Allopathic Guide For Common Disorders

By Dr. Shiv Kumar

The Allopathic system of (medicinal) treatment is a Conventional therapy having the largest number of hospitals, dispensaries, physicians surgeon, specialists backed by on-going research projects and new medicines. There is no element of secrecy involved as, whatever is published and whenever a new medicine or diagnostic method is introduced, or new surgical procedures introduced, the knowledge spreads to every nook and corner of the world. These are fields where allopathy scores over other palthies. Moreover, there is a greater awareness among masses about allopathic medicines than any other (Complementary or alternate) therapy-counter sales have further popularised such medicines as most chemists, assuming the role of a doctor, keep on prescribing the medicines even to the educated and well-informed class. But, Very few persons, those who claim to know everything about medicines, know about drug-interactions, reactions, side-effects of medicines. There are very few patients who can afford to pay an exorbitant consultation fee charged by the specialists and, if such doctors supply medicines also, the bill amount shoots up further. A poor person either, per force, is obliged to visit a Govt. a hospital where he has to face long queues, humiliation and long waiting hours with minimal redressal, if at all, of his problems, such less privileged patients and their allies doubts/relatives, due to sparse and limited financial resources, can ill afford to visit such high charging specialists and Nursing homes or even so called ?general Hospitals.? The outcome of all such ordeals and related constraints lands the hapless patient at the door of quaks or the chemists as a result of which either he meets his terminal end without getting a proper treatment or fall into the traps of unqualified and practitioners.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Diamond Books
• Release date: Apr 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9789385975424

Book preview

Kumar

DEFINITIONS

DISEASE

Disease is a disorder with a specific cause and recognizable signs and symptoms, any bodily abnormality or failure to function properly except that resulting directly from physical injury (the latter may, however, open the way for disease)

DIAGNOSIS

It is the process of determining the nature of a disease by Considering the patient’s signs and symptoms, medical background and (when necessary), results of laboratory tests and x-ray examination.

PROGNOSIS

It implies Assessment of the future Course and outcome of a patient’s disease, based on knowledge of the course of the disease in other patients together with the general health, age and sex of the patient

SIGN

It is an indication of a particular disorder that is observed by a physician but is not apparent to the patient.

SYMPTOM

It is an indication of a disease or disorder noticed by the patient himself. A presenting symptom is one that leads to consult a doctor.

ETIOLOGY OR AETIOLOGY

The term pertain to the study or science of the causes of disease & the cause of a specific disease.

(L. M. Harrison.)

CAUTION

The information disseminated in the book is not intended to substitute, replace or circumvent professional treatment nor should the same be utilised in that direction. Since introduction of new medicine is the result of on going research work the world over, no medicine, direction, dosage and safeguards should be taken as the final world. Further, even if the symptoms are identical in two cases, the treatment may/can differ due to variations in the patient’s habits, age, sex, health & environs. The patients and their attendants should not assume role of medical professional, nor start treating any case simply on the face value of symptoms, as errors of judgement and wrong diagnosis and treatment cannot be ruled out. Hence, the patients are advised, in their own interest, to seek an expert doctor’s advice and guidance, on all relevant points before initiating any treatment. The author and the publisher shall not be responsible and accountable if the foregoing advice is ignored.

— PUBLISHER

Contents

Introduction

Caution

Definitions

SALIENT FEATURE OF ALLOPATHY

HUMAN BODY AND ITS FUNCTIONS

CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS AND THEIR USE

GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS AND THEIR EXPLANATIONS

COMMONLY USED SIGNS/ABBREVATIONS IN PRESCRIPTIONS AND OTHER GUIDELINES FOR THE PATIENTS

TREATMENT OF COMMON DISEASES

DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

DISEASES OF URINARY SYSTEM

DISEASES OF SKIN

DISEASES OF MUSCULO SKELETAL SYSTEM

DISEASES OF NERVOUS SYSTEM

TREATMENT OF STRESS AND OTHER PSYCHIC DISORDERS

VARIOUS TYPES OF HEADACHE

DISEASES OF EARS

DISEASES OF EYES

DISEASES OF CHILDREN

DISEASES OF WOMEN

I

SALIENT FEATURES OF

ALLOPATHY

(AN OVERVIEW)

