have staggering, tottering gait. Pain in calf muscles may accompany it. 

10. Stannum Met – For Weakness of Arms

It is a great medicine for weakness of arms. The persons who need it complain of easy tiredness in arms from slight exercise. Things seem to fall down from their hands. Heaviness of arms is also felt by them. They may have a burning sensation in their hands along with above symptoms.

11. Gelsemium – For Weakness of All the Limbs

Homeopathic medicine Gelsemium is prepared from the bark of the root of plant Gelsemium Sempervirens commonly known as yellow jasmine. This plant belongs to family loganiaceae. This medicine is valuable for cases presenting with weakness of all the limbs. Persons who need it have weakness and tiredness in arms. They feel arms are powerless. Pain in arms may attend it. Numbness of arms can also be there. Next they have weakness in lower limbs. The lower limbs feel tired from slight exercise. They have difficulty in walking and have an unsteady gait. Shooting, cramping pain may be present in legs along with these symptoms. It also works well in case of double vision.

12. Alumina – For Staggering Gait

This medicine works well in cases presenting with staggering gait.

People needing it have heaviness in lower limbs and staggering gait.

Tearing, tension, cramping  in thighs and legs can be felt. Sometimes legs feel numb mostly at night.

Pleurisy also known as pleuritis refers to inflammation of pleura (pleura: two layers of tissue that covers the lungs and lines the inner chest wall). These layers are named as the visceral pleura and parietal pleura. Normally, during breathing these two pleurae rub together but are lubricated in between by a very small quantity of fluid in the space between the two layers. But if this tissue is inflamed, swollen or gets infected then it causes pain every time the lungs expand and the pleura rub against each other. Homeopathic remedies for pleurisy offer a supportive role in managing the symptoms of this condition. 

Homeopathic Remedies for Pleurisy

Homeopathic medicines can be taken along with conventional treatment to manage symptoms of pleurisy. They offer help to manage symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath and cough in these cases. The homeopathic medicines help in reducing the inflammation of pleura by targeting the root cause behind it. As this medical condition can have serious complications so one should avoid self medication. Use any of the homeopathic medicines only on a homeopathic physician’s recommendation after detailed analysis of the case. 

Bryonia – Top Grade Medicine

Bryonia is prepared from the root of the plant Bryonia Alba commonly known as wild hops. This plant belongs to the family cucurbitaceae. It is a top listed medicine to manage cases of pleurisy. The main indicating symptom to use this medicine is stitching pain in the chest while coughing, breathing, deep inspiration or motion. It is better from rest. The person needing it can’t take a deep breath because of the pain that it causes. The pain from the chest may extend to the back.  A prominent symptom that attends it is shortness of breath that gets worse from slightest motion.
Next symptom that is present is a dry cough with stitching pain in the chest. During coughing the person holds the chest because it causes chest pain. Heated sensation is also felt in the chest. The persons who need it may also have pneumonia. In such cases blood streaked expectoration having brick colour, chest pain, high fever are present. Apart from above it is also indicated for pleuritic pain with tuberculosis.

Kali Carb – For Dry, Short Cough

It is a well indicated medicine when there is prominent short, dry cough in pleurisy. In the majority of cases, the cough is most troublesome at night time. It often wakes a person from sleep. On coughing, acute pain in the chest is felt. The pain is stitching type. This is usually felt on the left side of the chest. The pain from the chest can go towards the back. Taking a long breath also worsens the chest pain. Along with these there is complaint of difficult respiration.  

Arsenic Album – For Managing Difficult Breathing

Arsenic Album is a leading medicine to manage complaints of difficulty in breathing. People needing it mostly have this symptom from slightest motion. Its use is often called in chronic cases of pleurisy with dark expectoration and excessive weakness. Other symptoms that are present include dry short and hacking cough and pain in the lower chest. On coughing, soreness in the chest or stitches on the side of chest is also felt. With this complaint of pneumonia can be present. Here dark, offensive sputa, great weakness and heat in the chest appears.

Aconite – For Stitching Pain in Chest on Breathing, Coughing

This medicine is prepared from plant Aconitum Napellus having the common name monkshood. It belongs to family ranunculaceae. This medicine is useful when stitching pain in the chest when breathing or coughing is present. Dry heat can be felt in the chest. Along with this constant dry cough can be present. Shortness of breath especially in sleep after midnight is another characteristic. Another unique feature for using it in pleurisy is inability to lie on the right side. 

