Pilot Study on the Efficacy of Intercurrent Remedies in Bronchial Asthma

Unlocking Deeper Healing: Insights from Dr. Stuart Close & ACT Assessment –  Presented by: Dr. Urvi Dhokiya


Executive Summary: Key Study Highlights

33.3%

Patients Showed Improvement

Demonstrating positive response to intervention.

8/12

Majority Male Participants

Cohort composition with diverse age range.

9/12

Younger Adults (15-25)

Primary age group of the study population.

Understanding Bronchial Asthma: A Global and Indian Perspective

Bronchial asthma, a major noncommunicable disease (NCD) recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), presents a significant global health challenge. Characterized by recurrent episodes of breathlessness and wheezing, its impact varies greatly among individuals, often compounded by chest tightness and a persistent cough that can worsen with physical exertion or during nocturnal hours, severely diminishing quality of life.

Estimates suggest that 4-5% of the global population is affected by asthma. In India, the prevalence stands at approximately 2%, translating into a formidable burden impacting over 15 million patients. While conventional medical treatments, such as steroids and inhalers, offer symptomatic relief, they frequently entail biological side effects, complications, and foster dependency on pharmaceutical interventions. This pressing reality underscores an urgent demand for innovative and holistic therapeutic strategies that not only mitigate symptoms but also address the root causes while minimizing adverse effects.

Homoeopathy, in contrast, embraces a holistic treatment philosophy. It tailors treatment to the individual, administering a “similimum”—a remedy chosen based on the unique symptomatology and constitution of each patient, applied in a minimum, effective dose. Crucially, in chronic diseases like asthma, where a case may reach a therapeutic plateau or a latent disease state persists even after the administration of the constitutional similimum, the concept of “intercurrent remedies” becomes vital. As elucidated by Dr. Stuart Close, the strategic use of anti-miasmatic and nosode remedies as intercurrents can penetrate these latent layers, yielding profound and sustainable improvements by addressing the underlying disease predispositions.

Primary Study Aim

The overarching objective guiding this research endeavors to…

“To ascertain the effectiveness of intercurrent remedies in cases of bronchial asthma.”

Key Study Objectives

To achieve the primary aim, several specific objectives were established to comprehensively evaluate the role and impact of intercurrent remedies.

  • To understand the effectiveness of intercurrent remedies in homoeopathic management in cases of bronchial asthma.
  • To study the relevance of intercurrent remedies of Stuart Close in cases of bronchial asthma, emphasizing their theoretical basis and practical application.
  • To improve the quality of life in the patients suffering from bronchial asthma, assessed through validated clinical tools.

Methodology: A Rigorous Approach to Clinical Investigation

This pilot study meticulously followed a prospective experimental design, implementing a precise protocol from patient recruitment to final outcome assessment. This systematic framework was crucial for ensuring the reliability and validity of data collected concerning the efficacy of intercurrent remedies.

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Study Type: Prospective Experimental Study

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Sampling: Random Sampling for Representative Data

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Sample Size: 12 Patients Selected

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Study Location: Sainth Homoeopathic Hospital, Rajkot

Patient Recruitment: Based on Defined Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria

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Initial Assessment: Utilizing Asthma Control Test (ACT) for Baseline

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Therapeutic Intervention: Similimum & Intercurrent Remedies

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Follow-up Schedule: Every 15 Days (with Flexibility)

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Data Analysis & Conclusion: Rigorous Evaluation of Outcomes

Inclusion Criteria

The following stringent criteria were applied to ensure a focused and relevant patient cohort for the study.

  • Pre-diagnosed cases of bronchial asthma confirmed by comprehensive clinical history, presentation, and physical examination findings.
  • Patients with diagnosed asthma currently under conventional treatment but experiencing uncontrolled symptoms, who express a desire to transition to Homoeopathy.
  • Participants aged between 15 and 45 years at the time of enrollment.
  • Both male and female sexes were included to ensure broader demographic representation within the study limitations.

Exclusion Criteria

To maintain the purity of the study’s intervention and mitigate confounding factors, specific patient conditions or concurrent treatments led to exclusion.

