Abstract
Sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses, arises from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, with weakened immune systems increasing susceptibility. Acute sinusitis typically lasts three to eight weeks, while cases persisting beyond eight weeks are considered chronic. Globally, approximately 28.9 million adults suffer from diagnosed sinusitis, accounting for 11.6% of the adult population. Homeopathic approach in this case of chronic sinusitis of 20 yrs of suffering was to bring relief to patients’ never ending suffering; patient was tired of the sinusitis & came to Dr Batra’s for permanent solution. This case of sinusitis will throw light on the insights of the chronic case and how constitutional medicine can help heal the chronic ailment of 2 decades.
Keywords:
Sinusitis, allergic, chronic, constitutional medicines.
Introduction:
Sinusitis is when the sinuses, which are air-filled spaces in your head, get swollen and can’t work properly. Normally, sinuses make mucus to keep your nose moist and protect it from dust and germs. But when they get blocked, germs can grow and cause an infection. Things like colds, allergies, nasal polyps, or a crooked nasal cavity can block your sinuses. Homeopathy, a type of treatment, looks at what causes sinusitis and tries to help your body heal naturally. It aims to relieve symptoms and keep your sinuses healthy in the long run. Chronic sinusitis, which lasts a long time, can be made worse by infections, allergies, or being around smoke or pollution. Symptoms include thick mucus, stuffy nose, facial pain, and a loss of smell. Sometimes, it can lead to serious problems like vision issues or infections spreading to the brain or bones.
Case Profile
A 61-year-old male, engaged in business, has a history of sinusitis spanning two decades. He presents with complaints of frontal headaches, sinus congestion, runny nose, postnasal drip, and throat irritation. Physical examination reveals throat and chest congestion, nasal congestion, and gastric disturbances managed with Himalaya tablets. Previously, he had taken Dr. Baksons medications for sinusitis with limited relief. Additionally, he reports chronic lower back pain at the L4-L5 level. No history of diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disorders is noted. Recent laboratory results indicate normal hemoglobin, ESR, HbA1c, lipid profile, ECG findings, renal function tests, and thyroid function tests. Notably, symptoms exacerbate during rainy and winter seasons but improve in summer. He experiences constant nasal congestion, difficulty focusing at work, and persistent sneezing, necessitating regular medication intake. His lifestyle preferences include routine habits, sensitivity to cold, and avoidance of excessive spending. Stress from his high-pressure jewelry business, coupled with a dominant partner, contributes to anxiety and lowered immunity. He attributes weather changes to aggravating his sinusitis symptoms.
Physical Generals
| Diet | Veg |
| Appetite | Good |
| Desire | Sweets |
| Aversion | Nil |
| Thermal Reaction | Chilly patient |
| Thirst | Normal 3-4 litres |
| Stools | Constipation motion not clear |
| Urine | Normal , no complaints |
| Perspiration | Scanty non offensive |
| Sleep | 7-8 hrs refreshing sleep , on back |
| Dreams | No dreams |
Examination
Throat: Congestion observed, indicating inflammation or swelling.
Chest: Auscultation reveals AeBe (clear breath sounds).
Nose: Congestion noted, suggestive of nasal blockage or obstruction.
Mental Generals –
61-year-old man lived with his wife, daughter, and son. He was the youngest of five brothers, and his father was employed while his mother used to manage the household. He valued his friendships greatly and found comfort in their companionship. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, he had a strong affinity for mathematics, particularly finding HMT easy. Preferring simplicity, he avoided speaking English unnecessarily. With no specific expectations from his family, he had already decided to pursue a career in mathematics, feeling secure in his then-current job. Although their family business focused on jewelry manufacturing, they had separated five years ago, leading to a loss of respect and decision-making power for him. He strived to avoid causing harm to others, easily made friends, and tended to trust them. While not particularly ambitious, he found decision-making challenging and preferred working under someone else, struggling to shoulder full responsibility. Routine brought him comfort, and he aspired to secure a government job. Despite facing difficulties, he adapted well to various situations, demonstrating his flexible nature. His mother had passed away in 1996, and one of his happiest memories was when he excelled in 7th grade. His hobbies included watching TV, reminiscing about childhood adventures with friends, reading novels, and playing football.
Past History
A For sinusitis, he had taken Bakson prescription medication, but it did not provide significant relief.
