Although homeopathic substances listed in this article are generally not known to cause serious side effects, their effectiveness has not been demonstrated by scientific research. Consumers should check labels carefully, since a homeopathic product that is not diluted, or not diluted enough, can contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions, side effects, or interactions. It is always advisable to discuss any new treatment program with your healthcare practitioner.

For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also “Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?

Agnus castus: This remedy may be helpful if problems with impotence develop after a man has led a life of intense and frequent sexual activity for many years. A cold sensation felt in the genitals is a strong indication for Agnus castus. People who need this remedy are often very anxious about their health and loss of abilities, and may have problems with memory and concentration.

Argentum nitricum: This remedy may be helpful if a man’s erection fails when sexual intercourse is attempted, especially if thinking about the problem makes it worse. People who need this remedy are often nervous and imaginative. A person who needs Argentum nitricum is usually warm-blooded, with cravings for both sweets and salt.

Caladium: This remedy may be helpful to a man whose genitals are completely limp, despite having sexual interest. Nocturnal emissions can occur without an erection, even if dreams are not sex-related. A person who needs this remedy often craves tobacco.

Causticum: This remedy may be indicated if physical pleasure during sex has diminished and sexual urges are reduced. The person feels tired and weak, and may experience memory loss, with a compulsive need to check things (to see that doors are locked, etc.) Prostate problems may be associated with impotence, and urine may be lost when the person coughs or sneezes.

Lycopodium: People who need this remedy may have problems with erections because of worry, and can also be troubled by memory loss. They often lack self-confidence (though some may overcompensate by acting egotistically). People who need this remedy often have digestive problems with gas and bloating, and an energy slump in the late afternoon and evening.

Selenium metallicum: This remedy is often helpful to men who have diminished sexual ability, especially if the problem starts after a fever or exhausting illness. The person feels weak and exhausted, but interest is usually still present. Unusual hair-loss (body hair or eyebrows) can also suggest a need for Selenium.

Staphysagria: Gentle-natured, quiet men with deep emotions may respond to this remedy. Problems with impotence often occur from embarrassment or shyness. People who need this remedy often have a history of emotional suppression and very sensitive feelings.

Homeopathy Dosage Directions

Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually printed on the label

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. It causes recurring periods of: Wheezing, Chest tightness, Shortness of breath, and Coughing.

A Look into “Asthma”:

The airways are tubes that carry air into and out of your lungs. People who have asthma have inflamed airways. This makes the airways swollen and very sensitive. They tend to react strongly to certain substances that are breathed in. When the airways react, the muscles around them tighten. This causes the airways to narrow, and less air flows to your lungs. The swelling also can worsen, making the airways even narrower. Cells in the airways may make more mucus than normal. (Mucus is a sticky, thick liquid that can further narrow your airways.)

This chain reaction can result in asthma symptoms. Symptoms can happen each time the airways are irritated.

What Causes Asthma Symptoms To Occur?

A number of things can bring about or worsen asthma symptoms:

• Allergens found in dust, animal fur, cockroaches, mould, and pollens from trees, grasses, and flowers.
• Irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemicals or dust in the workplace, compounds in home décor products, and sprays.
• Certain medicines such as aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Viral upper respiratory infections such as colds/ runny nose.
• Sinus infections
• Reflux disease
• Psychological stress
• Exercise (physical activity)

Asthma is different for each person. Some of the factors listed may not affect you. Other factors that do affect you may not be on the list.

Information on Asthma – RISK FACTORS:

1. Studying the prevalence of asthma and related diseases such as eczema and hay fever have yielded important clues about some key risk factors.
2. The strongest risk factor for developing asthma is a family history of atopic diseases; this increases the risk of hay fever up to 5times and risk of asthma by 3-4times!
3. In children, between the ages of 3-14, a positive skin test for allergies and an increase in Immunoglobulin E increases the chance of having asthma
4. In adults, the more allergens one reacts positively to in a skin test, the higher the odds of having asthma
5. Studies which show that upper respiratory tract infections are protective against asthma risk also tend to show that lower respiratory tract infections conversely tend to increase the risk of asthma
6. The incidence of asthma is highest among low-income populations [asthma deaths are most common in low to middle income countries]
7. Asthma as a result of [or worsened by] workplace exposures is the world’s most commonly reported occupational respiratory disease
8. Asthma appears to be more prevalent in athletes than in general population. There appears to be a relatively high incidence of asthma in sports such as cycling, mountain biking, and long- distance running, and a relatively lower incidence in weight lifting and diving
9. Environmental tobacco smoke, especially maternal cigarette smoking, is associated with high risk of asthma prevalence and asthma morbidity, wheeze and respiratory infections.
10. Poor air quality, from traffic pollution or high ozone levels, has been repeatedly associated with increased asthma morbidity
11. Caesarean sections have been associated with asthma when compared with vaginal birth; a meta-analysis found a 20% increase in asthma prevalence in children delivered by caesarean section compared to who were not.
12. Psychological stress has long been suspected of being an asthma trigger. Rather than stress directly causing the asthma symptoms, it is thought that stress modulates the immune system to increase the magnitude of the airway inflammatory response to allergens and irritants.