  • Patients diagnosed with bronchial asthma complications necessitating oxygen therapy or emergency intervention.
  • Individuals outside the defined age range: younger than 15 years or older than 45 years.
  • Patients with any co-existing malignant medical conditions.
  • Individuals currently receiving or with a recent history of oral or injectable steroid therapy for asthma or related conditions.
  • Patients with underlying cardiac complications that could influence asthma management or outcomes.
  • Pregnant women, due to ethical considerations and potential physiological complexities affecting asthma presentation.

Demographic Insights of the Study Cohort

Understanding the demographic composition of the study participants is crucial for interpreting the results and assessing their generalizability. This section details the gender and age distribution of the 12 enrolled patients.

Patient Gender Distribution

The majority of the study cohort consisted of male participants.

Out of 12 participants:

8 Males (66.6%)

4 Females (33.3%)

Patient Age Distribution

The study predominantly included younger adult patients within the specified age range.

Out of 12 participants:

-700″>Age Group Distribution:

15-25 years: 9 patients

26-45 years: 3 patients

Therapeutic Interventions: Prescribed Remedies

This section delineates the specific homoeopathic remedies utilized throughout the study, categorizing them into baseline prescriptions (similimum) and the crucial intercurrent remedies employed to address deeper miasmatic layers or therapeutic plateaus.

Frequency of Baseline Homoeopathic Drugs

The initial homoeopathic remedies most frequently prescribed upon patient enrollment, reflecting the constitutional similimum choice.

Arsenicum album & Phosphorus: Each prescribed to 3 patients, indicating their strong symptom-matching in this cohort.

Natrum sulph: Also used for 3 patients, reflecting its relevance in specific asthmatic presentations.

Ars iod: Prescribed for 2 patients, suggesting its utility in particular nuanced cases.

Ipecacunha: Used for 1 patient, indicating a less frequent but still relevant remedy.

Frequency of Intercurrent Remedies Prescribed

Highlighting the crucial intercurrent remedies utilized to address latent disease phases and facilitate deeper healing as per Dr. Stuart Close’s principles.

Tuberculinum: Most frequently used for 5 patients, emphasizing its role in addressing tubercular miasmatic influences.

Medorrinum: Prescribed for 3 patients, targeting sycotic miasmatic background.

Psorinum: Used for 2 patients, indicating its application for psoric miasmatic blocks.

Steptococcinum & Carcinosin: Each used for 1 patient, demonstrating a tailored approach to specific miasmatic challenges.

Study Outcomes: Assessing Efficacy and Patient Progress

The effectiveness of the homoeopathic intervention was rigorously assessed through overall patient outcomes and the standardized Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores. This section presents a detailed analysis of these key indicators, reflecting the study’s impact on patient health.

Overall Patient Outcome Distribution

A comprehensive summary of the primary outcomes following the homoeopathic intervention, highlighting the proportion of patients who experienced improvement.

Outcome Category Number of Patients Percentage (%)
Improved 4 33.3%
Worsened 2 16.6%
No Significant Change 3 25.0%
Dropped Out 3 25.0%

Asthma Control Test (ACT) Score Improvement

The ACT score is a vital tool for objectively assessing asthma control levels. This visualization illustrates the distribution of patients across different control categories post-intervention, indicating a discernible shift towards improved management for a portion of the cohort.

Very Poorly Controlled (0-15): Indicates severe asthma symptoms with substantial impact on daily functioning. In this study, 2 patients remained within this category.

Poorly Controlled (15-20): Suggests moderate asthma symptoms necessitating enhanced management strategies. 3 patients were identified in this group, indicating room for further improvement.

Well Controlled (20-25): Represents optimal symptom control and minimal impact on daily life. A significant positive outcome was observed for 4 patients in the study, showcasing the effectiveness of the intervention for this subgroup.

The effectiveness of the homoeopathic intervention was rigorously assessed through overall patient outcomes and the standardized Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores. This section presents a detailed analysis of these key indicators, reflecting the study’s impact on patient health.

Asthma Control Test (ACT) Questionnaire

Figure: Asthma Control Test (ACT) Questionnaire used for assessment.

