Homoeopathic management of recurrent pharyngitis- a case report

Dr Rajesh Choudhary

ABSTRACT
Pharyngitis is the medical term for inflammation of the pharynx, or back of the throat. The most widely used phrase to describe it is “sore throat.” Moreover, itching in the throat and difficulty swallowing are signs of pharyngitis.

Inflammation illness of the mucous membranes and underlying structures of the throat (Pharynx).

Inflammation usually involves the nasopharynx, uvula, soft palate, and tonsils. Causes by bacteria, viruses, mycoplasma, fungi, and parasites and by recognized diseases of uncertain causes.

Symptoms may include a runny nose, cough, headache, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes and hoarse voice. Symptoms usually last 3-5 days, but can be longer depending on cause. The incubation period is typically two to five days. Symptoms that accompany Pharyngitis vary depending on the underlying condition Sore, dry, or scratchy throat.

The underlying cause of pharyngitis determines how it should be treated. However, for some people, the cause of pharyngitis is never identified. Pharyngitis can be successfully treated with homoeopathy results are procured with proper case taking and Repertorization which will help to find a simillimum remedy for a specific case which is prescribed as per law of homoeopathy.

Homoeopathy medicines help to eradicates the constant tendency of pharyngitis and improve the overall immunity of the patients.

INTRODUCTION

PHARYNGITIS, is inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the back of the throat, or pharynx. Symptoms of pharyngitis can include discomfort, dryness, and difficulty swallowing.

Viruses cause approximately 75 % of pharyngitis cases. The most common bacterial infection is Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, which causes 5% to 36% of cases of acute pharyngitis.

Common manifestations of acute pharyngitis are fever and sore throat with or without tonsillar erythema, swelling, exudate, or ulceration.

In 2010, there were 1.814 million emergency department visits for pharyngitis, of which 692,000 were for patients under the age of 15. Most cases of pharyngitis occur in children under the age of 5. Adults can also develop the disorder but at a lower rate. Globally, pharyngitis rates are very high chiefly in countries where antibiotics are overprescribed.

Keywords:- pharyngitis, sore throat, Homoeopathy, pharynx, Similimum.

CAUSES

Pharyngitis is the medical term for a Sore throat. Causes of pharyngitis including viral infections, such as common colds, and bacterial infections, such as group A Streptococcus.

Risk Factors

  • Cold and flu seasons
  • Having close contact with someone who has a sore throat or cold
  • Smoking or exposure to second hand smoke
  • Frequent sinus infections
  • Allergies
  • Attending day-care or crowded schools

TYPES

  • Acute pharyngitis
  • Chronic pharyngitis

CLINICAL FEATURES
Pharyngitis may occur in different grades of severity. Milder infections present with discomfort in the throat, some malaise and low-grade fever. Pharynx in these cases is congested but there is no lymphadenopa- thy. Moderate and Severe infections present with pain in throat, dysphagia, headache, malaise and high fever. Pharynx in these cases shows erythema, exudate and enlargement of tonsils and lymphoid follicles on the posterior pharyngeal wall. Very severe cases show oedema of soft palate and uvula with enlargement of cervical nodes.

Diagnoses
Your doctor will check your temperature and examine your throat, sinuses, ears, nose, lungs, and neck, including feeling for swollen lymph nodes that may indicate strep throat. He or she may take a throat culture or do a rapid strep test by taking a swab from your throat. Your provider may also order a blood test to check for mononucleosis.

1.Physical examination

2.Throat culture

3.Blood tests

Case Summary
21/12/2023 : A 28 year’s old female come to OPD with following complaints

Chief Complaint:

– Recurrent sore throat over the past 6 months.

History of Present Illness:

  • – Monthly episodes of sore throat lasting 5-7 days.
  • – Symptoms include throat pain, difficulty swallowing, mild fever, and swollen, tender cervical lymph nodes.
  • – No significant cough, rhinorrhea, or nasal congestion.
  • – No history of GERD symptoms.

Past Medical History:

  • – No history of tonsillectomy.
  • – Seasonal allergies, managed with antihistamines.

Family History:

  • – Father has a history of recurrent throat infections.
  • – Mother has hypothyroidism

Social History:

  • – Non-smoker.
  • – No recreational drug use.

Physical Examination:

Vital Signs: Afebrile, BP 120/80 mmHg, HR 75 bpm, RR 16/min.

General Appearance: Mildly ill-appearing but in no acute distress.

Throat: Erythematous pharynx with swollen tonsils; no exudate.

Neck: Bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy, tender but not enlarged.

Chest: Clear to auscultation.

Heart: Regular rate and rhythm, no murmurs.

Abdomen: Soft, non-tender, no organomegaly.

Prescribing Totality

  • Throat pain during swallowing.
  • Aggravate by cold drinks, Cold air and cold weather.
  • Ameliorate by warm drinks.
  • Splinter like sensation in throat.
  • Tonsils and lymph nodes are swellon.
  • Suppuration tendency

Repertorial Totality

  1. Throat – Inflammation – Chronic
  2. Throat – Pain – Swallowing, on
  3. Throat – Pain – Cold drinks, from
  4. Throat – Pain – Warm drinks, amel.
  5. Throat – Sensation – Splinter, as from
  6. Throat – Swelling – Tonsils
  7. Throat – Suppuration – Tendency to
  8. Generalities – Cold – Air – Aggravates
  9. Generalities – Cold – Weather – Aggravates
  10. Lymph nodes – Cervical – Swelling

Repertorial Result

  1. Hepar sulph- 24/10
  2. Lycopodium- 21/8
  3. Silicea – 20/8
  4. Sulphur – 18/9

Prescription

  • Hepar sulph 30/OD/ 2 days
  • Sac lac 30/ BD/7 days

Follow up

  • 27/12/2023- No Difficulty in throat pain
  • 03/01/2024- No episode throat pain
  • 10/01/2024- No episode throat pain
  • 17/01/2024- no episode throat pain

Lifestyle and Dietary Advice

  • Avoid exposure to cold and damp environments.
  • Maintain good hydration with warm fluids.
  • Incorporate a balanced diet rich in immune-boosting nutrients (e.g., vitamins C and D).

Conclusion:

This homeopathic approach focuses on individualized treatment, addressing both acute symptoms and the patient’s constitutional susceptibility to recurrent pharyngitis, promoting long-term healing and prevention.

References-
1). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharyngitis#
2). https://europepmc.org/article/NBK/nbk519550
3).https://www.google.com/search?q=article+pharyngitis&oq=&aqs=chrome.2.69i58j69i176j35i39i362i524l13.-1j0j9&client=ms-android-realme-terr1-rso2&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

Dr. Rajesh Choudhary
BHMS, MD Scholar
(Department of Homoeopathic Repertory & Case taking)
Govt. homoeopathic medical college and hospital, BHOPAL

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