30. HOMEOPATHY TREATMENT FOR CHALAZION

Chalazion is a lump in the eyelid that is caused by inflammation of a gland within the skin. Typically, this lump grows over days to weeks and is occasionally red, warm, or painful. The gland involved in the formation of a chalazion is a modified sweat gland that lies within the eyelid. This gland produces oil. When this gland becomes blocked, it can rupture and the inflammation process begins. Inflammation is a process in which the body reacts to a condition and produces a biologic reaction. This reaction can cause swelling, redness, pain, or warmth. A chalazion is not a sty. A sty can resemble a chalazion in the sense that it is also a lump in the eyelid. However, a sty involves glands and eyelash hair follicles that are closer to the skin surface of the eyelid. In addition, a sty is usually more painful and looks infected. A chalazion is caused by the oil in the gland becoming too thick to flow out of the gland. This oil that is too thick blocks up the gland, but the gland still produces more oil. Without anywhere to go, the oil builds up inside the gland and forms a lump in the eyelid. Eventually, the gland ruptures (breaks open) and releases the oil into the tissue of the eyelid, causing inflammation Swelling of the upper eyelid may occur gradually over weeks. The condition rarely involves the lower eyelid. A chalazion appears as a localized hard lump that may grow as large as an eighth of an inch. Occasionally, you may feel pain and your eyelid may be red. Ophthalmologist may recommend surgery to remove the chalazion. Warm compresses may be helpful. Hold a warm, wet towel on the eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 2-4 times a day, to reduce swelling. Lightly massage the area several times a day. Do not “pop” or scratch the chalazion.

Care of the Chalazion:
Application of warm compresses for about 15 minutes, 2-4 times a day, may help to reduce swelling. Typically, a chalazion goes away within a couple of weeks. If so, no long-term consequences occur. If the chalazion lasts for weeks or comes back, then it needs to be treated. The lump is rarely associated with an infection or a form of skin cancer. Most chalazions are treated with warm compresses to the eyelid to promote healing and circulation of blood to the inflamed area.

Role of Homeopathy in Chalazion:
Chalazion can be treated in homeopathy without any antibiotics. Homeopathy may help you to avoid surgery. If the state of Chalazion is acute we have acute remedies for the treatment of chalazion. If the chalazion has become chronic it should be treated with constitutional Homeopathic treatment. We can avoid pain of going through surgery with the help of homeopathy.

There are three types of Sleep apnea:

• Obstructive sleep apnea: this type occurs when throat muscles relax
• Central sleep apnea: this type occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing
• Complex sleep apnea: in this type both the above mechanism play a role

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of throat relax. These muscles support the soft palate, the triangular piece of tissue hanging from the soft palate known as uvula, the tonsils and the tongue. The muscles relax, the airway narrows or closes as we breathe in, and breathing stops for some time. This may lower the level of oxygen in blood. Our brain senses this inability to breathe and briefly rouses us from sleep so that we can reopen airway. This awakening is usually so brief that we don’t remember it. We can awaken with a transient shortness of breath that corrects itself quickly, within one or two deep breaths, although it is rare. We may make a snorting, choking or gasping sound. This pattern can repeat itself 10 to 40 times or more in an hour, during the whole night. These disturbances decrease the levels of necessary deep sleep, restful phases of sleep. Because of this there is sleepy feeling during day time. People may not be aware that their sleep is interrupted. In fact, many people with this type of sleep apnea think they sleep well during night. Central sleep apnea, which is far less common, occurs when the brain fails to transmit signals to breathing muscles. Person may awaken with shortness of breath or have a difficult time staying asleep. Like obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and daytime sleepiness can occur. The most common cause of central sleep apnea is heart disease, and stroke. People with central sleep apnea may be more likely to remember awakening than people with obstructive sleep apnea are.

People with complex sleep apnea have upper airway obstruction just like those with obstructive sleep apnea, but they also have a problem with the rhythm of breathing and occasional lapses of breathing effort.

The most common signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Loud snoring, which is usually more prominent in obstructive sleep apnea
• Observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep
• Abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath, which more likely indicates central sleep apnea
• Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Morning headache
• Difficulty staying asleep

Following are the leading signs to rule out sleep apnea:

• Snoring loud enough to disturb the sleep of others or yourself
• Shortness of breath that awakens you from sleep
• Intermittent pauses in your breathing during sleep
• Excessive daytime drowsiness, which may cause you to fall asleep while you’re working, watching television or even driving

Following factors may be considered as risk factors for sleep apnea:

• Excess weight.
• Neck circumference: A neck circumference greater than 17.5 inches is associated with an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
• High blood pressure: people with hypertension may suffer from sleep apnea
• A narrowed airway: this may be a congenital defect
• Being male: Sleep apnea is more common in male than female.
• Being older: Sleep apnea is more common in elderly age group
• Family history: Positive family history is an additional risk factor
• Heart disorders and stroke or brain tumor: these are related to central sleep apnea

Complications may include:

• Cardiovascular problems: The more severe your sleep apnea, the greater the risk of high blood pressure. If there’s underlying heart disease, these multiple episodes of low blood oxygen (hypoxia or hypoxemia) can lead to sudden death from a cardiac event. Obstructive sleep apnea also increases the risk of stroke, regardless of whether you have high blood pressure
• Daytime fatigue: severe daytime drowsiness, fatigue and irritability is experienced. Concentration difficulty. Falling asleep at work, while watching TV or even when driving. Irritability, moodiness and depression
• Sleep-deprivation of others: Loud snoring can disturb sleep of those around you or those who share same room or bed with you
• Mental state: sleep apnea may also complain of memory problems, mood swings or feelings of depression
• Urinary and sexual function: a need to get up for urination frequently at night, and impotence
• Gastrointestinal problems: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be more common in people with sleep apnea

Role of Homeopathy in Sleep Apnea:
Homeopathy reduces the symptom severity of sleep apnea in cases where the illness is not due to some structural obstructions of airway. Homeopathy also helps in reducing the complications of sleep apnea. Homeopathy is safe and effective without causing any side effects. Homeopathy also helps in treating the underlying cause of sleep apn Ankylosing Spondylitis is a form of chronic inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac (SI) joints. The SI joints are located in the low back at the junction of spine and hip. Chronic inflammation in these areas causes pain and stiffness in and around the spine. Over the period of time, chronic spinal inflammation (spondylitis) can lead to a complete cementing together (fusion) of the vertebrae, a process referred to as ankylosis. Ankylosis leads to loss of mobility of the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis is also a systemic rheumatic disease, meaning it can affect other tissues throughout the body. Accordingly, it can cause inflammation in or injury to other joints away from the spine, as well as other organs, such as the eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys. Ankylosing spondylitis shares many features with several other arthritis conditions, such as Psoriatic Arthritis, Reactive Arthritis, and arthritis associated With Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Each of these arthritic conditions can cause disease and inflammation in the spine, other joints, eyes, skin, mouth, and various organs. In view of their similarities and tendency to cause inflammation of the spine, these conditions are collectively referred to as “Spondyloarthropathies.” The tendency to develop ankylosing spondylitis is believed to be genetically inherited, and the majority (nearly 90%) of patients with ankylosing spondylitis is born with the HLA-B27 gene. Blood tests help to detect the HLA-B27 gene marker. The characteristics of the gene marker HLA-B27 are being further understood. There are now seven different subtypes of HLA-B27 known to be present.

Things to be avoided for people suffering from peptic ulcers:

• Don’t smoke
• Limit or avoid alcohol
• Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Control acid reflux

Role of Homeopathy in Peptic Ulcer:
Homeopathic medicines are very gentle and mild. Recurrent problems of acidity and heartburn experienced by the person suffering from peptic ulcer will find definite relief in his complains with homeopathic medicines. The biggest advantage of homeopathic medicines in such situation is that it will help in preventing peptic ulcer from progressing and will help in faster healing of ulcer. Those who need to regularly depend on pain reliving pills for their joint complains, of headaches or non specific body pains are at higher risk of developing peptic ulcer. Homeopathy offers to treat those conditions which require being dependant on such pain relievers on regular basis. This is how homeopathy can be useful in multiple ways. As safe treatment option for your recurrent pains as well as preventive treatment for future health problems.

Migraine headache is a type of vascular headache.

Migraine headache is caused by:

• Enlargement of blood vessels
• Action of certain chemicals on the blood vessels

Some researchers think migraines may be caused by functional changes in the trigeminal nerve system, a major pain pathway in nervous system, and by imbalances in brain chemicals, including serotonin, which plays a regulatory role for pain messages going through this pathway. During a headache, serotonin levels drop. Researchers believe this causes the trigeminal nerve to release substances called neuropeptides, which travel to your brain’s outer covering (meninges). There they cause blood vessels to become dilated and inflamed. The result is headache pain. During an attack, an artery that lies on the outside of the skull just under the skin of the temple enlarges (Temporal artery). Enlargement of this artery stretches the nerves around the artery and causes the release of certain chemicals. These chemicals are then responsible for inflammatory changes and pain.

The sympathetic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that controls initial responses to stress and pain. Migraine attacks commonly activate the sympathetic nervous system in the body. The increased sympathetic nervous activity affects different body systems in different ways to bring about various symptoms in migraine attack.

• In intestine: Nausea, Vomiting, And Diarrhea
• In stomach: Delayed emptying of the stomach into the small intestine which reduces effectiveness of oral pain relieving drugs
• The circulatory system: Decreases circulation, results in pallor of the skin, cold hands and feet.
• Sensory nervous system: Heightened sensitivity to light and sound and blurred vision.