Family History
Father- HTN,
Mother- Sinusitis
Case analysis
Repertorial totality: Complete Repertory
| Repertory used | Rubrics selected |
| Complete Repertory | Confidence want of, Mild, Reserved, Sympathetic, Company desire for , cheerfulness , Sinuses complaints of coryza, Desire sweets |
Repertory screenshot
Selection of Remedy
| Remedy | Reasons |
| Constitutional | Calcarea carb 2001 dose – Once a month |
| Acute | Kali Bich 200 – BD Daily |
| Intercurrent | Thuja 200 – Once in a year |
Miasmatic approach
| Symptoms | Psora | Sycosis | Syphilis | Tubercular |
| Inflammation of sinuses | * | |||
| Discharges, congestion in sinuses | * | |||
| Wants to be secure | * | |||
| Slowness in progress of disease | * | |||
| Miasmatic predominance | Sycosis |
Materials and Methods
Complete Repertory
Results
| MONTH | DATE | PROGRESS | PRESCRIPTION |
| 1st | 20 Mar 2020 | Case Taking done | Calc carb 200 1 dose + kali bich 200 Bd daily + Nat s 6x 2 tablets Bd daily |
| 2nd | 16 Apr 2020 | Coryza reduced in intensity: moderate now & frequency: alternate day’s coryza. Sneezing reduced by 50%. o/e- nose- discharges+, throat- clear, chest- AeBe | Calc carb 200 1 dose + kali bich 200 Bd daily + Nat s 6x 2 tablets Bd daily |
| 3rd | 27 Apr 2020 | Sneezing stable, coryza increased due to prolonged AC exposure at night during summers. o/e- nose- discharges+, throat- clear, chest- AeBe | Puls 200 BD for 2 wks SOS |
| 4th | 04 Jun 2020 | Coryza under control, sneezing under control. o/e- nose- discharges+, throat- clear, chest- AeBe | Calc carb 200 1 dose + kali bich 200 Bd daily + Nat s 6x 2 tablets Bd daily |
| 5th | 29 Jul 2020 | Cold running nose till 12 pm. o/e- nose- discharges+, throat- clear, chest- AeBe | Calc carb 200 1 dose + kali bich 200 Bd daily + Nat s 6x 2 tablets Bd daily |
| 6th | 19 Aug 2020 | Running nose throughout the day, difficulty in focusing at work, sneezing. Chronic sinusitis. Took Bakson Rx but not much relief. Rainy season aggravates. Winter season fearful, it increases further. Summer season is better. Doesn’t need fan, AC. Feels cold a lot.Wears socks and blanket at night. Likes routine life. High stress in jeweler’s business due to a dominating partner. Low body immunity. Weather change causes sinusitis. o/e- nose- discharges+, throat- clear, chest- AeBe | Thuja 200 2 doses for 2 consecutive nights + Ars Alb 200 BD daily + Kali m 6x BD daily |
| 7th | 20 Sep 2020 | Coryza on & off, headache. o/e- nose- discharge, throat- clear, chest- AeBe | Thuja 200 2 doses for 2 consecutive nights + Ars Alb 200 BD daily + Kali m 6x BD daily |
| 8th | 08 Oct 2020 | Nasal congestion on & off, no headache. o/e- nose- discharge + , throat- clear, chest- AeBe | Thuja 200 2 doses for 1st week + Calc carb 200 2 doses for 2nd week + Kali m 6x BD daily |
| 9th | 18 Nov 2020 | Running nose, no cough, no headache. Dependency on allopathic medicines 6-7 times in the last month. Only when attending meetings has to take medicines. o/e- nose- discharge +, throat- clear, chest- aebe | Thuja 200 2 doses for 1st week + Calc carb 200 2 doses for 2nd week + Kali m 6x BD daily |
| 10th | 20 Dec 2020 | 95% Better in respiratory nasal block. o/e- nose- clear throat- clear, chest- AEBE ( Air Entry Bilaterally Equal) | Thuja 200 2 doses for 1st week + Calc carb 200 2 doses for 2nd week + Kali m 6x BD daily |
| 11th | 04 Feb 2021 | Cold cough is 100% better. o/e- nose- clear throat- clear, chest- AEBE | Thuja 200 2 doses for 1st week + Calc carb 200 2 doses for 2nd week + Kali m 6x BD daily |
| 12th | 12 Mar 2021 | Cold cough is 100% better. o/e- nose- clear throat- clear, chest- AEBE | Thuja 200 2 doses for 1st week + Calc carb 200 2 doses for 2nd week + Kali m 6x BD daily |
Discussion & Conclusion
When the correct similimum is prescribed on the basis of totality of symptoms, the constitutional medicine along with specific medicine helps the patient to recover faster and improve the Health Related Quality Of Life. The Patient’s daily work routine was disturbed due to sinusitis. For 20 long years, after our medicines administration the relief has impacted his work in a good way and the patient is happy and satisfied, no more irritation at work due to running nose & sound sleep ; as the nose block is not there. Patient is able to perform his business better. At the age of 61, immunity goes down. Homeopathy has helped patients to develop immunity and recover from chronic sinusitis.
The transformation
References
- https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/sinus-infection/
- Source: Summary Health Statistics Tables for U.S. Adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2018, Tables A-2b, A-2c [PDF – 166 KB]
- https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinusitis-and-sinus-infection
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-sinusitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351661