Allopathy is an orthodox or conventional system of treatment which is dependent upon the subjective and objective symptoms, and symptom is an indication of a disorder or disease noticed by the patient himself. A presenting symptom is that which compels a patient to consult a doctor. The doctor notices some ‘signs’ and then questions the patient about duration of appearance of the disease, treatment taken (so far), his profession, life style, eating habits, addiction, time of aggravation and mollification and also which medicine was taken earlier (if at all) that had reacted on him (the patient). Generally there is hardly any need to go in for clinical tests but, if the physician feels he may order some clinical tests and, after seeing the clinical findings, starts the treatment.

Clinical tests, x-ray, ultrasound tests, generally reveal the present condition of a disorder but, in more complicated cases, as in the case of heart, kidney, brain, skin etc., some more sophisticated tests may have to be done so as to arrive at definitive conclusion. Normally a general physician is able to discern the factors leading to a disorder but, in the case of more complicated and complex cases, the patient may have to be referred to a relevant specialists. In certain cases a surgical interference may be necessary and, if it is so, the case is referred to a specialist surgeon.

Diseases of pregnancy are treated by gynaecologist, of infants by paedriaticians, of heart by a Cardiologists, of urine by urologists, bone related problems by orthopaedic surgeons, digestion related problems by gastro enterologist. In addition, Ear- Nose and throat problems by ENT specialist, eye diseases by opthalmologists, Nervous diseases by Neurologists so an and so forth.

Since there are host of specialists in each field, role of general physicians is, now, on a way to general decline. Where surgery is involved, a physician has no role to play and vice versa this is a pity that where a case could have been easily treated and managed by simple medicines, operations are performed indiscriminatively. In fact, an operation ought to be the last resort and undertaken only when all the viable options have exhausted. But, in emergent cases, say in case of accidents, renal failure, immediate heart problems of grave intensity, brain damage/tumor etc, there ought to be no delay in performing an operation, especially when patient’s life is in peril. All said and done proper diagnosis should form the basis for any treatment.

Allopathic medicines

Such medicines can be divided into following groups, that is medicines pertaining to :

Cardiovascular system

Musculo skeletal disorders

Central nervous system.

Alimentary disorders

Genito-urinary tract

Respiratory system

Allergic disorders

Skin related disorders

Oropharyngeal disorders

Hormonal imbalances

Nutritional supplements

Metabolism

Surgical apparatus and vaccines

Eye-related disorders

Modes of drug administration

A patient can be administered medicines by means of following methods.

Mouth (oral medicines)

Injections (intranuscular/intravenous)

Glucose/saline drips (in which medicines are injected into the I.V fluid)

Local applications (as in the case of skin and joint problems)

Spray or inhalation

Local anaesthesia

Forms of formulated medicines:-

These are available in the form of:

Tabelets. Capsules. Pills

Liquids, syrups, Mixtures

Injections

Liniments, rubefacients, Emollients.

Injections

Lubricants

Ointments and lotions

Inhalers, sprays, Relaxants etc.

A patient who is averse to taking either tablets or pills or even liquids shouldn’t be forced to do anything against his will and inclination. It is for the doctor to see that the medicine, prescribed by him, doesn’t cause any revulsion and/or resistance by the patient; Generally film coated tablets and liquid preparations having palatable base are not resisted by the parent but, in a few patients, reactions may occur. One has to be extra careful in the case of infants, the elderly, weak and emaciated pregnant ladies.

Any drug which has caused reaction earlier, even in a mild form, must not be repeated.

