Fear of disease, medically known as nosophobia or disease phobia, refers to an extreme and persistent fear of getting a disease or some serious medical illness. It is also known as illness anxiety disorder. Those suffering from it, worry or over-think or get anxious about any change or discomfort even of minor intensity occurring in the body to be indicative of some serious illness.

There is a fear in the mind of developing a serious disease, like heart disease or cancer. If they are already suffering from some illness, then they have extreme thoughts that their suffering is of a very serious kind. They frequently think and talk about their health illness with others. They do not get satisfaction from visiting a doctor once, so they plan frequent visits to doctors for examination, investigation for confirmation and reassurance about their health condition. On the contrary, some may not visit the doctor out of fear of being diagnosed with a serious disorder. Another symptom could be keeping away from certain things out of fear of contracting a disease.

Some people may not want to know details about the disease as it may lead to stress or anxiety, while some people wish to learn every detail of the expected disease via news, internet, doctor visits, etc. If there is a family history of a certain disease, then a fear of inheriting the same may settle in the mind.

The exact cause behind the fear of disease is still unclear. But there are some factors that are thought to play a role in it. Firstly, a family member, a relative or some close friend suffering from a serious health problem might have a deep impact on the mind and trigger fear and anxiety of getting affected by the same health issue in future.

Secondly, persons who have anxiety or have a family member suffering from anxiety might also be at risk. Persons suffering from OCD – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (a mind-related health problem characterized by fear and unwanted thoughts in the mind resulting in repetitive behavior) are also at risk. Having a history of a serious illness in childhood might also contribute to a fear of disease. Another reason could be if some disease has taken an epidemic proportion, then a person might fear getting the same.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy offers a very effective treatment for cases of fear of disease (nosophobia). Homeopathy gets into the root cause behind any of the mind-related health issues to give wonderful results. Homeopathic medicines are natural remedies that help to relax the mind and overcome fears and anxieties naturally. These are free from any sort of toxic side effects and are non-habit forming so can be used safely in persons of all age groups. Homeopathic medicines are prescribed based on the characteristic individual symptoms in each and every case after detailed case analysis. So, it is advised to consult a homeopathic physician to get your case evaluated and get the most suitable homeopathic prescription. One should avoid self-medication in homeopathy.

Homeopathic Medicines For Relieving Fear Of Disease

1. Arsenic Album – Most Recommended Medicine

Arsenic Album is the most prominently indicated homeopathic medicine for managing cases of fear of disease. This medicine is recommended for fear of different diseases. Persons needing it have fear of germs and catching infections, mostly viral infections. They fear contagious diseases especially (that spread from person to person via direct skin contact or coming in contact with the contaminated air droplets like from coughing, sneezing or touching contaminated objects). They may wash hands frequently out of this fear.

It is well indicated for fear of getting cancer and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Lastly, it is suggested for persons who are actually suffering from a disease, but they feel that they are suffering from an incurable disease with thoughts of death. They feel there is no use of taking any medicine as their disease cannot be cured. They suffer frequent anxiety attacks with restlessness. When they are anxious, there is trembling, cold sweat, difficulty in breathing, and constricted chest. Anxiety is worse after midnight in most of the cases needing this medicine.

2. Calcarea Carb – For Fear Of Contagious Disease

This medicine is suitable for persons who fear suffering from a contagious disease. These are the diseases that spread from direct skin to skin contact (like fungal infection, warts) or from inhaling infected air droplets from cough, sneeze (like cold, flu, sore throat) or from touching contaminated objects. Those needing it tend to have anxiety attacks towards the evening mostly, attended with fear of death. Besides the above-mentioned reasons, it is also useful to relieve fear of heart disease.

3. Carcinosin – For Fear Of Getting Cancer

Carcinosin is an effective medicine for cases where a person has fear of having cancer. It is also helpful for persons who believe they are already suffering from cancer while in reality they are not. They have marked restlessness. They always hurry while doing any kind of work. They might also face other sorts of fear as well, for example, fear of the dark, crowds, death and height.

4. Lac Caninum – Fear Of Getting Heart Disease

Lac Caninum works well in cases of fear of heart disease or heart attack. There is also a fear of going mad from excessive thoughts in the mind. Apart from this, Lac Caninum is useful for cases having fear of suffering from TB or tuberculosis (an infectious disease affecting the lungs caused by bacteria mycobacterium tuberculosis that spreads via inhaling air droplets of sneeze, cough of an infected person). There can be fear of fainting and fear of death as well in cases that require this medicine.

