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Research on Specific Medical Conditions

Research Areas

Asthma

Asthma is a state of respiratory distress caused by acute or chronic inflammation, over-reactivity and constriction of the airways. There are various factors that contribute to the appearance, characteristics, and severity of the symptoms of this disorder. Those factors are genetic (asthma, and allergies, runs in families); associated to allergies to airborne substances, foods; and, emotional factors.

Depression

Depression is a condition that varies in intensity and duration, can appear at any decade of life, and according to the National Institute of Mental Health the occurrence of depression in children is increasing. Research on the treatment of depression of children and adolescents with conventional antidepressants has not proven to be effective.  In fact, there is an advisory regarding an increase of suicidal risk in children and adolescents treated with conventional antidepressants.

Otitis Media

Otitis Media is an inflammation of the middle ear, or middle ear infection. Otitis media occurs in the area between the ear drum (the end of the outer ear) and the inner ear, including a duct known as the Eustachian tube. It is one of the two categories of ear inflammation that can underlie what is commonly called an earache, the other being otitis externa (or an external ear infection). Otitis media can be caused by a bacteria, a virus, a fungus or may be associated with sterile (non-infected) fluid. Most cases of otitis media are caused by viruses, and the most common virus found in this association is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a reaction to airborne particles (allergens) that primarily affects the nose and eyes. There are two types of allergic rhinitis: seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and perennial allergic rhinitis, which occurs year-round.  Outdoor allergens such as pollen cause hay fever and indoor allergens such as dust or animal dander cause perennial allergic rhinitis.

Headache / Migraine

Migraine headaches are an extremely common problem in both children and adults. In a U.S. National Health Survey in 2009, 21% of all women and 10% of all men reported having at least one migraine or severe headache in the past 3 months.

Common symptoms include throbbing or pulsating pain, sensitivity to light or sound, nausea and vomiting, one sided headache and changes in the vision. Many migraine headaches are triggered by internal or external factors including the menstrual cycle, stress, fatigue, and certain foods such as alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, certain cheeses and peanuts.  

Anxiety Disorders

The term neurosis was first used by William Cullen in 1777 to designate functional physiological disturbances without evident structural basis in the afflicted organic function. The symptoms that appear in these conditions are related to neurological functions and include anxiety, asthenia, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, headaches, hysteria, paresthesias, phobias, pseudo-seizures, sexual disorders, sleep disorders, etc. Often, these conditions are associated with: irritability, moodiness, restlessness, anxiety, dizziness, tremors, body temperature changes, breathing difficulties, nausea, palpitations, diarrhea, constipation, pain, or sleep difficulties, without obvious organic pathology.

Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is a skin disease which commonly occurs during early infancy and childhood.   It is frequently associated with a personal or family history of atopic eczema, asthma, and/or allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies).  

Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease and its incidence appears to be increasing.   The major features of atopic eczema include itchy rashes on the face, arms, and legs.   Other associated features may include dry skin, darkening of the lower eyelid skin, and increased lines on the skin of the palms (hyperlinear palms).

Arthritis

This is one category of illness where homeopathic treatments have been put to the test, according to conventional standards, and published in peer reviewed journals. In one of the trials patients with rheumatoid arthritis were treated with individually prescribed remedies. (Gibson, R. G., S. Gibson, et al. (1980): “Homeopathic therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: evaluation by double-blind clinical therapeutic trial.” Br J Clin Pharmac 9: 453-459).