Drug reactions

Sources of infection are many and some patients react not only to specific drugs but also react to particular type of food stuff, environs, scents, odours, drinks and eatables, oils, meats, milk and milk products, poultry and sea products, colours, chemicals. persons, situations etc. A doctor generally has hardly any time to think of and apply his mind on such vital aspects. Let us not blame the doctors who are prevailed upon by the patients to relieve them of their agony within the shortest possible time. I know a few doctors who will never succumb to a patient’s pressure tactics. The doctor, then, in the wake of showing positive and quicker results prescribes the strongest medicine and optimum dose. Such medicines show their own reactions. The tragedy is that the patient’s original complaint remains, generally, uncured of, rather with manifestation and new symptoms which are even more serious and grave than the actual complaint. As a result of such imprudent and indiscreet medication, patient’s defence mechanism reaches its nadir and he loses his physical and mental resistance to fight even a low-tone infection. Hence, always start treatment with the minimum dose and also give only mild and moderate drugs-going higher in dosage and potency in a gradual way. Remember, once a higher dose is given, lower dozes, given afterwards, will not have any effect. Give nature and body’s defence mechanism enough time to help the prescribed medicine to act. Be patient and do not panic, rather wait patiently and watch progress or regression of the disease. There is no need to show any miracles nor any need to be restive and impatient.

Causes of Infection

According to allopathic theory disease is caused by bacterial/virus infection. Harrison had defined and described bacteria as follows:

"It is a group of micro-organisms all of which lack distinct nuclear membrane and hence are considered more primitive than animal and plant cells and have a cell wall of unique composition (many antibiotics act by distorting the bacterial wall). Most bacteria are unicellular, the cells may be spherical (coccus), rodlike (Bacillus), spiral (e.g; spirillum), commonshaped (vibrio) or corkscrew-shaped (spirochete). Generally they range in size between 0.5 and 5mm(?) _____________. Bacteria reproduces asexually simple division of cells Bacteria are widely distributed. Some live in soil, water or air, others are parasites of man, animals and plants. Many parasites/bacteria do not harm their hosts, some cause diseases by producing poison (exotoxin, endotoxin). "(Science of bacterea is called Bacteriology whereas ‘Microbiology’, in relation to medicine, is concerned mainly with the isolation and identification of the micro organism that cause disease).

Virus:- It is a minute particle that is capable of replication, but only within living cells. Viruses are too small to be visible with a light microscope and too small to be trapped by filters. They infect animals, plants and micro-organisms. Each consists of a core of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein shell. Viruses cause many diseases, including the common cold, influenza. measles, mumps, chickenpox, herpes, polio, rabies, and small box. Antibodies are ineffective against them but many viral diseases are controlled by means of vaccines. (Harrison).

Other causatives of disease:-

Majority of diseases are caused by viral and bacterial infections but, apart from that, following factors are held liable to causing and contributing to onset and progression of diseases, such as:

Unsuitable ingestion of food and indiscreet relaxation in diet.

Overeating or undereating

Lack of Physical activity, even after overeating.

Excessive physical activity with far less intake of Nutritional food.

Absence/lack of coordination and proportion between food - intake and physical activity.

Indolence, passivity and obesity.

Some chronic or wasting diseases.

Stress, anxiety, tension and other mental upsets.

Abstinence or over-indulgence in sex.

Climatic (sudden) changes and exposures.

Air, water. Noise and environmental pollution.

Genetic factors.

Personal life style and habits.

Drug or/and alcohol addiction or dependence.

Financial problems/loss of Job.

Social and family related problems.

Suppression of faeces, urine and sweat etc.

Personal inhibitions, social restrictions, taboos where free ventillation of mental reservations becomes a problem,

Most of the causes, if not all, are easily manageable by the affected person, as the doctor can do very little in this respect. Change in life style, thinking process, sense of compromise, amity and good will, positive approach, and optimistic outlook can solve majority of the problems, provided there is an honest effort and will to solve the riddle/problems. Remember, no medicine, on earth, can ever reform or improve any person if he is devoid of a positive approach and is not determined to reform himself. A doctor can only help to induce, motivate, guide and consul but must not be expected to do what a patient is himself expected to do.

