A Case Study of Ulcerative Colitis managed by Homoeopathy

Dr Heema J Shani

Abstract:
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease marked by symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding. Homeopathic treatment offers a holistic approach, focusing on individualized care. A case study demonstrates the efficacy of homeopathic remedies, such as Phosphorus, in reducing symptoms and promoting long-term remission.

Keywords: Holistic Healing, Alternative Medicine for Ulcerative Colitis, case study, disease study

Introduction: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the colon (large intestine) and rectum. It is characterized by inflammation, ulcers, and the formation of sores on the inner lining of the digestive tract, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. The disease has a fluctuating course, with periods of exacerbation and remission.

Causes: The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is not known, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development:

1. Genetics: A family history of ulcerative colitis or other autoimmune diseases increases the risk. Certain genetic factors are associated with an increased likelihood of developing the condition.
2. Immune System Dysfunction: UC is considered an autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own intestinal tissue, causing inflammation and ulcers in the colon.
3. Environmental Factors: Infections, certain medications, and changes in diet or lifestyle may trigger or worsen the condition in genetically predisposed individuals.
4. Gut Microbiota: An imbalance in the gut microbiome (the collection of microorganisms in the digestive tract) may contribute to the development of UC.

Pathogenesis: The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis involves a complex interplay between genetic susceptibility, immune system abnormalities, and environmental factors. The inflammation in UC typically begins in the rectum and may extend in a continuous manner throughout the colon. The immune response leads to the release of inflammatory mediators, causing damage to the lining of the colon and leading to ulcers, bleeding, and the formation of pus.

Symptoms: Symptoms can vary in severity but generally include:

1. Diarrhea: Frequent, watery stools, often accompanied by blood or mucus.
2. Abdominal Pain and Cramping: Pain is often located in the lower abdomen.
3. Rectal Bleeding: Blood in the stool, which may appear bright red or dark brown.
4. Urgency to Defecate: A strong and frequent urge to have a bowel movement.
5. Fatigue: Chronic fatigue is common due to the ongoing inflammation and blood loss.
6. Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss due to malabsorption and reduced appetite.
7. Fever: In severe cases, fever may be present.

Complications: If not properly managed, UC can lead to various complications:

1. Severe Bleeding: Chronic bleeding may lead to anemia (low red blood cell count).
2. Perforated Colon: Severe inflammation can lead to a hole in the colon, which is a life-threatening condition.
3. Toxic Megacolon: A rare but serious complication where the colon becomes severely dilated and stops functioning.
4. Colon Cancer: Long-standing UC increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
5. Osteoporosis: Prolonged use of corticosteroids for managing UC can lead to weakened bones.

Diagnosis:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: Symptoms like diarrhea, bleeding, and abdominal pain are reviewed.

• Laboratory Tests: Blood tests may show signs of anemia, elevated white blood cells (sign of inflammation), or liver enzyme abnormalities.
• Stool Tests: To rule out infections or other causes of diarrhea.
• Colonoscopy: The most definitive diagnostic tool, which allows direct visualization of the colon and biopsy of the inflamed tissue.
• Imaging: X-rays or CT scans may be used in severe cases or to assess complications.

CASE HISTORY:

• Name: X
• Age: 28 years
• Gender: Female
• Occupation: Homemaker
• Place of Residence: Gujarat
• Marital Status: Married, 4 years

Chief Complaints:

• Ulcerative Colitis for the past 3-4 years, diagnosed 2 years ago.
• Diarrhea with painless, bloody stools, especially after eating and drinking.
• Cramping in the calf muscles, especially during sleep, worsened by stretching.
• Hair fall (in bunches) with a noticeable decrease in hair growth (about 50%).
• No relief from 12 B12 injections previously taken.

Past Medical History:

• Sneezing after taking a bath since childhood.
• Acne (blackheads and pus-filled pimples), treated with allopathic medicines, but the patient desired to be fairer and more attractive.

Family History:

• Father: Diabetes Mellitus.
• Mother: Hypertension.
• Maternal Grandmother: Died due to Myocardial Infarction (MI).

Physical Generalities:

Personal History:

Appetite : Adequate

Desires: Sour (such as amla chutney), sweets, buttermilk, and cold drinks.

Aversion: Plain milk.

Thirst: 2 liters of water per day; prefers pot water.

Stool: Diarrhea, painless, with blood after eating and drinking.

Incomplete evacuation (tenesmus) sometimes occurs.