Most common symptoms of Migraine headache:

• Intense, throbbing pain
• The pain usually one sided, both sides, change side during every new attack,
• A migraine headache usually is aggravated by walking upstairs.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, facial pallor, cold hands, cold feet, and sensitivity to light and sound common with migraine headaches
• Migraine sufferers usually prefer to lie in a quiet, dark room during an attack.
• The duration of attack may be from few hours to few days

Some migraine headaches are preceded by an aura. The most common auras are:

• Flashing, brightly colored lights in a zigzag pattern
• A hole in the visual field, also known as a blind spot
• Pins-and-needles sensations in the hand and the arm on one side or pins-and-needles sensations around the mouth and the nose on the same side
• Auditory hallucinations
• Abnormal tastes
• Abnormal smells

Some migraines are associated with neurological disturbances:

• Vertebrobasilar migraines are characterized by dysfunction of the brainstem
  • Fainting as an aura
  • Vertigo
  • Double vision
• Hemiplegic migraines:
  • Paralysis
  • Weakness of one side of the body
  • The duration may be few hours to few days
• Post migraine attack problems are:
  • Feeling of drained energy levels
  • Experience a low-grade headache along with sensitivity to light and sound
  • Recurrences of the headache during this period

Migraine headaches are usually diagnosed when the history. Migraine generally begins in childhood to early adulthood. A family history is usually present, which indicates genetic influence in migraine patients.

Migraine Triggers:

• Stress
• Sleep disturbances
• Fasting
• Hormones
• Bright or flickering lights
• Odors
• Cigarette smoke
• Alcohol
• Food: aged cheeses, chocolate, monosodium glutamate, nitrites, aspartame, and caffeine

Life-style modifications for migraine sufferers include:

• Go to sleep and waking up at the same time each day
• Exercise regular
• Do not skip meals, and avoiding prolonged fasting
• Limit stress through regular exercise and relaxation techniques
• Limit caffeine consumption to less than two caffeine-containing beverages a day
• Avoid bright or flashing lights and wearing sunglasses if sunlight is a trigger
• Identify and avoid foods that trigger headaches by keeping a headache and food diary.
• Review the diary with your doctor.
• It is impractical to adopt a diet that avoids all known migraine triggers, however, it is reasonable to avoid foods that consistently trigger migraine headaches

Role of Homeopathy in Migraine:
Homeopathy has proved its efficacy in various types of Migraine. Homeopathy successfully treats migraine in more than 80% of cases in all age groups. Constitutional homeopathic treatment approach is the best suitable approach to the treatment of migraine. You may not have to take pain reliving medicines during acute episode of pain as homeopathic medicines act promptly even during acute episode of pain when fast relief is desired by the patients. Patients will have to take regular course of medicines even when there is no pain so that subsequent attacks of migraine attacks are reduced in intensity and frequency. The duration of treatment is variable from patient to patient.

Lumbar Spondylosis describes bony overgrowths also known as osteophytes, in medical term. These are predominantly at the anterior (front side of the body), lateral sides of the body), and, less commonly, posterior aspects (back side) of the superior and inferior margins of vertebral bodies. This dynamic process increases with, and is an unavoidable effect of the growing age.

Lumbar spondylosis usually produces no symptoms. When back or sciatic pains are complaints, lumbar spondylosis usually is an unrelated finding. Given the frequency and size of lumbar osteophytes they have long been thought to cause back pain. This has led to many studies of the distribution of vertebral osteophytes, not all of which are pertinent. There is no greater frequency of signs or symptoms among individuals with osteophytes than among those without osteophytes. Lumbar spondylosis usually is asymptomatic, with no diagnostic or prognostic significance. Internationally, lumbar spondylosis can begin in persons as young as 20 years. Approximately 80% of men and 70% of women have vertebral osteophytes, most frequently at T10-11 and L5 levels. Approximately 40% of men and 35% of women aged 50-60 years have lumbar osteophytes. Gender ratio reports are equal.

Lumbar spondylosis occurs in animals with upright posture (e.g. chimpanzees) and, possibly, in some domestic animals. Lumbar spondylosis appears to be a nonspecific aging phenomenon. Most studies suggest no relationship to lifestyle, height, weight, body mass, physical activity, cigarette and alcohol consumption, or reproductive history. The effects of heavy physical activity are controversial, as is a purported relationship to disk degeneration. Spondylosis occurs as a result of new bone formation in areas where the annular ligament is stressed. When back or sciatic pains are complaints, lumbar spondylosis usually is an unrelated finding. There usually are no findings unless a complication ensues.

The low back, or lumbar area, serves a number of important functions for the human body. These functions include structural support, movement, and protection of certain body tissues. When we stand, the lower back is functioning to hold most of the weight of the body. When we bend, extend or rotate at the waist, the lower back is involved in the movement. Therefore, injury to the structures important for weight bearing, such as the bony spine, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, often can be detected when the body is standing erect or used in various movements. Protecting the soft tissues of the nervous system and spinal cord as well as nearby organs of the pelvis and abdomen is a critical function the lumbar spine and its adjacent muscles.