Hepar Sulph – For Chest Pain on Movement

This medicine is selected when chest pain is felt on every movement. The pain may extend from chest to shoulder blades. With this cough and shortness of breath also arises. The cough is deep, dry and with every cough pain in the chest is felt. Alternate heat and chills with shivering can attend these symptoms. Weight loss may also appear.

Phosphorus – For Supportive Help in Late Stages

This medicine is used for managing pleurisy cases in late stages. The symptoms that it can manage includes chest pain when coughing / on deep inspiration, soreness in the chest and burning sensation in chest. Sometimes pneumonia is present along with pleurisy in cases requiring it. In these cases shortness of breath; short, dry cough; rust coloured sputum and pain / tightness across the chest is present. In cases needing it there may be pus accumulation in pleural space (empyema.)

Ranunculus Bulbosus – For Chest Pain due to Adhesions

This medicine is prepared from a plant named Buttercup belonging to the family ranunculaceae. It works well in cases to manage chest pain where adhesions of layers of pleura have occurred after pleurisy. It is indicated to manage stitching pain in the chest with painful inspiration. It is also well indicated for pneumonia of the left side with pleurisy. In these cases great soreness in chest, stitching pain in left side chest, slight cough, loss of appetite and low body strength is present.

Sulphur – For Persistent Cough

This medicine is helpful when following pleurisy the cough remains for a long time. The cough is mild and always ends in little expectoration. It is also useful for cases with stitches in the right side  of chest on taking a deep inspiration or coughing along with difficult respiration. Lastly Sulphur is well indicated when pleurisy occurs in case of articular rheumatism.

Argentum Nitricum – For Cough in Pleurisy

This medicine is valuable for cases where excessive cough is present in pleurisy cases. The cough is irritative that continues evening and night. Along with this pain and soreness especially on the left side of chest is there. Sometimes blood streaked sputum is expectorated. Tensive pain in the chest tends to arise with this.

Guaiacum – For Stitching Pain in Chest

This medicine is prepared from gum – resin of a large tree Guaiacum officinale also known as Lignum sanctum that belongs to family zygophyllaceae. This medicine is significant to manage cases of pleurisy with stitching pain in the chest that is felt from each inspiration. This pain is also felt between the shoulder blades. Sometimes there is expectoration of offensive pus with this. Other symptoms that can accompany it includes tight and dry cough, fever and shortness of breath. It is also indicated for pleurisy with stitching in the chest along with tuberculosis.

Squilla – For Pain in Sides of Chest

This medicine is prepared from fresh bulb of plant Squilla Maritima commonly known as sea onion. This plant belongs to family liliaceae. It is best suited for cases of pleurisy with pain in the sides of the chest. This is usually felt on inhaling and coughing. Its worsening can also be seen in the morning. With this shortness of breath appears. This is felt from every exertion.

Zizia – When Stitching in Chest Worsens from Cough

This medicine is prepared from the root of the plant named Zizia aurea having commonly named as Meadow Parsnip. It belongs to the family umbelliferae. It is beneficial when stitching pain in the chest worsens from coughing. This can be attended with feverish symptoms. It also helps when there is sharp pain in the side of chest to both shoulder blades. Hard, dry and short cough can occur with this.

Kali Iodatum – For Supportive Help with Pleural Effusion

Kali Iodatum is mainly considered to offer supportive help in cases of pleurisy accompanied with pleural effusion. The symptoms indicating its use include stitching pain in chest, great weakness, loss of appetite. The pain is worse while walking where it is required. The chest feels sore with this, and the left side is more affected for use of this remedy. 

Causes 

Pleurisy can arise from various reasons. The main reason behind it are viral infections (like coxackie  B virus, influenza, adenovirus, cytomegalovirus) that travel down the lungs. Other reasons include bacterial infection of lungs like pneumonia, fungal infection, tuberculosis, bronchitis. It can also arise in some autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis ( inflammatory disorder of autoimmune origin in which the joints are inflamed leading to pain, stiffness and swelling of joint), trauma to chest wall, rib fracture, tumours / cancer of lung in the pleural space. Apart from these it can arise from pulmonary embolism (blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries mostly from a blood clot) and sickle cell anaemia. Sometimes the cause behind it remains unknown.