5. Medorrhinum – For Fear Of Sexually Transmitted Infections

This medicine is of great help in persons who nurture fear of protracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) via sexual contact. Besides this, Medorrhinum is indicated for cases having fear of getting cancer or getting mad. Apart from this, Medorrhinum is indicated for other general fears like fear of the dark, of being alone, of animals or an impending misfortune.

6. Syphilinum – For Fear Of Paralysis

Syphilinum is a useful medicine when there is marked fear of paralysis (loss of muscle function of a body part). Next, this medicine is also of use in persons having fear of acquiring AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). This medicine can also be considered in cases where there is marked fear of germs and infection. Due to this they keep washing hands quite often. This medicine is also given in cases of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

7. Argentum Nitricum – For Fear Of  Serious Disease

This medicine is suited to persons who fear they will surely get infected with some serious disease. There is a belief that the disease would be incurable with marked hopelessness, and anxiety. This medicine is also beneficial where fear of fainting is well-marked. In general, this medicine is indicated when there is anticipatory anxiety about some event that is going to happen in future. In addition to fear of disease, this medicine offers help in cases of fear of heights, crowds, darkness and fear of losing self-control.  Along with the above complaints, there is an impulsive tendency to do everything hurriedly.

Itching on the penis can be felt on the shaft of penis, glans penis or the foreskin (i.e. prepuce) which can be quite uncomfortable. It can occur due to various reasons like inflammation, infection or certain skin conditions. Depending on the cause, some other signs and symptoms that can attend itching are penile discharge, swelling, inflammation, eruptions/ rash on the penis, flaking on skin, pain/ burning when passing urine and painful intercourse. The different causes of penile itching are as follows:

1. Fungal or yeast infection (also known as thrush/candidiasis): Fungal infection on the penis is caused by fungus known as candida. It tends to result in signs and symptoms including itching of the penis along with redness, swelling, white patches or red spots on the penis head, cracks on the foreskin, thick white discharge under the foreskin, burning while urinating and pain during intercourse.

2. Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs): It firstly includes genital herpes (caused by Herpes Simplex Virus – HSV leading to blisters i.e. fluid-filled bumps on genitals). The second example of STI is genital warts (growths on the genitals occurring from Human Papilloma Virus – HPV). Another STI is chlamydia (caused by bacteria chlamydia trachomatis).

3. Balanitis: It refers to the inflammation of the glans penis and foreskin i.e. prepuce. It leads to signs and symptoms including redness, swelling, itching of the penis head/glans penis, pain on the glans, thick discharge under the foreskin, sores on the penis head, painful urination and bad smell on the penis.

4. Eczema of penis: This is indicated by inflamed skin of penis along with dryness, itching or fluid-filled bumps or the appearance of crust on penis.

5. Contact dermatitis: It is a reaction of the skin of the penis to products like certain soaps, fabrics or latex condom.

6. Psoriasis: A skin condition causing inflamed red patches with flakiness.

7. Scabies: An itchy skin condition occurring when small mites form burrows on the skin surface.

8. Lichen Planus: A skin condition that causes purple, flat-topped bumps on the skin.

9. Lichen Nitidus: It refers to inflammation of the skin cells resulting in small fleshy, flat-topped bumps on various body parts that may include penis.

10. Ingrown hair: It happens when hair ingrows at the penis base and causes itching.

11. Urethritis: It is the inflammation of the urethra. It causes symptoms including a burning sensation while urinating, discharge from the urethra, itching near the opening of the penis, or blood in the urine or semen.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy can be of great help in cases of penile itching and redness. Homeopathic medicines are natural remedies that help in relieving this complaint by working to treat the root cause behind it. Once the root cause is treated, long term relief sets in. Along with itching and redness, these medicines also help in relieving other associated complaints like swelling/inflammation over penis, eruptions/rash on the penis, flaking on skin. These medicines are free from any sort of side effects as these are prepared from natural substances. The most suitable homeopathic medicine for penile itching is selected after taking into consideration the individual symptoms and the reason behind itching. It is advised to always get your case evaluated by a homeopathic physician for right diagnosis and prescription. Self-medication should be avoided.

Homeopathic Medicines For Penile Itching

1. Sulphur – For Itching On Glans And Foreskin

Sulphur is an effective medicine for managing itching on the glans and the foreskin. Stitching pain can be felt in the penis besides itching. In some cases, ulcers are present on the penis, glans or the foreskin. The glans and foreskin can be very cold. Redness and burning sensation can be felt on the foreskin. Sometimes, swelling and cuts can be present on the foreskin in cases needing this medicine.