Common causes of low back pain:

1. Lumbar strain — acute or chronic:
   A lumbar strain is a stretching injury to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles of the low back. The stretching incident results in microscopic tears of varying degrees in these tissues. Lumbar strain is considered one of the most common causes of low back pain. The injury can occur because of overuse, improper use, or trauma. Soft-tissue injury is commonly termed as acute if it has been present for days to weeks. If the strain lasts longer than three months, it is called as chronic.

   Lumbar strain can happen at any age. The condition is characterized by localized pain in the low back area after mechanical stress on the lumbar tissues. The severity of the injury ranges from mild to severe, depending on the degree of strain and resulting spasm of the muscles of the low back. The diagnosis of lumbar strain is based on the history of injury, the location of the pain, and exclusion of nervous system injury. Usually, x-ray testing is only helpful to exclude bone abnormalities.

   The treatment of lumbar strain consists of resting the back, medications to relieve pain and muscle spasm, local heat applications, massage, and eventual reconditioning exercises to strengthen the low back and abdominal muscles. Spinal manipulation for periods of up to one month has been found helpful in some patients that do not have signs of nerve irritation.

2.  Nerve irritation:
The nerves of the lumbar spine can be irritated by mechanical impingement or disease any where along their paths from their roots at the spinal cord to the skin surface. These conditions include lumbar disc disease (radiculopathy), bony encroachment, and inflammation of the nerves caused by a viral infection like shingles.

3.  Lumbar radiculopathy
Lumbar radiculopathy is nerve irritation that is caused by damage to the discs between the vertebrae. Damage to the disc occurs because of degeneration also known as wear and tear of the outer ring of the disc, traumatic injury, or both. As a result, the central softer portion of the disc can rupture and herniate through the outer ring of the disc and abut the spinal cord or its nerves as they exit the bony spinal column. This rupture is what causes the commonly recognized sciatica pain that shoots down the leg. Sciatica can be preceded by a history of localized low-back pain or it can be accompanied by numbness and tingling. The pain commonly increases with movements at the waist and can increase with coughing or sneezing. In more severe instances, sciatica can be accompanied by decreased control over urine and stool. Lumbar radiculopathy is suspected based on the above symptoms. Increased radiating pain when the lower extremity is lifted supports the diagnosis. Other tests include Electromyogram and Nerve Conduction Velocity of the lower extremities can be help to detect nerve irritation. The actual disc herniation can be detected with radiology testing, such as CT or MRI scanning

Treatment of lumbar radiculopathy ranges from medical management to surgery. Medical management includes patient education, medications to relieve pain and muscles spasm, cortisone injection around the spinal cord (epidural injection), physical therapy (heat, massage, ultrasound, electrical stimulation), and rest (not strict bed rest, but avoiding re-injury).

With unrelenting pain, severe impairment of function, or incontinence (which can indicate spinal cord irritation), surgery may be necessary.

Surgery is indicated for complications only (e.g., for impingement-documented sciatica that is unresponsive to 2 days of absolute bed rest). The margins of vertebral bodies normally are smooth. Growth of new bone projecting horizontally at these margins identifies osteophytes. Most osteophytes are anterior or lateral in projection. Posterior vertebral osteophytes are less common and only rarely impinge upon the spinal cord or nerve roots. Surgery is not indicated if there is no complication. Tests like radiographs, CT scans, MRIs Electromyography and nerve conduction velocity are used only in the event of complications.

Role of Homeopathy in Lumbar Spondylosis, acute and chronic Low back pain:
Homeopathic medicines have no powers to revert structurally irreversible changes occurring in any tissue of the body. Homeopathic medicines are best for getting relief in symptoms of pain occurring in cases of acute and chronic low back pain. With homeopathic medicines we can not treat lumbar spondylosis or disc herniation occurring in lumbar spine. But in such situation pain control is achieved with greater safety from side effects and for a sustained period of time. Even after months of homeopathic treatment for low back pain which has resulted from disc herniation or some other mechanical cause the radiographs will continue to show the same structural alterations in spine but even in this situation the pain relief is experienced of far greater degree. Regular mobilizing and strengthening exercises are strongly recommended along with homeopathic medicines.

The blood pressure usually is measured with a small, portable instrument called a blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer). The instrument measures the blood pressure in units called millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

Blood pressure can be affected by several factors, so it is important to standardize the environment when blood pressure is measured. For at least one hour before blood pressure is taken, avoid eating, strenuous exercise, smoking, and caffeine intake. Other stresses may alter the blood pressure and need to be considered when blood pressure is measured.

