Abstract:-
Respiratory tract infections are rapidly spreading within communities and are one of the leading health concerns worldwide, primarily caused by microorganisms. The respiratory system is more prone to infection compared to other parts of the body. The severity of symptoms can vary, ranging from mild to severe. Many cases are often underestimated, as the infections are mild and do not significantly disrupt daily activities unless they become more severe. This article is all about the study of upper respiratory tract infections and its homoeopathic management.
Introduction:-
Upper respiratory tract infections can be caused by a wide range of bacteria and viruses. Acute bronchitis, the common cold, influenza, and respiratory distress syndromes are among the many illnesses they cause. Since the presentations associated with upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) frequently overlap and share similar origins, it is challenging to define the majority of these patient disorders. When there is no evidence of pneumonia, no other illness that can explain the patient’s symptoms, or no history of COPD, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections are characterized by self-limited irritation and swelling of the upper airways accompanied by a cough. Infections of the upper respiratory tract affect the major airways, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, and nose. (1)
Aetiology:-
Viruses are the primary cause of most upper respiratory infections, although bacteria and fungi can also be responsible. Specific pathogens include:-
- Influenza A and B viruses (flu)
- Common cold virus
- SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19)
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Varicella-zoster virus
- Herpes simplex virus
- Bacteria like Streptococcus, including group A strep and Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Haemophilus influenza bacteria
- Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria
- Fungi such as Aspergillus and other types.
Pathophysiology:-
A URTI typically occurs when an organism directly invades the mucous lining of the upper airway, usually through inhalation of infected droplets. The body has several defence mechanisms that help prevent the organism from attaching to the mucosa.
These include –
1) The hair lining that traps pathogens,
2) Mucus that captures organisms
3) The Angle between the pharynx and nose that prevents particles from entering the airways, and
4) Ciliated cells in the lower airways that help move pathogens back toward the pharynx. Additionally, the adenoids and tonsils contain immune cells that target and attack these pathogens.
Influenza-
Influenza has an incubation period of 1 to 4 days, and symptoms typically appear 3 to 4 days after exposure. Viral shedding can begin 1 day before symptoms appear. Influenza is believed to spread through direct contact, indirect contact, droplets, or aerosolized particles. Transmission through contact and droplets generally requires short distances (<1 meter) between the infected and susceptible individuals, while airborne transmission can occur over longer distances (>1 meter). Research indicates that direct contact and droplet transmission are the primary modes of spreading influenza. (2)
Common Cold-
The common cold is caused by several pathogens, including rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, enterovirus, and coronavirus. Rhinovirus, a member of the Enterovirus genus in the Picornaviridae family, is the most common cause, responsible for up to 80% of all respiratory infections during peak seasons. The many rhinovirus serotypes and frequent antigenic changes complicate efforts to identify, characterize, and eradicate the virus. After being deposited in the anterior nasal mucosa, rhinovirus infection begins when it is transported to the posterior nasopharynx and adenoids via mucociliary action. Symptoms may appear as soon as 10 to 12 hours after exposure. While symptoms typically last 7 to 10 days, they can persist for up to 3 weeks. Nasal infection and the body’s inflammatory response lead to vasodilation and increased vascular permeability, causing nasal congestion and a runny nose. Additionally, cholinergic stimulation triggers increased mucus production and sneezing. (3)
Clinical manifestations:-
Acute upper respiratory tract infections encompass conditions like rhinitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and laryngitis. Common symptoms of URTIs includes:-
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Headache
- Mild fever
- Facial pressure
- Fatigue
- Sneezing
- Muscle aches
Homoeopathic Therapeutics:-
From a homoeopathic perspective, the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) focuses on the individual’s symptoms and overall constitution rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Homoeopathy aims to stimulate vital force by using homoeopathic remedies that are believed to match the symptoms of the illness.
-
- Aconite: Cough, Croup; dry hoarse, suffocating, from dry cold winds. Aggravation in warm room, amelioration from open air.
- Arsenicum album: Watery coryza, discharge causes burning. Breathing asthmatic must sit or bend forward.
- Belladonna: Thorat dryas if glazed, headache from suppressed catarrhal flow.
- Bryonia alba: Dry cough with gagging and vomiting, feels as if head would fly into pieces.
- Eupatorium perfoliatum: Influenza with soreness of bones and muscles. Cough aggravates at night.
- Euphrasia Officinalis: Catarrhal headache, fever with chilliness. Bland coryza worse in morning.
- Hepar sulphur: Deep rough barking cough, cough worse at night. Expectoration is light and there is slight fever.
- Mercurius Solubilis: Acrid coryza with sneezing, aggravates at damp weather.
- Rhustoxicodendron: Influenza with aching in bone, dry cough and sneezing.(4)
Conclusion:-
Homoeopathic treatment improves the symptoms and reduces the severity of URTI in all age group. It can be an effective and safe way of treatment for reducing the burden of the disease, thus improving the quality of life. Owing to the diversity among the studies, more high-quality trials with focused questions are needed for further conclusion.
References:-
- Thomas M, Bomar PA. Upper respiratory tract infection. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025.
- Brankston G, Gitterman L, Hirji Z, Lemieux C, Gardam M. Transmission of influenza A in human beings. Lancet Infect Dis. 2007 Apr;7(4):257-65. [PubMed]
- Heikkinen T, Järvinen A. The common cold. Lancet. 2003 Jan 04;361(9351):51-9. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
- von Lippe A. Keynotes & redline symptoms of materia medica. New Delhi, India: B Jain; 2023.
About Author:
Dr Usha Dhurve – MD Scholar , Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy in Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
Co-Author:-
Dr Geeta Tiwari, Reader, Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy in Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