2. Croton Tiglium – With Fluid-filled Eruptions (Vesicles)

This medicine is recommended for itching on the penis and glans along with fluid-filled bumps. The bumps may extend to the scrotum as well. The itching is intense but scratching is painful. The eruptions are sensitive and painful to touch (sore). The bumps occur in clusters (in multiple numbers appearing in groups). In some cases, eruptions are pus-filled. The eruptions tend to burst with time and form crusts.

3. Thuja – For Itchy Inner Surface Of Foreskin With Warts

This medicine works well to manage itching on the inner surface of the foreskin with the presence of warts. Red warts occur on the inner surface of the foreskin in cases needing it. The warts are small pointed type. Burning sensation occurs on the area between foreskin and the glans. Ulcers or fluid-filled eruptions may be present on the glans penis.

4. Nitric Acid – For Balanitis With Itching

This medicine is recommended when there is inflamed foreskin. Small fluid-filled eruptions occur on the foreskin that are very itchy. These eruptions open after some time and get covered with scabs. Burning sensation can attend it. Little ulcers can also form on the inner surface of the foreskin that secrete a foul-smelling fluid.

5. Hepar Sulph – For Itchy Herpes Eruptions

Hepar Sulph is a useful medicine for cases having herpes eruptions along with itching. In cases requiring this medicine, there occur tiny fluid-filled eruptions in groups especially on the foreskin. The eruptions look white with a red base, attended by excessive itching. The eruptions are sensitive to touch as well.

6. Mezereum – For Itchy Glans

This medicine is well indicated for managing itching on the glans penis. With this stitching and prickling sensation is felt in the penis and glans. Swelling is seen on the penis. Heated sensation in the penis attends it. Discharge of watery mucus can occur from the urethra along with pain on touching urethra.

7. Cinnabaris – For Itchy Glans With Red Pimples  

This medicine is helpful to manage itching on glans with red pimples. The pimples are small in size. The foreskin can be red and swollen. In some cases needing it, warts on the foreskin may appear that have a tendency to bleed easily.

8. Natrum Mur – For Itching And Stinging On Glans

This medicine can be used for itching attended by stinging sensation on the glans, sometimes on the scrotum as well. A crawling sensation is felt on the glans. A thin fluid from the urethra may be discharged.

9. Rhus Tox – For Itching On Inner Surface Of Foreskin

This medicine can be considered in cases of itching on the inner surface of the foreskin. Stinging sensation can attend it. The foreskin along with glans is also swollen and appears dark red. Pain is felt in glans. Water-filled bumps may be present on glans.

10. Natrum Sulph – For Itching Of Penis, Glans And Scrotum

Natrum Sulph is applicable to cases of itching of penis, glans and scrotum. After scratching, burning is felt on glans and scrotum. Swelling of foreskin and scrotum may be present. In some cases, warts may occur on genitals with greenish discharge.

11. Silicea – For Red, Itchy Foreskin

This medicine helps cases of red, itchy foreskin. There is also swelling on the foreskin. Fluid-filled eruptions may be present. Itchy spots may also be present on the scrotum along with sweating.

Hallucinations refer to false sensory experiences related to sound, sight, smell and taste in the absence of external stimuli. These experiences are created by the mind and are not actually present. A person having auditory hallucinations hears voices, sounds or noises that do not exist in reality.  In the case of visual hallucinations, a person sees things or people who are not present nearby.

Hallucinations can occur because of various reasons. Among these, schizophrenia is one of the most common and important causes. It refers to a mental health condition in which the sufferer becomes unable to differentiate between real and unreal. He/she tends to develop fixed false beliefs called delusions or starts feeling sensory perceptions in the absence of external stimuli, like imagining some person being around though none is present or hearing a voice that is not actually there. Some other symptoms that can attend are delusions and hallucinations. Other symptoms include confused speech, senseless talking, social withdrawal, sensation of being controlled by a superhuman power, lack of emotions and changed sleep patterns. Delirium refers to a sort of confusion that develops quickly resulting in reduced attention, concentration and awareness due to disrupted brain activity.

Another cause of hallucinations can be dementia which is a term used to describe memory loss, reduced thinking and reasoning ability. Other reasons could be anxiety and depression, excessive alcohol intake and use of drugs like cocaine, and marijuana. It can also occur in case of seizures (fits), migraine (one-sided throbbing headache usually attended with nausea and vomiting), high fever and kidney/liver failure. Lastly, the use of certain medicines like medicines used to treat depression, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy can lead to hallucinations.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathic medicines carry a great scope in managing cases of visual and auditory hallucinations. These medicines help in gradually decreasing the symptoms of hallucinations. These medicines work at a deep psychological level to bring great recoveries in such cases. The best part of using these medicines is that they are free from side effects. These are also non-habit forming. Homeopathic medicines for hallucinations are prescribed on a person-to-person basis differing in every case, so it is advised to get any case of hallucinations evaluated by a homeopathic physician for the right medicine. Self-medication should be avoided in any case.