Symptoms 

The main symptom of pleurisy is chest pain. It is usually a sharp, stabbing type of pain. This pain is worse while breathing. The pain can also get worse from coughing, sneezing or movement of the upper body. The pain can remain confined to one place of chest or sometimes it may radiate to shoulders or back. Next symptom is shortness of breath. Other than this cough, fever, chills, shallow breathing, loss of appetite, weight loss may appear depending on the cause behind pleurisy.

Complications 

Pleural effusion or build up of fluid in the pleural space that lies between the two layers of the pleurae), empyema or collection of pus in the pleural space, and atelectasis, which is partial or complete collapse of the lung are some complications of pleurisy. 

Fibromyalgia is a long-term disorder characterized by widespread pain in the body, accompanied by general fatigue. There may be sleep issues, memory issues (brain fog) and depression. A person having fibromyalgia tends to have pain in specific areas of the body (known as tender points) that are extremely sensitive and painful. Even the slightest pressure on the tender points can cause pain. This unexplained pain that goes on for more than three months at a stretch is diagnosed as fibromyalgia. Research shows that the condition of fibromyalgia causes an amplification or intensification of the pain sensations in the brain. Fibromyalgia can be effectively treated with homeopathic medicines. The top three medicines for fibromyalgia are Rhus Tox, Arnica Montana and Kali Phos.                                                                                                                               

Why Use Homeopathy for Fibromyalgia?

The traditional treatment for fibromyalgia involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), anti-seizure drugs, pain relievers as well as antidepressants. As evident, these methods are palliative (only treat the pain) and mask the symptoms instead of addressing the root of the problem. Long-term use of these can cause severe side-effects like intestinal bleeding, strokes, skin allergies, the formation of cysts, weight gain, blurred vision, and cognitive issues. Homeopathy medicines offer a natural treatment for fibromyalgia and help alleviate the symptoms and treat the problem for long-term relief. They have no side effects and are made of natural substances that are safe for use.

Top Homeopathic Medicines for Fibromyalgia

Rhus Tox, Arnica Montana, Kali Phos, Bryonia Alba, Magnesia Phos, Ruta Graveolens, Arsenic Album, Cimicifuga Racemosa, Gelsemium Sempervirens, Coffea Cruda, Ignatia Amara, Causticum and Acid Phos are the top remedies for fibromyalgia.

1. Rhus Tox – Effective Medicine for Fibromyalgia

Rhus Tox is a top listed medicine for treating fibromyalgia. It is indicated in cases where there is widespread pain in the body. The pain is present in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments and can be tearing, shooting, stitching in nature. It is seen to get worse with exertion and during the night. The sleep gets disturbed, and there is marked stiffness in the body. Back pain is very prominent, and it gets better with motion. Rhus Tox is also indicated for numbness and a prickling sensation in the limbs.

Key indications for using Rhus Tox for Fibromyalgia:

-Widespread pain in the body.
– Stiffness with body ache.
– Symptoms worsening from exertion.

2. Arnica Montana – For Bruising Pain

Arnica Montana is a natural medicine for fibromyalgia prepared from the Leopard’s Bane plant. It belongs to the family Composite. It is primarily used in cases of fibromyalgia where there are sore, bruised pains in the body. The body feels lame and sore as if beaten. It is sensitive to touch, and the person feels afraid to touch the painful parts. Fatigue, numbness, and tingling of limbs may be present. A history of injuries is usually present in people needing this medicine.

Key indications for using Arnica for Fibromyalgia:

– Sore, bruised pains.
– Fatigue with body aches.
– Numbness and tingling in limbs.

3. Kali Phos – For Fatigue and Sleep Issues

Kali Phos is a natural remedy for fibromyalgia used to treat marked fatigue and sleep issues in cases of fibromyalgia. There is an intense weakness, tiredness and whole system feels drained out. The affected person gets easily fatigued and has body aches. Exertion worsens the condition. Sleeplessness is another major issue that is treated well with this medicine. A prickling sensation in the hands and feet and fibromyalgia linked with stress are also indicative of this remedy.

Key indications for using Kali Phos for Fibromyalgia:

-Intense fatigue, weakness, and tiredness.
– Sleeplessness with body aches.
– Fibromyalgia linked with stress.

