Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

224 •HOMEOPATHIC SELF-HELPRESPIRATORY SYSTEMWith every breath we take, spores, viruses, bacteria,and microscopic particles of dust, smoke, and chemicalpollutants enter the body. The nose moistens, warms, andfilters air before it is drawn into the airway and lungs(see page 180). The respiratory system is therefore highlysusceptible to the effects of atmospheric irritants. If theimmune system is strong, it is able to ward off all but themost virulent infections. Colds, coughs, and influenza strikeDISORDERHAY FEVER & ALLERGIC RHINITISSeasonal airborne irritants such as grass, tree, and flower pollen causethe allergic reaction that is called hay fever. Mucous membranes liningthe nose and eyes are mainly affected, but the ears, throat, and lungsmay also become irritated. Symptoms include repeated sneezing, arunny nose, watering eyes, and itching of the eyes, nose, palate, andthroat. Allergic rhinitis, or perennial rhinitis, is the name given tosimilar symptoms that occur year-round and are caused by otherirritants, including dust mites and animal dander.SELF-HELP Avoid all known irritants. If symptoms are severe, try usingair filters or ionizers in the home. Wear sunglasses and a hat whenoutdoors to shade your face. Eat lots of fresh, raw fruits andvegetables. Blow the nose gently; hard blowing may burst pollengrains in the nose and increase irritation. Rub a small dab ofpetroleum jelly inside each nostril a few times a day to preventthe nose from becoming dry and sore. Take combination H tissuesalts (see page 216).COLDSColds are caused by viral infections of the respiratory tract. Earlysymptoms include a sore throat, watery catarrh, and sneezing. Asa cold runs its course, the catarrh thickens and may become yellowin color. Colds are usually self-limiting, but a neglected cold maydevelop into a chest infection such as bronchitis (see page 228), orinfection may spread to the ears (see page 222), sinuses (see page226), throat (see page 226), or larynx (see page 228). Vulnerabilityto infection is increased by overwork and exhaustion, emotionalstress—especially after a shock or a fright—and anxiety.SELF-HELP Rest and drink plenty of fluids, especially hot water mixedwith fresh lemon juice and a little honey. Eat plenty of fresh fruitsand vegetables, and get some fresh air. Take combination Q tissuesalts (see page 216).CAUTION If there is pain in the throat, larynx, chest, sinuses, or ears,consult a doctor.SPECIFIC AILMENTHay fever withburning catarrhHay fever with constantdesire to sneezeHay fever in which mainlythe eyes are affectedCold that comeson slowlyCold with irritabilityEarly stages of a coldwith sneezingPHYSICAL SYMPTOMS• Streaming, burning catarrh that may start inthe left nostril and move to the right, and thatmakes the nostrils and upper lip sore• Pain in the forehead• Larynx feels as if it has hooks sticking in it• Eyes stream with a bland discharge• Thick, honey-colored catarrh follows 3 or4 days of continuous, violent sneezing• Nostrils are sore, red, and painful• Burning throat and irritating cough• Eyes are swollen and sensitive to bright light• Thick, burning discharge from the eyes thatirritates the skin on the cheeks beneath• Bland catarrh from the nose• Catarrh drips down the back of the throat• Mouth feels hot• Throat is inflamed• Mild fever• Nose may bleed• Chilliness• Runny nose by day, blocked nose by night• Watering eyes and sneezing• Headache• Sore throat• Violent sneezing and thin catarrh resemblingthe white of a raw egg• Possible blocked nose• Possible cold soresINFLUENZAThere are many different strains of the influenza virus, and thesymptoms include fever, muscular aches and pains, headache, sorethroat, and cough. Children, the elderly, smokers, and people withchronic diseases are the most likely to be seriously affected by it.SELF-HELP Rest and drink frequently, especially hot water mixed withfresh lemon juice and a little honey. Eat plenty of fresh fruits andvegetables, and take combination Q tissue salts (see page 216).CAUTION If fever persists for four days, see a doctor.Influenza with weaknessInfluenza with high fever• Chills running up and down the spine• Shakiness and trembling, mainly in the legs• Bursting headache that is better for urinating• Fever with lack of thirst and fatigue • Sore throat• High fever that comes on suddenly• Flushed face• Bright red, sore throat• Wide, staring eyes