Dosage and Frequency

Determination of dose and repetition thereof are the most difficult facets of any prescription which generally is dependent upon following factors, viz.

Stage and status of the disease

Type of infection and resultant disease.

Duration of ailment-whether acute or chronic

Age & Sex of the patient

Allergy or intolerance to certain ingredients.

Patient acceptability and compliance.

Cautions in use of Medicines

Following types of patients need continuous monitoring of dose and frequency

Pregnant ladies

Infants & Children

Persons suffering from asthma, boncho-pneumonia. Diphtheria, any heart problem, Renal failure, anuria, malignant tumors, tuberculosis etc.

Acute diarrhoea, dysentery

Diabetic patient, especially whose blood sugar level suddenly rises and falls

children on insulin therapy

Highly emaciated elderly people.

Bleeding from any orifice (opening) of the body

Pre and Post operative patients

Obese persons on dietary control etc.

Pharmaceutical companies generally indicate dosage for all age groups but, even then, the recommended doses may have to be adjusted due to drug-interaction, contra-indication, drug reactions and other cautionary advice must be closely studied, but each case should be individualized in view of a patient’s condition, symptoms and health status. A number of useful books provide enough and requisite information about following points viz

Brand/Trade name of the medicine and its manufacturing company.

Presentation and potency, including General symptoms which necessitate use of the medicine

Actual ingredient and concentration/proportion in a drug.

Available in which form (Tablet, capsule or liquid)

Age wise dosage and probable duration of use

Whether recommended for infants, children, pregnant ladies and the elderly .

Contra-indications

Special precautions

Drug interactions (i.e. with which medicines a specific drug should he taken so as not to enhance or reduce the effect’s.

Additional drug reactions

Some enterprises publish a directory on drugs on monthdly, quarterly, or annual basis. For instance, ‘Drug Today’, ‘MIMS India’ publish booklets, containing the said information on quarterly and monthly basis but the details given serve the purpose of qualified and experienced doctors only, though some glaring exceptions cannot be ruled out. More inquisitive readers can gather more information also from various sources . It is believed that a person who has basic knowledge of human body and its functions, diseases, drugs and drug- combinations can benefit a lot from such and many other identical publications. Diagnostic methods and drug prescriptions is a continuous process, hence no information is a final word and every practitioner is expected to keep himself abreast of all the latest developments so that one is armed with an upto-date knowledge.

Cautions on use of medicines, dose, and potency of medicine should neither be enhanced or decreased abuptly nor its frequency altered, without giving it sufficient time to act and show results. Always start with minimum dose and potency. No identical cases should be ever compared nor medicine, dosage, potency and frequency be equated, for the simple reason that even identical medicines may show variable results even when the symptions synchronize. In case of any unusual development, never hesitate to consult a doctor for proper guidance.

Avoidance of Drugs

Following categories of persons (rather patients) should not be given medicines, indicated against each category.

Pregnant ladies

Carbimazole, Barbiturates (Lumenal), Aspirin (dispirin) Busulphane, Beoumarin, chloremphenical, chloroquine, chloreyelazine, clomiphene, dexamethasone, diazepam, dexamphatamine, eortesone, Diazoxid, Estrogens cylophosphamide, Ethisterone, Ethinamide Glibenelamide, Furosomide, Dicoumarol, Hydralazine, Hydroprogestorone, Indomethacin, Diclofenac sodium. Lithium Carbonate, Menaphtone, Melphalan, Mereapturine, Methyldopa Methodone, Morphine Norethisterone, Nitrofurantion, Norethynodral oral Contraceptives, opium, phenformim, Pethidine etc.

Infants and Children

1. Anlagin, 2. Chloromphenical, 3 Betamethasone, 4, Dexamethasone 5, Diphenoxylate, 6, Ethylestrenol, 7, Methandesterone, 8, Prednisolon, 9, Nandrolone, 10, Stanozolol 11, Triamcinolone, 12, Tetracyclines etc.

