Gout

*Gout and Its Homeopathic Management* 

Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in joints, often at the base of the big toe. It's caused by an excess of uric acid in the blood, which can form sharp urate crystals in joints. These crystals trigger inflammation and intense pain.

 *Causes and Risk Factors* 

 *Diet :*  intake of purine-rich foods such as red meat, seafood, and alcoholic beverages can increase uric acid levels.

 *Genetics:* Family history plays a role in the predisposition to gout.

 *Medical Conditions:* Conditions like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension increase the risk.

 *Medications* : Diuretics and drugs containing salicylate can elevate uric acid levels.

 *Age and Gender:* Men are more prone to gout, though the risk for women increases post-menopause.

 *Symptoms of Gout

Intense Joint Pain:* 

Commonly affects the large joint of the big toe but can occur in feet, ankles, knees, hands, and wrists.

1. Lingering Discomfort: After the severe pain subsides, some joint discomfort might last from a few days to a few weeks.

2. Inflammation and Redness: The affected joint becomes swollen, tender, warm, and red.

3. Limited Range of Motion: As gout progresses, it may limit the range of motion in the affected joints.

 *Some commonly used homeopathic remedies include:* 

 *Colchicum:* 

 Effective for acute gout attacks with severe pain and swelling in the big toe, especially when the pain worsens with movement or touch.

 *Ledum Palustre:* 

Used for gout affecting the feet and joints, particularly when the pain is better with cold applications and worse from heat.

 *Urtica Urens:* 

 Beneficial for treating gout with high uric acid levels, especially when the pain is associated with red, swollen joints.

 *Benzoicum Acidum:* Useful for gout with dark, strong-smelling urine, and when there is swelling and pain in the big toe.

 *Lycopodium:* 

 Indicated for gout in the knee or big toe, particularly when symptoms worsen in the evening and there is a craving for sweets.

 *Rhus Toxicodendron:*

 Suitable for gout with stiff, swollen joints that are worse in cold, damp weather and improve with heat and movement.

 *Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations* 

In addition to

 homeopathic remedies, lifestyle and dietary changes are crucial in managing gout:

1. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help flush uric acid from the body.

2. Diet: Avoid purine-rich foods like red meat, organ meats, and seafood. Incorporate low-purine foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.

3. Limit Alcohol: Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption, particularly beer.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity increases the risk of gout, so weight management through diet and exercise is beneficial.

5. Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to maintain joint flexibility and overall health.

By Dr Rolli Premlani 

Faridabad (8920171940)

Otitis

Earaches can make life miserable. At times, the pain gets so intense that it throws life in jeopardy. This is where homeopathic medicines come as a huge relief. Earaches of different origins can be effectively treated with homeopathic medicines.

*  Chamomilla:  Chamomilla is the best homeopathic relief for people suffering from excruciating earache. The pain usually aggravates at night. The maddening pain leaves the person mentally very agitated. The medicine is equally helpful for children who get agitated and irritated due to the unbearable pain.

*  Pulsatilla:  At times, the earache is accompanied by a thick (mostly greenish) discharge from the ear. As a result, the ear feels quite heavy. A person might also experience difficulty in hearing. The darting pain is at its worst self at night. Such earaches and associated symptoms are best treated with the homeopathic medicine, Pulsatilla.

*  Hepar sulph:  It is an excellent remedy for earaches triggered due to otitis, cold or any other upper respiratory infections. It quickle releives the earpain of children.

*  Sometimes, even a little exposure to cold air can result in earaches. Worse still, there is pus like discharge from the ear and fever. The ear is very sensitive to touch. Hepar Sulph is an ideal homeopathic remedy under such circumstances. Psorinum is mainly used when the pus like discharge has a very unpleasant odour.

*  At times, dental problems and throat infections can result in severe earache. Homeopathy has a solution for all. Plantago is an excellent homeopathic medicine to treat earaches resulting from toothache. Merc Sol is effective against earaches originating from dental problems. In such cases, there may be blood or yellow discharge from the ear. The pain gets unbearable at night. 

Lachesis and Phytollaca are known to provide great relief from earaches resulting from throat infections. Lachesis is helpful when the throat pain slowly shoots up to the left ear. Swallowing of food makes the situation worse. Phytollaca, on the other hand, is the best medicine when the shooting ear pain is right sided. Belladonna helps to deal with severe and throbbing ear pain.

*  Infection of the Otitis Media (middle ear) is a common factor, resulting in earaches. There may be fever and pus like discharge. The hearing is also greatly impaired. At night, the pain reaches the superlative degree. Go for Hepar Sulph if the pain intensifies upon slightest exposure to cold air. Use Belladona in case the ear infection is at a very nascent stage. Pulsatilla is equally effective to treat such earaches.

*  Many a times, the ear pain can be of nerve origin. It is more of a facial pain, with the ear being affected. Verbascum Thapsus (Mullen Oil) can be of great help and can also be effectively used as an ear drop to provide some relief.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult a specialist & get answers to your questions!