Chikungunya
fever and its homeopathic treatment
What is
Chikungunya Fever?
Chikungunya is a viral disease that is transmitted to human
beings by infected mosquitoes. The most common vector of chikungunya is the
Aedes Egypti mosquito. Another species of mosquitoes namely Aedes Albopictus
has also been found the culprit in some cases. Usually Chinkungunya is not life
threatening.
Origin of
Chikungunya
Chikungunya disease was first detected as recently as 1952
in Africa. This means that it is almost a new disease. The place where it was
first detected was Makonde Plateau. In the Makonde language, chikungunya means
something that is bent up. It was named so as the chikungunya patient almost
bends up or stoops because of the joint pains.
Causes of
Chikungunya fever
Chikungunya is primarily caused by the spread of the
chikungunya virus through an infected mosquito. In some cases transmission of
the disease from an infected pregnant mother to a newborn baby has also been
seen. The Aedes Egypti and the Aedes Albopictus mosquitoes are the known
vectors or transmission agents. They introduce the chikungunya virus into human
beings when they bite. The Aedes Egypti is known to bite during the day time.
Therefore it is very important from the prevention point of view that one takes
care to avoid mosquitoes during the day time.
Incubation
period of Chikungunya
The incubation period of chikungunya varies from 1-12 days.
This means that it takes this much time for full-fledged symptoms of
chikungunya to show after the initial infection. Once a person has been
infected through a mosquito bite, he or she is not going to fall ill instantly.
It takes some time for the virus to replicate inside the human body. Once it
reaches a critical mass, it stars showing its symptoms.
Symptoms
of Chikungunya Fever
The characteristic symptom of chikungunya is the sudden onset
of high grade fever.
There is pain in joints and muscles along with the fever.
Joint pains are present on both sides of the body and are present in a
symmetric manner. The pains can be quite severe and there is extreme weakness
along with.
Headache and fatigue are common.
There may be redness of the eyes.
A rash like eruption is also present in about half of the
cases.
Nausea and vomiting may also be seen in some cases.
Although uncommon, mouth ulcers and loss of taste may also
be present.
The fever usually lasts about a week and in some cases it
can go on for up to 10 days. The fever is often biphasic. It remains for a
couple of days, gets better and then returns again.
The joint pains may last for weeks or even months after the
fever is over. In some cases, it has been known to last for years. Once
infected, a person gains lifelong immunity from chikungunya.
Complications
of Chikungunya fever
Young children, infants and old patients are at a higher
risk of developing complications. The possible complications of chikungunya
include uveitis, retinitis, myocarditis, nephritis, hepatitis,
meningoencephalitis. Guillain Barre syndrome and some cranial nerve palsies are
also possible. It is rare for chikungunya to result in a fatality.
Diagnosing
Chikungunya Fever
The clinical presentation and the endemic presence of
Chikungunya in the area can be a good pointer to the diagnosis of this problem.
Laboratory findings include lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, increased creatinine
levels and liver enzymes. A definite laboratory diagnosis can be made through a
RT-PCR test.
Treatment
of Chikungunya fever
Since Chikungunya is a viral disease, allopathy has hardly
any treatment for this. The usual symptomatic treatment of fever and joint pain
is resorted to. Rest, plenty of fluids and pain killers are used to relieve
joint pain. There is no specific allopathic medicine to cure the chikungunya
infection.
Homeopathic
treatment of Chikungunya fever
Homeopathic medicines
for chikungunya fever treatment are much more effective than the allopathic
medicines. That is because homeopathy never relies on individual
antagonistic agents against a particular virus or bacteria. Homeopathy has
always worked on the philosophy that the human body is perfectly endowed with
all means to fight any and every infection provided the immune system of the
body is working properly. Therefore
homeopathic medicines just strengthen the immune system of the patient. A
strong immune system is thus able to subdue the infectious virus on its own.
5 best
Homeopathic medicines for chikungunya fever
Homeopathic medicines have been found to be very effective
in treating and curing chikungunya fever. These homeopathic medicines for
chikungunya fever are based on the symptoms that almost mimic the presentation
of the chikungunya fever.
Here are the 5 best homeopathic medicines for chikungunya
fever-
Eupatorium Perfoliatum – best homeopathic medicine for
chikungunya with pain like broken bones
Ocimum San – best medicine for chikungunya with body aches
Rhus Tox- best treatment of chikungunya with soreness &
restlessness
Bryonia – best medicine for chikungunya with increased
thirst
Belladonna – best remedy for chikungunya with severe
headache
A brief description of the indicating symptoms of these
medicines is being given below. It is advisable that one should not indulge in self-medication.
It is better to take the advice of an experienced homeopathic doctor.
1. Eupatorium
Perfoliatum- One of the best homeopathic remedies for Chikungunya with
bodyaches. When there are severe body aches deep in the bones, Eupatorium
Perfoliatum is one of the best homeopathic remedies for Chikungunya. The pains
seem to be so severe that the patient feels as if he has suffered a fracture.
2. Ocimum San – Excellent remedy in influenza & Chikungunya
fever with bodyache. Acute pains all over the body; bone pains; soreness of the
muscles and severe headache. Chilliness with coldness of palm and feet,
sensation of hot flashes. Prostration and drowsiness.
3. Rhus Tox- One of the best homeopathic remedies for
Chikungunya with soreness. When there is increased muscle soreness, Rhus Tox is
one of the best homeopathic remedies for Chikungunya. There is physical restlessness
in the patient and he is unable to find a comfortable place to rest.
4. Bryonia-One of the best homeopathic medicine for
Chikungunya with increased thirst. When there is intense thirst and the patient
feels like drinking a lot of water at one time, Bryonia is one of the best
homeopathic medicine for Chikungunya fever. The pains in the joints and the
body are so aggravated with the slightest movement that the patient always
wants to remain still.
5. Belladonna-One of the best homeopathic medicines for
Chikungunya with severe headache. When there is severe headache along with the
fever, Belladonna is one of the best homeopathic medicines for Chikungunya. The
headache may be throbbing in nature. The face may be red and hot.
Get in touch with our homeopathic doctors to know how
homeopathy can cure your problem shortly and smoothly.
