INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS AND HOMEOPATHY
Infectious mononucleosis, "Mono," and "Kissing disease" are all expressions commonly used for the illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is transmitted throughthe saliva. Young childrencan be infected from the saliva of playmates or family members. Adolescents with the virus canspreadEBV through intimate kissing (hence its popular name, "the kissing disease"). A person with "mono" can also pass the disease by coughing or sneezing, causing small droplets of infected saliva to be floating in the air which can be inhaled by others. Sharing a glass or cup and blood transfusion can also transmit the virus from one person to another. Infectious Mononucleosis is often misunderstood as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome due to the similarity of symptoms and also the same virus is involved in both the cases.
Symptoms of Mononucleosis:
Once the virus has infected an individual, a period of four to eight weeks generally passes before that person starts showing all or some of the symptoms like:
· High fever and chills.
· Severe sore throat, sometimes even Strep throat.
· Swollen tonsils.
· Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits.
· General lack of energy, fatigue, depression.
· Loss of appetite.
· White patches on back of throat.
· Muscle aches.
· Skin rash.
· Headache.
· Enlargement of the spleen.
· Enlargement of the liver - hepatitis.
Complications of Infectious Mononucleosis: Some of the exceptionally rare complications of EBV infection include:
· Blood disorders like anemia.
· Lymph node swelling can obstruct the airways causing breathing problems.
· Bell’s palsy where the facial muscles on one side of the face get weakened or paralyzed.
· Rupture of the spleen.
· Myocarditis where the heart muscle gets inflamed.
· Aseptic meningitis where the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord get inflamed.
· Multiple sclerosis which is a muscle weakening disease.
· Guillain-Barre syndrome which is a nervous system disorder that can paralyze muscles.
Homeopathic approach to Mononucleosis:
Homeopathy believes that a person is at risk to any acute or chronic infections when the immune system of the body is intensely affected by certain causative factors like stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, emotional trauma and injury and also exposure to various viruses and bacteria. Homeopathy identifies and successfully addresses the causative factor that is an important issue in lowering the immune system; hence Homeopathic treatment with a few self care measures is the only best treatment for Infectious Mononucleosis. Homeopathy can be an exceptionally successful approach in decreasing susceptibility in acute and chronic infections, as well as in treating the infection itself. The Homeopathic constitutional approach always considers the illness in the context of the whole person taking into account the mental, emotional, physical symptoms and the circumstances surrounding their lives. Its purpose is balance and harmony on all levels by enhancing the body’s own defenses. Homeopathy strengthens a person's immune and defense system, hence treating the active infection and also having long term benefits by preventing recurrence.
The basis of Homeopathy is based on the principle of similars that is “LIKE CURES LIKE”, with emphasis that a microdose of a substance will heal symptoms by stimulating a person’s immune and defense system that this substance would be capable of causing in large doses. Hence, Homeopathic constitutional treatment is ideal and has shown an overwhelming positive response in treating Infectious Mononucleosis. Some Homeopathic remedies commonly used to treat Infectious Mononucleosis include:
· Avena Sativa: is a very well indicated remedy for debility from exhausting illnesses like Mononucleosis, with extreme weakness and numbness of limbs as if paralyzed, strength is absolutely diminished with frequent nervous headaches and also inability of the mind to concentrate due to generalized weakness.
· Belladonna: Is a well indicated remedy for early stages of Mononucleosis with sudden onset of fever accompanied by a red flushed face and lips, dry red swollen, painfully throbbing throat or tonsils with thirstlessness. During the first twenty-four hours when the pain has come on suddenly and is accompanied by fever and flushed skin. The tongue has a “Strawberry” appearance.
· Cimicifuga Racemosa: This remedy is very effective for severe muscle cramps with a flushed face and general sick feeling.
· Ferrum Phosphoricum: Is also a well indicated remedy in early stages of Mononucleosis with fever accompanied by a painful sore throat with cough, sore chest, extreme exhaustion, occasional night sweats, and extremely swollen tonsils. Their symptoms are usually worse at night.
· Hepar Sulphuricum: This remedy is best indicated when the throat and tonsils are very swollen and irritable with pus, pain is worse from cold and better from external warmth and warm drinks. There is a constant sensation of a splinter in the throat.
· Mercurius: This remedy is indicated for individuals with a fever accompanied by profuse sweating, alternating hot and cold body temperature, weakness in the limbs and painful, aching bones, a bluish-red throat with a constant desire to swallow, excessive salivation, drooling and extreme thirst. Pus or white/yellow material is present inside the throat. The tongue feels swollen or puffy with a bad odor from mouth. The glands feel swollen and the person has an offensive sweat.
· Phytolacca: This remedy is well indicated for pain caused by throat inflammation that appears dark red or even purplish or blue accompanied with shooting pain that radiates to the ears upon swallowing esp. warm drinks, also high fever with chills, exhaustion and body aches.
The above mentioned remedies are just a few of the commonly used Homeopathic remedies and are mentioned only to create awareness about the effectiveness of Homeopathic medicines in Infectious Mononucleosis. It is not advisable to resort to self-medication for any disease.
Self – care measures of Infectious Mononucleosis along with Homeopathic treatment:
· Get plenty of rest.
· A well balanced nutritious diet with plenty of fluids should be taken. Avoid refined foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and saturated fats. Eat more fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, protein and essential fatty acids (found in nuts, seeds and cold water fish).
· Raw garlic should be taken daily due to its anti – viral and immunity enhancing properties.
· Gargle with saltwater to soothe your sore throat.
· Avoid contact sports and heavy lifting to reduce the risk of rupturing your spleen, which may become enlarged during an episode of Mononucleosis.
· Deep breathing and slow walking in fresh air can increase the energy levels.
· Emotional support can help you and your loved ones deal with the uncertain outlook and the ups and downs of this illness.
· Lifestyle changes - you can slow down and avoid excessive physical and psychological stress. This may save your energy for essential activities at home or work and help you cut back on less important activities.
Most people recover fully from Infectious Mononucleosis after several weeks. However, some may take several months to regain normal energy levels. Hence, every person suffering from Infectious Mononucleosis must consider Homeopathy to provide relief and lifetime cure.
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About the author :
Neepa Sevak is an experienced, registered Homeopath with the Arizona Homeopathic Board of Medical Examiners. She is currently practicing Classical Homeopathy at the Desert Institute of Classical Homeopathy. Her mission is to “Promote Health through Homeopathy with a Holistic, Totalistic, and Individualistic approach”.
Phone: (480) 363 0758
Email:
Website: www.homeopathic-cure.com