For some people, blood pressure readings lower than 140/90 may be a more appropriate normal cut-off level. For example, in certain situations, such as in patients with long duration kidney diseases that lose protein into the urine (proteinuria), the blood pressure is ideally kept at 130/80, or even lower. The purpose of reducing the blood pressure to this level in these patients is to slow the progression of kidney damage. Patients with diabetes may also benefit from blood pressure that is maintained at a level lower than 130/80 In line with the thinking that the risk of end-organ damage from high blood pressure represents a continuum, statistical analysis reveals that beginning at a blood pressure of 115/75 the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increase in blood pressure of 20/10. This type of analysis has led to an ongoing “rethinking” in regard to who should be treated for hypertension, and what the goals of treatment should be.

Isolated systolic hypertension, however, is defined as a systolic pressure that is above 140 mm Hg with a diastolic pressure that still is below 90. This disorder primarily affects older people and is characterized by an increased pulse pressure. The pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressures. An elevation of the systolic pressure without an elevation of the diastolic pressure, as in isolated systolic hypertension, therefore, increases the pulse pressure. Stiffening of the arteries contributes to this increase of the pulse pressure.

Once considered to be harmless, a high pulse pressure is now considered an important precursor or indicator of health problems and potential end-organ damage. Isolated systolic hypertension is associated with a two to four times increased future risk of an enlarged heart, a heart attack, a stroke, and death from heart disease or a stroke. Clinical studies in patients with isolated systolic hypertension have indicated that a reduction in systolic blood pressure by at least 20 mm to a level below 160 mm Hg reduces these increased risks.

A single elevated blood pressure reading in the doctor’s office can be misleading because the elevation may be only temporary. It may be caused by a patient’s anxiety related to the stress of the examination and fear that something will be wrong with his or her health. The initial visit to the physician’s office is often the cause of an artificially high blood pressure that may disappear with repeated testing after rest and with follow-up visits and blood pressure checks. One out of four people that are thought to have mild hypertension actually may have normal blood pressure when they are outside the physician’s office

However, caution is warranted in assessing a single elevated blood pressure reading white. An elevated blood pressure brought on by the stress and anxiety of a visit to the doctor may not necessarily always be a harmless finding since other stresses in a patient’s life may also cause elevations in the blood pressure that are not ordinarily being measured. Monitoring blood pressure at home by blood pressure cuff or continuous monitoring equipment can help estimate the frequency and consistency of higher blood pressure readings. Additionally, conducting appropriate tests to search for any complications of hypertension can help evaluate the significance of variable blood pressure readings.

Borderline high blood pressure:
Borderline hypertension is defined as mildly elevated blood pressure higher than 140/90 mm Hg at some times, and lowers than that at other times. As in the case of single elevated blood pressure reading, patients with borderline hypertension need to have their blood pressure taken on several occasions and their end-organ damage assessed in order to establish whether their hypertension is significant.

People with borderline hypertension may have a tendency as they get older to develop more sustained or higher elevations of blood pressure. They have a modestly increased risk of developing heart-related disease. Therefore, even if the hypertension does not appear to be significant initially, people with borderline hypertension should have continuing follow-up of their blood pressure and monitoring for the complications of hypertension.

If, during the follow-up of a patient with borderline hypertension, the blood pressure becomes persistently higher than 140/ 90 mm Hg, an anti-hypertensive medication is usually started. Even if the diastolic pressure remains at a borderline level (usually under 90 mm Hg, yet persistently above 85).

Two forms of high blood pressure have been described: essential (or primary) hypertension and secondary hypertension. Essential hypertension is a far more common condition and accounts for 95% of hypertension. The cause of essential hypertension is multifactorial, that is, there are several factors whose combined effects produce hypertension. In secondary hypertension, which accounts for 5% of hypertension, the high blood pressure is secondary to a specific abnormality in one of the organs or systems of the body. Certain associations have been recognized in people with essential hypertension. For example, essential hypertension develops only in groups or societies that have a fairly high intake of salt, exceeding 5.8 grams daily. Salt intake may be a particularly important factor in relation to essential hypertension in several situations, and excess salt may be involved in the hypertension that is associated with advancing age, obesity, hereditary susceptibility, and kidney failure.

Genetic factors are thought to play a prominent role in the development of essential hypertension. However, the genes for hypertension have not yet been identified. The current research in this area is focused on the genetic factors that affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. This system helps to regulate blood pressure by controlling salt balance and the tone (state of elasticity) of the arteries.

Approximately 30% of cases of essential hypertension are attributable to genetic factors. Also, in individuals who have one or two parents with hypertension, high blood pressure is twice as common as in the general population. Rarely, certain unusual genetic disorders affecting the hormones of the adrenal glands may lead to hypertension.

The vast majority of patients with essential hypertension have in common a particular abnormality of the arteries: an increased resistance (stiffness or lack of elasticity) in the tiny arteries that are most distant from the heart. This increased peripheral arteriolar stiffness is present in those individuals whose essential hypertension is associated with genetic factors, obesity, lack of exercise, overuse of salt, and aging. Inflammation also may play a role in hypertension since a predictor of the development of hypertension is the presence of an elevated C reactive protein level (a blood test marker of inflammation) in some individuals.

