Pleurisy
Description
Pleurisy is a pulmonary disorder characterized by inflammation of the pleura, a thin double membrane which surrounds each lung and contains a lubricating fluid known as pleural fluid to ease expansion and contraction of the lung.
Pleurisy is classified as wet or dry, depending on whether there is an abnormal buildup of fluid. It is most often a symptom of another disease rather than a disorder in itself.
Causes
Respiratory infection such as pneumonia
Bronchitis
Tuberculosis
Tumor
Liver disease
Heart disease
Rheumatoid arthritis
Chest injury
Signs & Symptoms
Sharp pain on normal breathing
Shallow breathing to avoid pain
Dry cough
Fever
Headache
Rapid pulse
Grating or creaking sound with each breath
Difficulty taking deep breaths
Pressure on chest
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Lung Support
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Adult | Child/Adolescent | |
| Bioflavonoids | 200 mg | 20 - 50 mg |
| Lecithin | 2 - 4 tsp | 1 - 2 tsp |
| Magnesium | 400 - 600 mg | 200 - 300 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 100 mg | 10 - 20 mg |
| Vitamin C | 1,000 mg | 500 mg |
| Vitamin E | 600 IU | 50 - 100 IU |
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
Pleurisy is usually a symptom of an underlying disease. Nutritional management is determined according to the primary disease.
No diet is specifically prescribed for pleurisy by the American Dietetics Association.
Barring any underlying health condition, a Dietary Goals Diet should be followed to provide all the nutrients necessary for building a sound and disease-resistant body.
If fever is present additional liquids should be taken to prevent dehydration.
Homeopathic Remedy
1. Bryonia alba tinct. - 15C
2. Cantharis - 30C
3. Asclepias tuberosa - 15C
Treatment Schedule
Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.
Legend
X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency
Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.
References
Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.
Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.
Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.
Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.
Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.
Tissue Salts
| Calc. Phos. | (alternate with other treatment); |
| Calc. Sulf. | Third stage, when pus is formed within the chest cavity; |
| Ferr. Phos. | First stage: fever, pain, breathing distress, side-"stitch" ; |
| Kali Mur. | Second stage: accumulation of fluid in pleural cavity, white-coated tongue; |
Herbal Approaches
----------
Herbs
-----------
Comfrey
Pleurisy root
Slippery elm bark
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
| Basil Essence, | Benzoin Essence, |
| Cedarwood Essence, | Eucalyptus Essence, |
| Frankincense Essence, | Oregano Essence, |
| Peppermint Essence, | Rosemary Essence, |
| Sandalwood Essence, | Thyme Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
Arthritis
Gout
Infection
Inflammation
Stress
References
Berkow, R. 1977. The Merck Manual. Merck Sharp and Dohme Research Laboratories Pub., Rahway, New Jersey. 2165 pp.
Biesel, W.R. Single Nutrient Effects on Immunological Functions. Journal of the American Medical Association, 245. 1981.
Bland, Jeffrey. Nutraerobics. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1983.
Bland, Jeffrey. Medical Applications of Clinical Nutrition. New Canaan, Conn.: Keats, 1983.
Bourguet CC & Logue EE: Antigenic stimulation and multiple myeloma. A prospective study. Cancer, 1993 Oct 1, 72:7, 2148-54.
Kunz, J.R.M. 1982. The American Medical Association Family Medical Guide. Random House Pub, New York. 832 pp.
Hamilton, H.K. ed. 1982. Professional Guide To Diseases Intermed Communications Inc. Pub, Springfield, Massachusetts. 1323 pp.
Hillerdal G: Chylothorax and pseudochylothorax. Eur Respir J, 1997 May, 10:5, 1157-62.
Moore, F.D. 1983. Surgical care and metabolic management of the post operative patient. Nutritional Support of the Seriously Ill Patient. R.W. Winters and H.L. Greene, eds. Academic Press, N.Y.
Thomas, W.R. & P.G. Holt. Vitamin C and Immunity. Clinical And Experimental Immunology, 32. 1978.
Van Amerongen, C. The Way Things Work; Book Of The Body. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1979.
| Signup Free Applied Health Journal |
||||
|
FREE Sample Issue Your email address is all we need to start you on a better path to health. We respect your privacy.
|