Urine: 6-7 times a day, normal frequency, but the output is scanty after exertion.

Perspiration: Light, scanty perspiration, especially during physical activity.

Sleep: The patient sleeps from 11 PM to 5:30 AM, and usually sleeps on her left side.

Occasionally startled awake.

Fearful dreams related to snakes, ghosts, and sometimes falling.

She reports waking up exhausted, with little rest during the night.

Thermal Sensitivity: Chilly

Addictions: None reported, but she consumes cold drinks and sweets frequently

Mental History:

• Highly emotional and sensitive.
• Strong fear of darkness, ghosts, and death.
• Empathic and affected by others’ emotions.
• Easily hurt by criticism, needing reassurance.
• Prone to anxiety, overthinking, and restlessness.
• Desire for affection and attention.
• Prone to mood swings and exaggerated emotions.
• Needs company and interaction but can feel drained.
• Perfectionistic tendencies in work and appearance.
• A rich imagination, leading to vivid dreams and emotional responses

Lifestyle and Habits:

• She engages in small business ventures such as art and craft, making photo frames and a memory album during her pregnancy.
• Hobbies: Reading novels, particularly stories during her pregnancy.
• Exercise: No regular physical activity mentioned.

Physical Examination:

• General Appearance: Pale, slightly underweight.
• Skin: Dry and flaky with noticeable hair thinning.
• Tongue: Clean and moist.
• Abdomen: Mild tenderness in the lower left quadrant.
• Pulse: Normal, but slightly elevated due to emotional stress.
• Blood Pressure: Normal.

Investigation and Reports:

1. Blood Tests:

B12 deficiency is noted, likely due to malabsorption from chronic Ulcerative Colitis.

Mild anemia secondary to chronic blood loss.

1. Colonoscopy: Evidence of active inflammation and ulceration in the rectum and descending colon, confirming Ulcerative Colitis.
2. Stool Test: Presence of blood and mucus in stools, which is consistent with Ulcerative Colitis.

Diagnosis:

• Ulcerative Colitis (Chronic active stage).
• Hair thinning due to nutritional deficiencies (B12).
• Emotional and psychological strain.

Repertorization:

• Mind – Anxiety, with fear of death or disease
• Mind – Ailments from grief
• Mind – Desires affection, but feels abandoned
• Mind – Restlessness
• Physical generals – Weakness, fatigued
• Generalities – Sensitivity to others’ emotions
• Stomach – Diarrhea, painless, <eating, <drinking
• Extremities – Cramping, especially during sleep

Treatment Plan:

Remedy:
Phosphorus 1M Single dose, followed by placebo for 15 days

Follow-Up:

• 1st Follow-Up (2 weeks after treatment):
  • Diarrhea frequency decreased, with no further rectal bleeding.
  • Improvement in hair growth.
  • Emotional state more stable.
  • Decreased episodes of fearful dreams.
• 2nd Follow-Up (1 month after treatment):
  • Further improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Emotional and physical state has stabilized. Hair growth continues.

Conclusion:
Homeopathic treatment provides effective symptom management for ulcerative colitis by addressing the root causes, including emotional stress and immune dysfunction. With personalized remedies, UC patients can experience significant relief, improved quality of life, and reduced flare-ups, offering a viable alternative or complement to conventional therapies.

References

1.	Allen Hc. Allen’s Keynotes Rearranged And Classified With Leading Remedies Of The Materia Medica And Bowel Nososdes Including Repertorial Index. 10th Ed. Rai Da, Editor.: B. Jain Publisers (P) Ltd.; 2005.
2.	Boericke W. Pocket Manual Of Homoeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory Comprising Of The Characteristic And Guiding Symptoms Of All Rememdies ( Clinical And Pathogenetic) Including Indian Drugs Usa- Europe-India: B. Jain Publishers Pvt. Ltd; 2018.
3.	Loscalzo J, Kasper , Longo Dl, Fauci As, Hauser Sl, Jameson Jl. Harrison’s Principles Of Internal Medicine, 21st Edition: Mcgraw-Hill Education/ Medical; 2022.
4.	Clarke Jh. A Dictionary Of Practical Materia Medica London: The Homoeopathy Publishing Company; 1902.

Dr. Heema J Shani
PG Homoeopathy Scholar Part 1
Department: Practice Of Medicine
Institution: C.D Pachchigar College Of Homoeopathic Medicine And Hospital, Surat
Email- heemashani137@gmail.com