Conclusion: Advancing Homoeopathic Efficacy in Asthma Management

This pilot study offers compelling evidence that the integrated homoeopathic approach—combining a meticulously selected constitutional similimum with the strategic application of intercurrent remedies (such as nosodes)—yields positive therapeutic outcomes in bronchial asthma cases. This methodology, rooted in the profound principles articulated by Dr. Stuart Close, demonstrates a capacity for deeper, more sustained healing beyond symptomatic palliation. The findings underscore the potential efficacy of this specific homoeopathic intervention in contributing to the comprehensive management of bronchial asthma, addressing not only overt symptoms but also underlying miasmatic predispositions. While promising, these observations necessitate further expanded research, including larger cohorts and randomized controlled trials, to rigorously validate and broaden the applicability of these significant results in the global clinical landscape.

References

  • sarkar B.K., Organon of Medicine, 10th reprint ed. 2011; Birla publication,p116,119,164.
  • Hahnemann Samuel. Organon of Medicine. 6th ed. B. Jain Publishers; 2002.
  • Hahnemann S. The Chronic Diseases, Their Peculiar Nature and Their Homoeopathic Cure. 1904
  • Stone RM, Tinsley Randolph Harrison, Netlibrary I. Harrison’s principles of internal medicine: self-assessment and board review. New York: Mcgraw-Hill, Medical Pub. Division; 2001.
  • Loscalzo J, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, Hauser SL, Longo DL, Jameson JL. Harrison’s principles of internal medicine. 21st ed. New York: McGraw Hill; 2022.
  • R. Mcintyer, BS MD, Close S. The Genius of Homoeopathy. B. Jain Publishers; 2001.
  • Asthma Control Test (ACT) \[Internet]. www.thoracic.org. Available from: https://www.thoracic.org/members/assemblies/assemblies/srn/questionaires/act.php

Homoeopathic Approach In Female Infertility

This article is from the Tantia University Journal of Homoeopathy and Medical Science (https://tjhms.com) E-ISSN: 2581-8899, P-ISSN: 2581-978X

Abstract

Infertility is the inability of a couple to achieve conception after one year of unprotected coitus. Today almost one in six couples face difficulty in conceiving. Homoeopathy is often effective in curing in- fertility where conventional medicine either fails or is expensive or requires operative procedures and hormonal therapy with their added complication and side effects. By this review article we want to evaluate the efficacy of homoeopathic constitutional similimum in the management of female infertility.

Introduction

The prevalence of female infertility is rising quickly among Indians, which is also indicative of what is happening globally. Nearly one in six couples today has trouble getting pregnant (ref). After one year of unprotected coitus, infertility is the failure of a couple to conceive. Ovulatory dysfunction accounts for between 36 and 44% of infertility in womenii. One of the most common diseases affecting women during their fertile years is endometriosis. In addition to surgical and medical procedures, hormonal therapies, etc.

Homeopathy is a holistic form of medicine that treats the whole person in order to treat disease. They can correct hormonal system misalignments and return them to normal. The straightforward homeopathic process efficiently and efficiently omits the laborious steps that come after the standard infertility treatments.

To be more precise, a complete hormonal balance significantly raises the likelihood of conception without the negative side effects of drugs, devices, or invasive procedures. Infertility is described as the inability to conceive despite engaging in routine unprotected sex for a year or longer.

Types:

Infertility comes in primary or secondary forms. Secondary infertility happens when at least one prior pregnancy has been achieved, whereas primary infertility happens when a person has never had a pregnancy.

ETIOLOGY
Ovulatory Dysfunction: Primary hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction (caused by stress, Sheehan’s syndrome, pituitary adenoma, or other pituitary tumors, among other things), intense exercise, eating disorders, and other factors. Polycystic ovary syndrome, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, hormone-producing tumors of the ovary or adrenal glands, Cushing’s disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and hormonal imbalances brought on by autoimmune, genetic, surgical, idiopathic, drug, or radiation-related conditions.

Fallopian tube anomalies: Proximal tubal blockage is brought on by mucus plugs, amorphous debris, or uterotubal ostium spasm. Distal tubal obstruction causes hydrosalpinxes, which in turn prevents sperm from migrating and causes tubal contents to flow backward into the endometrial cavity, creating an unfavourable environment for embryo implantation.

Pelvic Adhesions: Pathogens like Chlamydial or Gonorrhoea, Endometriosis, Pelvic Tuberculosis, etc. cause this inflammatory disease in the pelvis. Uterine fibroids include intramural, submucosal, subserosa, and pedunculated fibroids. Causes of uterine anomalies include Mullerian aplasia, septate uterus, endometrial polyps, and synechiae from previous pregnancy-related curettage.
Endometriosis disrupts and impairs oocyte release, alters sperm motility, causes disordered myometrial contractions, and hinders fertilization and embryo development through pelvic adhesions.