Certain chronic conditions also may increase your risk of high blood pressure, including high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney disease and sleep apnea. Sometimes pregnancy contributes to high blood pressure. This hypertension is secondary hypertension. This form of hypertension occurs as a result of other systemic causes which directly or indirectly influence control blood pressure.

Types of secondary hypertension:

• Renal hypertension
• Adrenal gland tumors
• Coarctation of the aorta
• The metabolic syndrome and obesity
• Pregnancy

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to:

• Damage to your arteries.
• Heart failure.
• A blocked or ruptured blood vessel in your brain.
• Weakened and narrowed blood vessels in your kidneys.
• Thickened, narrowed or torn blood vessels in the eyes.
• Metabolic syndrome.

To control and prevent high blood here’s what we you can do:

• Eat healthy foods.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Increase physical activity.
• Limit alcohol.
• Don’t smoke.
• Manage stress.
• Practice slow, deep breathing.

To keep blood pressure under control:

• Measure your blood pressure at home.
• Take your medications properly.
• Schedule regular doctor visits.
• Adopt healthy habits.
• Manage stress.

Role of Homeopathy in Hypertension:
There are many instances especially in chronic cases of essential hypertension and many cases of secondary hypertension where the success in blood pressure control is partial and patient is always at a risk of further complications due to uncontrolled hypertension. Homeopathy plays a complementary role in achieving better control in hypertension when introduced with conventional treatment for hypertension. Use of homeopathic medicine is helpful in such cases.

Role of Homeopathy in Cervical Spondylosis:
Homeopathic treatment is best suitable for the management of cervical spondylosis. Homeopathic remedies give prompt relief in pain and improve movement. Even though the remedies can not bring improvement in degenerative changes in cervical vertebrae and joints which show degeneration or nerve compression but patient experiences significant relief in pain and flexibility of movement. The x – rays may continue to show nerve root compression and degenerative changes but patient experiences far better relief in pain and he is able to have very comfortable movements. Besides long term use of NSAIDS causes other side effects in the body which are not seen with homeopathy. In the management of cervical spondylosis use of constitutional homeopathic approach with use of acute homeopathic remedies whenever found necessary and yoga is the best combination which has proved effective clinically in hundreds of cases.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination. For these problems to be diagnosed as ADHD, they must be out of the normal range for the child’s age and development. ADHD affects school performance and interpersonal relationships. Parents of children with ADHD are often exhausted and frustrated. Neuroimaging studies suggest that the brains of children with ADHD are different from those of other children. These children handle neurotransmitters (including dopamine, serotonin, and adrenalin) differently from their peers. ADHD is often genetic. Whatever the specific cause may be, it seems to be set in motion early in life as the brain is developing. Depression, sleep deprivation, learning disabilities, tic disorders, and behavior problems may be confused with, or appear along with, ADHD. Every child suspected of having ADHD deserves a careful evaluation to sort out exactly what is contributing to the behaviors causing concern. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood, affecting an estimated 3 – 5% of school aged children. It is diagnosed much more often in boys than in girls. Most children with ADHD also have at least one other developmental or behavioral problem.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has guidelines for treating ADHD:

• Set specific, appropriate target goals to guide therapy.
• Medication and behavior therapy should be started.
• When treatment has not met the target goals, evaluate the original diagnosis, the possible presence of other conditions, and how well the treatment plan has been implemented.
• Systematic follow-up is important to regularly reassess target goals, results, and any side effects of medications. Information should be gathered from parents, teachers, and the child.

Prognosis of ADHD:
ADHD is a long-term, chronic condition. About half of the children with ADHD will continue to have troublesome symptoms of inattention or impulsivity as adults. However, adults are often more capable of controlling behavior and masking difficulties. Statistics show that there is an increased incidence in juvenile delinquency and adult encounters with the law among individuals who had ADHD as a child. Every effort should be made to manage symptoms and direct the child’s energy to constructive and educational paths.

Role of Homeopathy in ADHD:
Homeopathy acts deeper in to the person’s life. Effects of homeopathic medicine are more on the life giving energy, the vital force than on the body and its parts. Homeopathy acts on that energy in our body which acts on genes and DNA. Right time of understanding the problem in person’s life and starting the treatment has far greater out come with homeopathy. ADHD child may have genetic cause and there may be functional and structural alteration in the brain of the child to suffer from ADHD, but strength of Homeopathy lies in influencing such illness by virtue of its actions on those channels in our body which directly or indirectly governs the function and structure of our body which is much beyond the level of not only cell but even the genes and DNA and RNA. Because these genes are also powered by the basic life energy. This life giving energy is dynamic and so are the Homeopathic medicines. We can’t see the power but we can experience its presence when we examine a living cell and dead cell. In cases of ADHD significant improvement is observed in the behavioral and intellectual performance of the child. Constitutional homeopathic treatment is the best possible approach which gives satisfactory results in cases of ADHD.

