Abstract :-
In Homoeopathy, TB is viewed not only as an infectious condition but also as an expression of a deeper constitutional susceptibility, often linked to the tubercular miasm. Homoeopathic philosophy emphasizes strengthening the vital force, reducing susceptibility, and promoting
overall health. Remedies indicated based on the totality of symptoms, constitution, and miasmatic background.Homoeopathy aims to manage TB by improving the patient’s immunity, alleviating symptoms, and preventing relapses. While it cannot replace conventional anti-tubercular treatment, it can serve as an effective supportive therapy, enhancing recovery, reducing complications, and improving quality of life.
Epidemiology :–
Tuberculosis remains one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. According to the WHO Global TB Report 2023, an estimated 10.6 million people developed TB in 2022, and about 1.3 million deaths occurred among HIV-negative individuals, with an additional 167,000 deaths among HIV-positive individuals.TB is more prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in South-East Asia, Africa, and the Western Pacific Region, which together account for over 80% of global cases. India, Indonesia, and China alone contribute to nearly half of the world’s TB burden
Introduction :-
Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused mainly by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It most commonly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also involve other organs such as lymph nodes, bones, kidneys, and brain (extrapulmonary TB). TB spreads from person to person through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
Types of TB
1. Pulmonary TB – Affects the lungs; the most common and infectious type. 2. Extrapulmonary TB – Affects organs other than lungs (e.g., pleura, lymph nodes, bones, CNS, genitourinary tract).
3. Latent TB Infection (LTBI) – Bacteria remain dormant in the body without symptoms but may reactivate later.
4. Drug-resistant TB – Includes MDR-TB (resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin) and XDR-TB (resistant to multiple drugs).
Pathophysiology :–
The infection begins when Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli are inhaled through droplets expelled by an infected person.Droplets reach the alveoli of the lungs.Alveolar macrophages engulf the bacilli by phagocytosis.Normally, macrophages kill bacteria by fusing with lysosomes.However, M. tuberculosis has a waxy cell wall (mycolic acids) that resists digestion.It prevents phagosome–lysosome fusion and multiplies inside the macrophage.
Infected macrophages release cytokines (IL-12, TNF-α, etc.), attracting more immune cell.The site of initial infection in the lung forms the Ghon focus (usually in mid/lower lobes).After 2–4 weeks, the cell-mediated immunity (CMI) kicks in.T-helper (CD4+) lymphocytes activate macrophages to kill bacilli.
Sign And Symptoms :-
1. General (Constitutional) Symptoms
Persistent low-grade fever (often evening rise of temperature)
Night sweats
Loss of appetite
Weight loss (“consumption disease”)
Fatigue, weakness,
2. Pulmonary TB (lungs) – most common
Persistent cough >2 weeks (initially dry, later with sputum).
Hemoptysis (blood in sputum)
Chest pain (pleuritic or dull aching)
Breathlessness/dyspnea (in advanced cases)
3. Extrapulmonary TB – organ-specific
Lymph node TB – painless swelling of cervical lymph nodes (cold abscess, sinus formation). Bone and joint TB – chronic pain, swelling, restricted movement (Pott’s spine → gibbus deformity, neurological deficits).
Meningeal TB – headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, fever, altered sensorium. Renal TB – burning urination, hematuria, flank pain.
Intestinal TB – abdominal pain, diarrhea/constipation, ascites, intestinal obstruction. Skin TB – lupus vulgaris.
4. Signs on Examination
Pallor (due to anemia).
Cachexia (marked weight loss, thin body).
Clubbing of fingers (chronic cases).
Lymphadenopathy.
Rales/crackles in lungs.
Gibbus deformity in spinal TB.
Investigations :-
Basic Clinical Investigations
History & Physical Examination → chronic cough, weight loss, fever, night sweats, lymph node swelling.
General blood tests:
CBC (Complete Blood Count): May show anemia of chronic disease, leukocytosis, lymphocytosis.
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate): Usually elevated in TB.
CRP (C-reactive protein)
A. Microbiological Tests
1. Sputum Examination
Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) Stain / AFB Stain
Sputum Culture
2.CBNAAT (Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test, e.g., GeneXpert): B. Radiological Investigations
1. Chest X-ray.
2. CT Scan / MRI
Homoeopathic Management :-
Miasmatic Background
(Tubercular Miasm = Psora + Syphilis)
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Disturbance of Vital Force
↓ Weak immunity, ↓ resistance, ↓ vitality
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Susceptibility to Tuberculosis
• Narrow chest, anemia, recurrent colds
• Rapid emaciation, night sweats, hemoptysis
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Clinical Manifestations of TB
– Cough, expectoration, fever, weight loss
– Glandular swellings, weakness
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Homoeopathic Remedy Selection
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1. Anti-miasmatic (constitutional):
Tuberculinum, Bacillinum, Psorinum
Phosphorus, Silicea,
Symptom-based (acute phase):
Drosera, Stannum, Ipecac
Ferrum phos, Aspidosperma Q,
Justicia adhatoda Q
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Restoration of Vital Force & Health
• Increased resistance
• Reduced recurrence
• Improved quality of life
Homoeopathic Medicine :-
Tuberculinum :- Chronic weakness, recurrent infections, family history of TB, wasting, irritability.(Often in 200C or 1M potency; single or repeated doses depending on case) Kali
Iodatum :- Emaciation, glandular swellings, offensive discharges, bone pains.(6C, 30C potency, repeated doses with observation)
Phosphorus :- Cough with expectoration, weakness, chest pain, burning sensation, fearfulness.(30C or 200C; case-specific repetition)
Calcarea carb :- Obesity or sluggish metabolism with TB tendency, coldness, sweat, weakness.(30C, 200C as per constitution)
Silicea :- Suppuration, fistulas, chronic abscesses, weak immunity, bone involvement. (6C, 30C potency)
Hepar sulph :- Early-stage abscess formation, sensitivity to cold, cough with sharp pains. (30C or 200C potency)
Mercurius solubilis :- Offensive discharges, night sweats, ulcerations, swollen glands. (6C, 30C potency; careful observation needed)
Arsenic album :- Anxiety, restlessness, emaciation, burning pains, weakness, fever. (30C or 200C potency; used cautiously)
Carbo vegetalis :- Extreme weakness, collapse tendency, low vitality, slow recovery. (30C potency in acute phases)
Reference :-
1. Kent, J. T. Lectures on Homeopathic Philosophy.
2. Boericke, W. Pocket Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica and Repertory. 3. Hahnemann, S.The Organon of Medicine.
4. Phatak, S. D.. Materia Medica of Homoeopathic Medicines.
5. Harsh Mohan. Textbook of pathology.