Turner’s syndrome, Down syndrome, Spinal Muscular Dystrophy, Canavan Disease, and Kallmann Syndrome are examples of genetic factors.

Symptoms

The couple’s inability to conceive is the main sign of infertility. A menstrual cycle that is excessively long (35 days or more), excessively short (less than 21 days), irregular, or non-existent may be a sign that ovulation has not occurred, which is a factor in female infertility. There might be no additional visible symptoms or signs.

Due to her inability to conceive, a woman dealing with infertility may experience emotional changes and depression. There is a significant psychological impact of infertility. Being infertile carries a stigma in many cultures. The individual dealing with this problem begins to feel excluded from her group, which further contributes to depression, anxiety, and stress.

Investigations

  1. To rule out pelvic pathology using ultrasound.
  2. Hysterosalpingography: to determine the fallopian tube’s patency.
  3. To examine the uterus and the tube for any pathology, a laparoscopy is performed

Repertorial Approach

  1. Kent repertory
    • STERILITY: copious menstrual flow, from:
  2. Repertory of Hering guiding symptoms of our Materia Medica
    • STERILITY:
    • too early and too profuse menses
    • with late or profuse menses
    • no menses or sexual desire
    • too profuse menses
    • with tendency to miscarry
    • caused by discharge of mucus
    • from vagina after an embrace,
    • from atony of ovaries,
    • from excessive sexual indulgence,
    • from uterine atony
  3. Boenninghausen characteristics Materia Medica and repertory
    • Barrenness, sterility
  4. Perfect repertory of mind
    • SADNESS, sterility, from:
  5. A Concise Repertory of Homoeopathic Medicine by Dr.S R Phatak
    • STERILITY
    • Acid vaginal secretion, from
    • Atrophy of mammae and ovary, from:
    • Excessive sexual desire, from :
    • Menses, copious, from
    • Non retention of semen, from :
    • Ovarian atony, from:
    • Sycotic:
    • Weakness, from :
  6. The Concordance Repertory of Materia Medica – William D Gentry
    • Sterility.-
    • Menses too early and too profuse.
    • with premature and profuse menses; weak feeling in genitals.
    • from uterine atony
    • depression of spirits
    • with leucorrhoea
    • caused by sexual excesses
    • from uterine catarrh
    • absence of desire
    • from atony of ovaries.
    • with chronic ovaritis; soreness and great sensitiveness
    • with menses suppressed
    • with too scanty menses
    • with retarded menses
    • Discharge of mucus after coition causing
    • Sterility (see section on Uterus).-
    • on account of profuse leucorrhoea
    • Dysmenorrhea with
    • Menses too profuse, with

Homeopathic Therapeutics

  1. ACID PHOS- Acid Phos is a fantastic treatment for primary sterility brought on by incapacitating conditions like diabetes and tuberculosis. Menstruation is too early, excessive, and irregular. The PH of vaginal secretion changes to an acidic form, which causes sperm deposited there to quickly perish. Disinterested and despondent.
  2. AGNUS CASTUS- Agnus castus is a potent treatment for infertility in women who have diminished sex drives. When there is a sex aversion, Agnus Castus is used. It’s possible that this is caused by excessive masturbation. Additionally relaxed, there are clear vaginal discharges.
  3. ALETRIS FARINOSA Q- The main symptoms of Aletris Farinosa are early and heavy periods coupled with infertility. Menorrhagia can also be accompanied by leucorrhoea, anemia, weakness, and persistent exhaustion. Additionally, Aletris Farinosa is prescribed when a person has a propensity for frequent abortions and promotes conception.
  4. AROMA RADIX- When an irregular menstrual disorder occurs, a good treatment for female infertility. Dysmenorrhea. The menstrual flow can be light or heavy. Give 5 drops in water three times per day starting on the first day of menstruation for seven days. If sexual activity is performed after the menses have stopped, it will correct menstrual irregularity.
  5. BORAX- One of the most effective homoeopathic treatments for female infertility brought on by acid vaginal