Addisons disease and homoeopathy

Dr Sravya Penumechu

Abstract : Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison disease) is caused by dysfunction or absence of the adrenal cortices. The incidence is 0.6/100,000 of the population per year.

The total number of people affected by this condition is 4 to 11 per 100,000 of the population. It affects women more than men, the ages between 30 and 50 years are most affected.

Keywords: Addison disease , Cortisol , Clinical Features , Laboratory Findings , Homoeopathic Rubrics.

Introduction : Addison disease is characterized by a chronic deficiency of cortisol. Serum ACTH and alpha-MSH levels are consequently elevated. Mineralocorticoid deficiency, typically with hyponatremia , volume depletion, and hyperkalemia.

Clinical Features

• Gradual Development: Symptoms develop over months or years.
• Sudden Onset: Can occur but is less common.
• Delayed Diagnosis: Early symptoms are nonspecific.

Common Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Reduced Stamina: Decreased ability to perform daily activities.
• Weakness: Generalized muscle weakness.
• Anorexia and Weight Loss: Loss of appetite leading to weight loss.

GI Symptoms

• Abdominal Pai, Nausea and Vomiting , Diarrhea.
• Systemic Symptoms
• Fevers.
• Lymphoid Tissue Hyperplasia: Enlargement of lymph nodes.
• Pain
• Arthralgias , Myalgias, Chest Pain, Abdominal and Back Pain , Leg Pain and
• Headache: Can occur due to cerebral edema
• Skin Hyperpigmentation
• Cause: Increased pituitary secretion of alpha-MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone).
• Variability: Ranges from none to increased freckling to diffuse darkening resembling a suntan or bronze appearance.
• Sun-Exposed Areas: Darken the most but nonexposed areas also darken.
• Prominent Areas:Knuckles, elbows, knees,Posterior neck, Palmar creases ,Gingival mucosa , Vermilion border of the lips , Nail beds (longitudinal pigmented bands) ,Nipples and areolas ,Pressure areas (belt/brassiere lines, buttocks)Skin folds and new scars.

Psychiatric Symptoms

• Anxiety: Increased levels of anxiety.
• Irritability: Heightened irritability.
• Depression: Common among patients.

Neurological Symptoms

• Cerebral Edema: Causes headache, vomiting, gait disturbance, intellectual dysfunction, and can progress to coma.

• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar worsening weakness and mental function.
• Salt Craving
• Common: Due to electrolyte imbalances.
• Blood Pressure
• Low Blood Pressure: Usually low and orthostatic.
• Hypotension: Aggravated by dehydration from nausea or vomiting.

Laboratory Findings

• WBC count typically shows:Moderate neutropenia
• Lymphocytosis
• Eosinophilia (total eosinophil count over 300/mcL)
• Serum electrolytes:Low serum sodium (88% of cases)
• Elevated serum potassium (64% of cases, unless vomiting or diarrhea present) Fasting hypoglycemia is common.Hypercalcemia may be present.

Homoeopathic Rubrics

• [Mind] Work: Aversion to mental: Addisons disease, in
• [Kidneys] Addisons disease
• [Generalities] Faintness, fainting: Tendency; Addisons disease, in
• [Generalities] Lassitude/Tendengy; Addisons disease, in
• Generalities] Weakness! enervition, exhaustion, prostration, infirmity; Addisons disease, in
• [Kidney] Addison’s disease
• [Generalities]Convulsions: Addison’s disease.in
• [Generalities] Addison’s disease
• [Sensorium] Vertigo; Addison’s disease, in
• [Inner Head] Headache (undefined); Addison’s disease, in
• [Outer Head] Hair:Color, disposition to change; Red hair turns to chestnut brown (addison’s disease)
• [Upper Face] Yellow: Earthy color, in addisonon’s disease

Homoeopathic Remedies for Addisons Disease:

Natrum Muriaticum : Common salt profoundly affects the nutrition.Dryness of Mouth ,throat , rectum and vagina. Great weakness and weariness. Addisons disease.Desire for salt.Epigastrium swollen and painful.

Adrenalinum : Sarcode . Addisons disease. Adrenal neuralgia.Bronzed skin . Debility , Haematuria. Hyperaemia.Palpitation.Tachycardia.

Argentum Nitricum : Addisons disease.Mental Anxiety . Morning Headache.Eating relives Nausea. Flatulence.

Natrum Muriaticum : Addisons Disease.Anxiety respecting the future.Difficulty of thinking .Coloic with nausea better by discharge of flatulence.Constipation,sometimes prolonged , or every second day.

Conclusion : In summary, Addison’s disease is a multifaceted condition influenced by various factors including autoimmune disorders and infections. This article highlights the diagnostic criteria of Addison’s disease and how homoeopathy can complement conventional treatments by addressing symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, hyperpigmentation, and other manifestations . By considering both the physical and emotional aspects of patients, homoeopathy can also offer a holistic approach in managing Addison’s disease effectively.

References:

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2. Papadakis MA, McPhee SJ, Rabow MW, editors. Current medical diagnosis & treatment 62nd ed. New York: McGraw Hill; 2023.
3. The Merck Manual. 20th ed. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.; 2018.
4. Kent JT. Repertory of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers Pvt. Ltd.; 2002.
5. Boenninghausen C. Therapeutic Pocket Book for Homeopathic Physicians, to Use at the Bedside and in the Study of the Materia Medica. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers Pvt. Ltd.; 1998
6. Phatak SR. Concise Materia Medica. 1st ed. B. Jain Publishers; 1999.’
7. Clarke JH. A dictionary of practical materia medica. London: The Homoeopathic Publishing Company; 1900.

Dr Sravya Penumechu
PG Scholar, Department of Medicine
Guide: Dr Dolphin J Karat. MD (HOM)
Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital Deralakatte, Mangalore. 575018