Side-effects

Most of the above mentioned drugs cause bone marrow depression, inhibition of bone growth, some produce long lasting effects, tetracyclines get deposited in the bones and teeth and also cause yellow colour to the teeth and urine.

The Elderly

Generally most of the important organs such as kidneys, heart, brain, lungs, digestive organs, bone joints etc lose much of their functional capacity and capability after the age of 45 (which is not a decisive dividing line). In this respect following points may be noted.

Reduction in heart function - 80% at the age of 50, 70% at 60, and 65% at the age of 80.

Kidney functions’ decline - Redical renal function to 80 % at the age of 60, 70% at the age of 80

Breathing capacity:- It comes down to 85% at the age of 50, 60% at 60 and 40% about the age of 80.

Further, the elderly people have a reduced (lean) body mass (as evidenced by percentage of body weight, reduction in body water and tendency to an increased body fat). Needless to say, all such changes, aided by progressive decline in vital capacities, often permeate in the form of and altered and defective handing of the drugs by the aging body in respect of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of waste and harmful products. Lessened and changed absorption invariably point to ‘Bioavailability’ of the drugs which means delayed absorption of drugs by the bodies of the elderly.

Avoid using the following drugs in the elderly, Viz CNS drugs like Gardinal, Diazepam, Melleril, Valium, Depsonil, lithocarb. Amiline etc, and CVS drugs and diuretics like (Digoxin) Lanoxin, Aldatone Hythalton. Also avoid using antibiotics like cry-4, PPF, Doxy-1, Alberciline, Zocef Genticyn, Kancin, Furadantin. Cepheradine etc (only trade names mentioned and not ingredients.

The elderly are less responsive to the action of Asthalin (used in Asthma), Atenolol and propanalol (used in hypertension), their trade names being Inderal and Betacard respectively. Also they are more sensitive to the effects of valium, Emdopa, Arkamin, Largactil, Gardinal, Prazpress etc. Drugs which lower body’s temperature are not generally tolerated by the elderly, as their body temperature and general vitality are already under decline, hence such drugs (that reduce body temperature) must not be used in the elderly.

If used discreetly and prudently with proper safeguards, certain drugs can help the elderly people to enjoy a protonged and greatly improved life. Element of error can surface due to wrong prescription of a physician or when patient’s compliance is found wanting. It may also be noted that all drugs have beneficial and harmful effects which factors must not be overlooked when prescribing for the elderly. Any drug, which tends to decrease the already depleted defence mechanism and general resistance of the elderly, must be avoided. Moreover, Constant monitoring of dosage, frequency and change in drug (if, at all, necessary) should not be lost sight

Managing emergent/crisis situations

Once a renowned physician told the author that a patient will talk about his most disturbing and dominant symptom ahead of all the other symptoms and, if a physician is able to manage that most disturbing complaint of headache or abdominal pain or for that matter any other pain, most of his sympathetic pains will also disappear as soon as the most prominent symptom gets dispelled. To achieve this end, he should be given some palliative to overcome the immediate problem, rest of the complaints can be discerned and treated subsequently. An experienced doctor can easily decide about seat and cause of the pain, and then, it shouldn’t be difficult for him to manage the crisis stage.

Most of the pains originate in the head, heart, abdomen, bone joints, during labour period, mensuration, and trauma related areas, liver etc and the general causes are not difficult to discern. All said and done, try to relieve pain or/and other disturbing symptom, followed by requisite investigations, if necessary. But in your hurry to show better and quicker results, never resort to the sort of medication that will bring/wrought with serious side effects. If some sedative/tranqulizer is also added to an analgesic or a muscle relaxant drug in case of jount pains, it can yield magical relief for the patient. Anyway, judicious selection of such drugs out of the available lot, depends on experience of a doctor. If, however, if the malody does not yield even to the best selected drug it is