Along with Homeopathic management following care should also be taken

• Limit distractions in the child’s environment.
• Provide one-on-one instruction with teacher.
• Make sure the child gets enough sleep.
• Make sure the child gets a healthy, varied diet, with plenty of fiber and basic nutrients.
   

FAQ’s for ADHD
 

What is:
1. ADHD – Inattentive type is defined by an individual experiencing at least six of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Individuals with ADHD may know what to do, but may not consistently do what they know because of their inability to efficiently stop and think prior to responding, regardless of the setting or task.

Characteristics of ADHD have been demonstrated to arise in early childhood for most individuals. This disorder is marked by chronic behaviours lasting at least six months with an onset often before seven years of age. At this time, four subtypes of ADHD have been defined. These include the following characteristics:

Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.
Difficulty sustaining attention.
Does not appear to listen.
Struggles to follow through on instructions.
Difficulty with organization.
Avoids or dislikes requiring sustained mental effort.
Often loses things necessary for tasks.
Easily distracted.
Forgetful in daily activities.

2. ADHD – Hyperactive/Impulsive type is defined by an individual experiencing six of the following characteristics:
Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
Difficulty remaining seated.
Runs about or climbs excessively (in adults may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness).
Difficulty engaging in activities quietly.
Acts as if driven by a motor.
Talks excessively.
Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
Difficulty waiting in turns taking situations.
Interrupts or intrudes upon others

3. ADHD – Combined type is defined by an individual meeting both sets of attention and hyperactive/impulsive criteria.

4. ADHD – Not otherwise specified is defined by an individual who demonstrates some characteristics but an insufficient number of symptoms to reach a full diagnosis.
These symptoms, however, disrupt everyday life. Children and adults who have ADHD exhibit degrees of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that are abnormal for their ages. This can result in serious social problems, or impairment, of family relationships, success at school or work or in other life endeavors.
Children and adults can exhibit other psychiatric disorders, along with their ADHD symptoms. Most commonly, these include oppositional defiant or conduct disorder, along with or separate from internalizing disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

What are the causes of ADHD?
Experts have investigated genetic and environmental causes for ADHD. Some children may inherit a biochemical condition, which influences the expression of ADHD symptoms. Other children may acquire the condition due to abnormal fetal development, which has subtle effects on brain regions that control attention and movement.

Recently, scientists have uncovered research based on brain imaging to localize the brain areas involved in ADHD and have found that areas in the frontal lobe and basal ganglia are reduced by about 10 percent in size and activity in ADHD children.

Recent research based on genetic mechanisms has focused on dopamine as the primary neurotransmitter involved in ADHD. Dopamine pathways in the brain, which link the basal ganglia and frontal cortex, appear to play a major role in ADHD.

How is ADHD diagnosed?
While there is no biological or psychological test that makes a definitive diagnosis of ADHD, a diagnosis can be made based on one’s clinical history of abnormality and impairment.
An evaluation for ADHD will often include assessment of intellectual, academic, social and emotional functioning. Medical examination is also important to rule out low occurring but possible causes of ADHD like symptoms (e.g., adverse reaction to medications, thyroid problems, etc.). The diagnostic process must also include gathering data from teachers as well as other adults who may interact on a routine basis with the individual being evaluated.

It is even more important in the ADHD adult diagnostic process to obtain a careful history of childhood, academic, behavioral and vocational problems. With the increased recognition that ADHD is a disorder presenting throughout the life span, questionnaires and related diagnostic tools for the assessment of adult

ADHD have been standardized and are increasingly available.

ADHD diagnoses are based on a person having three different symptoms. The full syndrome is diagnosed when at least six symptoms from both sets of subtypes (above) are present. Partial syndromes, which are predominantly inattentive or hyperactivity/impulsivity subtypes, are diagnosed when six or more symptoms are present from just one set.

How is ADHD treated?
There are two modalities of treatment that specifically target symptoms of ADHD. One uses medication and the other is a non-medical treatment with psychosocial interventions. The combination of these treatments is called multimodality treatment.

Treating ADHD in children requires a coordinated effort between medical, mental health and educational professionals in conjunction with parents. This combined set of treatments offered by a variety of individuals is referred to as multi-modal intervention. A multi-modal treatment program should include: . Parent training concerning the nature of ADHD as well as effective behavior management strategies . An appropriate educational program . Individual and family counseling, when needed, to minimize the escalation of family problems . Medication when required

Behavior modification techniques have been used to treat the behavioral symptoms of ADHD for more than a quarter of a century. A summary of the literature on trials that have validated the efficacy of this approach shows that, in many cases, behavior modification alone has not been sufficient to address severe symptoms of ADHD.

Classroom success for children with ADHD often requires a range of interventions. Most children with ADHD can be taught in the regular classroom with either minor adjustments in the classroom setting, the addition of support personnel, and/or special education programs provided outside of the classroom. The most severely affected children with ADHD often experience a number of occurring problems and require specialized classrooms.