Other Important Medicines

4. Bryonia Alba – Where Pain Worsens from Motion

Bryonia Alba is a natural medicine prepared from the plant Wild Hops. The natural order of this plant is Cucurbitaceae. Bryonia Alba is a very beneficial medicine for fibromyalgia considered in cases where pains get worse from motion. Lying down and absolute rest offers relief in pains. The type of pain varies from sharp, stitching, bursting, sore to tearing in nature. Pressure causes pain on tender points founds on the lower back and knee. Stiffness also attends the pain.

5. Magnesia Phos – When Warmth Relieves Pain

Magnesia Phos is a well-indicated natural treatment for fibromyalgia where warmth relieves the pains. The pains in the body are mostly shifting in nature, changing from one place to other frequently. The character of the pain is mostly sharp and shooting. Light touch tends to worsen the pain, and there is a pain in the neck, lower back, and lower limbs. The pains also tend to radiate from the point of origin. Restlessness and extreme weakness are present, and cold tends to worsen the pains.

6. Ruta Graveolens – For Fibromyalgia with Restlessness

Ruta Graveolens is a remedy for fibromyalgia prepared from the fresh plant of Garden Rue of the family Rutaceae. Its use is indicated for pains in the body along with restlessness. Soreness of tendons and pains are of deep, sharp, drawing, tearing in nature are mainly present in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and knee.

7. Arsenic Album – For Marked Fatigue

Arsenic Album is a useful medicine for fibromyalgia with marked fatigue. The key indications for using this medicine include sudden weakness, excessive tiredness, exhaustion from slight exertion, burning pains in the body in areas like the back and limbs. Use of this medicine is also considered in cases of fibromyalgia when intense anxiety (particularly about health) and restlessness is present. All the complaints are seen to get worse during the night.

8. Cimicifuga Racemosa – For Pain in Neck and Lower Back

Cimicifuga Racemosa is indicated for fibromyalgia with marked pains in the muscles of the neck and the lower back. A feeling of stiffness and contraction in the neck is also present.
Dull, heavy aching in the lower back that is improved by rest, pains in muscles worsening from motion and excessive muscular soreness are other accompanying symptoms.

9. Gelsemium Sempervirens – For Aching Muscles

Gelsemium Sempervirens is prepared from the plant Yellow Jasmine. The natural order of this plant is Loganiaceae. Key indications for the use of this medicine include aching in muscles and tiredness, deep-seated pains that are worse in the back, hips, neck, and under the scapula. Exertions worsen the pain and headaches may also be present along with the above symptoms.

10. Coffea Cruda – For Sleep Issues

Coffea Cruda is a medicine used to treat sleep issues in fibromyalgia. The person needing this medicine has severe insomnia (sleeplessness). It is indicated in cases of restlessness and disturbed sleep. Hypersensitivity towards pain is another common feature.

11. Ignatia Amara – For Fibromyalgia with Depression

Ignatia Amara is a plant-based medicine prepared from the St.Ignatius bean of the Loganiaceae family. Ignatia is a natural medicine for fibromyalgia and depression. A history of some emotional shock like loss of a loved one, or any major grief or disappointment may be present in people needing this medicine. Symptoms of depression like sadness, weeping, desire to be alone are well marked along with mental and physical exhaustion.

12. Causticum – Natural Treatment for Fibromyalgia with Widespread Pains

Causticum is a medicine for treating fibromyalgia with widespread pains. Pain is prominent in the neck, lower back, buttocks, shoulders, shoulder blades, elbows, and knees. The pains are present constantly and can vary in intensity. There is tearing pain in the back of the neck along with stiffness. Pinching, cramping pain in the lumbar region and buttocks, pressure and pain over the shoulders which is worse on motion, pressing pain in the elbows, and marked pain in the hips during the night are present. There are tearing pains in the limbs that shift from one part to another.

13. Acid Phos – For Fibromyalgia with Brain Fog

Acid Phos is a natural medicine for fibromyalgia where a person suffers from extreme brain fog. The person needing this remedy finds it difficult to collect thoughts and may experience a random disassociation in thoughts along with mental weakness. The person may find it difficult to comprehend things or concentrate on a task. In most cases, a history of some grief or sorrow may be present. Issues of sleeplessness and extreme weakness may also be present with the above symptoms.

