Note: Homeopathic Treatment requires strict individualization. Please do not take any medicine without consulting your physician/homeopath.
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix,
a finger-like glandular piece of tissue that connects to the beginning
of the large intestine, usually at the lower right side of the abdomen.
In older children, the classic symptoms of appendicitis are abdominal
pain, fever, and vomiting. Abdominal pain usually begins in the
center of the abdomen, around the area of the navel ("belly
button"). Later, the pain may move downward and to the right
- to an area called McBurney's point, roughly corresponding to the
location of the appendix in the lower right portion of the abdomen.
After his abdominal pain begins, a child with appendicitis usually
develops a slight fever, loses his appetite, feels nauseous, and
may vomit. The fact that abdominal pain begins before nausea and
vomiting, rather than after, is one clue to suspect appendicitis
rather than an intestinal infection.
Other symptoms that may be seen in older children with appendicitis
include: diarrhea (usually small stools with mucus); urinary tract
symptoms (urinating very frequently and/or an uncomfortably strong
urge to urinate); constipation; and, sometimes, respiratory symptoms.
#Belladonna [Bell]
In the early stages of this affection where there is severe pain
in the ileo-caecal region, where the slightest touch cannot be borne,and
patient lies on back,this remedy will be found most useful. It corresponds
to the pain, the vomiting , the paralysis of the intestine. It comes
in after the chill of the Aconite stage has passed off and the inflammation
has localized itself. Much pain contra-indicates Aconite. Ferrum
phosphoricum and Kali muriaticum have proved themselves clinically
in inflammation about the ileo-caecal region and their indications
rest on clinical grounds only. Belladonna is especially useful in
catarrhal and recurring cases.
#Bryonia [Bry]
As in all inflammations about serous membranes, Bryonia will here
find a place. It has throbbing and sharp stitching pains confined
to a limited spot and the patient is constipated. The ileo-caecal
region is very sore and sensitive to touch. Any movement is painful
and the patient lies perfectly still and on the painful side. The
febrile disturbance of the drug will be present. Mercurius being
Homoeopathic inflammation of the mucous membranes deserves consideration,
especially has it hard swelling, fever, flushed face,red,dry tongue,
etc.
#Arsenicum [Ars]
When the condition points to sepsis Arsenicum may be the remedy.
There are chills, hectic symptoms, diarrhoea and restlessness,and
sudden sinking of strength. It relieves vomiting in these conditions
more quickly than any other remedy. Dr.Mitchell finds it more often
indicated in appendicitis than Mercurius corrosivus, which may also
be a useful remedy. Arnica is a remedy suiting septic cases and
it should be employed after operations.
#Rhus toxicodendron [Rhus.t]
This remedy, with its great correspondence to septic troubles may
be required, and may be indicated by its peculiar symptoms; locally,
took it has extensive swelling over the ileo-caecal region and great
pain, causing an incessant restlessness. Dr.Cartier, of Paris, recommends
Rhus radicans 6. in appendicitis of influenza origin at the onset.
Hepar has a deep-seated induration and Dioscorea has proved a valuable,
remedy when the pain is constant, the patient never being entirely
free from pain. One observer claims Dioscorea to be as important
a remedy in appendicitis as is Bryonia in hepatitis. It indications
are bowels filled with gas and griping, twisting pains. It may be
given in hot water. It is a far more inflammatory remedy than Colocynth,
deeper acting, and its paroxysmal pains are an indication. Echinacea,
it is claimed, has acted brilliantly in septic appendicitis; the
tincture, 1X and 3x are the strengths used. No indications except
septic condition; tiredness is characteristic.
#Lachesis [Lach]
This is also a valuable remedy; its great characteristics of sensitiveness
all over the abdomen, and stitching from the seat of the inflammation
backward and downward to the thighs, will indicate it in this disease.
The patient lies on the back with knees drawn up, and other general
Lachesis symptoms present. Plumbum has a tense swelling in the ileo-caecal
region, painful to touch and on movement; the abdominal walls are
retracted, there are eructations of gas and vomiting and both have
a faecal odor. Ignatia is the remedy for the nervous symptoms of
the disease, and to be used in cases where operation has been performed
and no relief has resulted; also in those who become exceeding nervous
from any abdominal pain. Undoubtedly many cases of simple colic
ares diagnosed as appendicitis and operated upon. Therefore, purely
colic remedies as Colocynth and Magnesia phosphorica should be studied.
The foregoing remedies will be found the most commonly indicated
any may be used in both operable and non-operable cases as well
as in conjunction with the meritorious ;oil treatment of the disease
advocated by Dr.M.O.Terry, formerly of Utica, N.Y. |