An Explanation of Fibromyalgia

No clear mechanism explains the cause of fibromyalgia. The most common theory suggests that people who have fibromyalgia are in fact, suffering from some problem with the pain reception. Such people develop an increased sensitivity towards pain. Their body’s tendency to feel pain is higher as compared to others. In other words, we can say that they have low threshold levels to tolerate any painful condition.
The most common factors responsible for this increased sensitivity to pain are serotonin, Substance P (a peptide) and nerve growth factors. In fibromyalgia, there is a low level of serotonin which plays a vital role in inhibiting pain signals. Further, there are high levels of Substance P and nerve growth factor present, which spread the pain signals. All these factors together lead to central sensitization of the brain, causing hypersensitivity to pain and chronic pain. So, the individual suffering with fibromyalgia will experience more pain to the same injury as compared to someone who does not have fibromyalgia.
Due to central sensitization, the patient tends to develop hypersensitivity to touch or to the things which generally do not cause pain. Their brain is in a constant state of high reactivity. That is why they also experience pains, even if touched gently. Because of central sensitization, the pain tends to get worse if the individual is going through some psychological or physical stress like anxiety, depression, injury/trauma or sleeplessness. This central sensitization can develop due to multiple factors in people with fibromyalgia, like after an injury/trauma or surgery, depression, insomnia, and some genetic factors.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Pain is the primary symptom of fibromyalgia. The pain associated with fibromyalgia often is widespread and is described as a constant deep, dull ache. However sometimes throbbing, sharp, shooting, burning pains can also be present. The pain is present in the muscles, tendons, ligaments and around the joints. Exercise tends to worsen the pain. Numbness and tingling sensations and stiffness upon lying in the same position for too long are other symptoms.

A person with fibromyalgia has tender points, which are about nine pairs of specific points in the body which when pressed cause intense pain.
As per the guidelines of American College of Rheumatology guidelines, a person is said to have fibromyalgia when at least 11 of these 18 tender points are painful when a certain amount of pressure is applied on them. The tender points located around the back of the neck, front of the neck, hips, elbows, lower back, upper back knees, chest, and shoulders.

Fatigue (tiredness) is another major complaint in people who have fibromyalgia. Even after sleeping for long hours people with fibromyalgia feel tired and drained out. Some people describe this fatigue similar to that experienced during the flu. The person feels too tired to do simple, everyday things.

Most people with fibromyalgia have sleep issues. They may have difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep. Some may experience poor sleep quality in the form of light or easily disturbed sleep. Sleep disturbances arise due to a pain that wakes the person frequently at night. Sleep disturbance may also be linked with other sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea that many people with fibromyalgia tend to have. Feeling unrefreshed and weak in the morning is also very common.

Fibro-fog and cognitive problems are other symptoms of fibromyalgia wherein a person has difficulty paying attention, focussing and concentrating on mental tasks. Remembering information, learning new things, and following conversations also becomes difficult.

Apart from the above, other symptoms and related conditions include headaches, depression, anxiety, tingling, prickling, numbness, burning sensation in hands, feet, arms, legs, pain in lower abdomen, painful periods in women, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Triggering Factors

Family History – A person with a family history of fibromyalgia is at risk to develop it.

Gender – Women are more at risk of developing fibromyalgia. According to NIAMS (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases), between 80 to 90 % diagnosed cases of fibromyalgia are women, and the female hormone estrogen has been linked to this.

Age – Fibromyalgia is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 50 years.

Other Diseases – People with certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, are at an increased risk to develop fibromyalgia.

Sleep Disorders – People with sleep disorders including sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome tend to develop fibromyalgia.

Infections – Infections caused by certain viruses tend to trigger or worsen fibromyalgia. These viruses include the Epstein-Barr virus, influenza virus, and viruses that cause hepatitis B and C. Apart from this, Lyme disease caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi is also linked with fibromyalgia.

Trauma – Physical or mental trauma can trigger fibromyalgia. Physical injury mainly in the cervical spine is linked with fibromyalgia. Emotional trauma like a divorce or the death of a family member/ loved one is another trigger factor noted in cases of fibromyalgia.

Diagnosing Fibromyalgia

It is often difficult to diagnose fibromyalgia because of the lack of a specific investigation. Further, its symptoms (mainly pain) mimic many other conditions. A diagnosis for fibromyalgia is made when the patient experiences widespread pain in the tender points of the body for a minimum of three months for no specific reason.

Clinical Diagnosis for Fibromyalgia

There are no lab tests that can confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Certain tests are done to rule out other conditions that have symptoms (mainly chronic pain) similar to fibromyalgia. These include a rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP ( anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide), ESR, CBC (complete blood count), and thyroid function test.