Homeopathic Medicines for Managing Hallucinations

1. Anacardium – For Auditory Hallucinations

Anacardium is one of the best medicines to manage auditory hallucinations. This medicine is suited to persons who tend to hear the voices of persons, spirits or dead people. A very prominent symptom is the feeling of a demon sitting on one shoulder asking to do bad things and an angel sitting on the other shoulder directing the person to do good deeds. They may also hear voices saying that he/she is going to die. A very unique symptom that can attend is a feeling as if the body and mind are separate. A feeling of being under superhuman control can also prevail. The affected persons have a tendency to use bad language, curse and swear. They may get angry over small issues and show violent behavior.

2. Veratrum Album – For Visual Hallucination

Veratrum Album is suitable for those who see persons near them constantly. It appears to them that the room is full of people though nobody is present in real life. The sufferer even talks to them. It can be attended with crying or laughing. Sleeplessness tends to trouble the sufferer. Besides, this medicine is recommended when a person has a feeling of misfortune and runs around the house screaming or sitting, brooding constantly and weeping. In cases needing it, a tendency to get violent may occur along with the above complaints. It is attended with a tendency to hit persons standing nearby or cut and tear things. The sufferer may also develop a tendency to run away.

3. Stramonium – For Both Visual And Auditory Hallucinations

This medicine is indicated for both visual and auditory hallucinations. In case of visual hallucinations, persons needing it feel as if there are ghosts or animals present around. It feels as if they are jumping or running towards them.  They may also see strangers around them though nobody is present. They may also see people coming out from all the corners of the room. They may see insects like cockroaches, beetles, and bed bugs. A sensation of snakes under and around them can also be present. Sometimes, black objects are seen. It is also indicated for persons who imagine horrifying images causing terror. Lastly, they can see cats, dogs, rats coming towards them.

In cases of auditory hallucinations, the symptoms guiding its use are hearing voices and talking with persons not actually present in the room. They may also speak with spirits. An important attending symptom that sufferers could have is feeling of being tall or double or some part of the body missing. In cases needing it, religious mania can be present with constant praying. Sudden mood changes from joy to sadness can occur. A constant movement of hands can be present. The hallucinations may lead to fear, fright and violent behavior.

4. Cannabis Indica – For Hallucination With Hearing Of Bells Or Music

This medicine is well-indicated for auditory hallucinations where a person hears multiple bells ringing. He may also hear music. He may also hear someone calling out to him. An additional symptom that can attend is the feeling of the body becoming larger and larger. There may also be a sensation of having two existences. Besides, memory may become weak and concentration may decrease. Sometimes uncontrollable laughter occurs with initiation of laughing bouts at every single word that the sufferer hears. A fear of becoming insane may persist.

5. Belladonna – For Visual Hallucinations Of Ghosts And Frightful Images

This medicine proves effective in cases where person sees ghosts or frightful images. They may see monsters, ugly faces, and insects too. They fear them and wish to run away from them. In some cases, they see black animals in front of them. They are very restless. They tend to bite, hit others, and may tear things in front of them to pieces. Their hands can be in constant motion as if trying to catch something suspended in the air.

6. Hyoscyamus – When Sufferer Sees Persons Or Snakes Around

This medicine is beneficial in cases where the sufferer assumes persons who are not actually there, to be physically present in front of him/ her. The sufferer imagines as if the persons nearby are making efforts to hold him and he needs to escape from them. He/she may talk to oneself, imaginary people or dead ones. The affected person talks excessively, more than usual, in a hurry about things that make no sense. He may cry and laugh alternatively. Besides human beings, they may see snakes creeping towards them. Some fears may be present in the mind, apart from the above symptoms. There is a fear of being poisoned, bitten by animals or sold away.

7. Opium – When Person Sees Ghosts And Frightful Animals

This medicine is helpful for cases where a person sees ghosts and frightful animals. Besides, there is a feeling as if the body parts are very large. There may be excessive talkativeness. Hallucination of some masked people coming near may also be felt.

Vaginal discharge refers to a clear or white fluid coming from vagina. Some amount of vaginal discharge is normal and functions to keep vagina clean and help to lubricate vagina and fight the bad bacteria to prevent infection. Normal vaginal discharge should not be itchy. If itchy then it indicates some infection or other medical reason that needs to be investigated and treated. A sudden increase in vaginal discharge especially if it occurs along with change in color or when attended with bad smell, vaginal pain, pelvic pain then it could be arising from some medical reasons for which investigation is needed to rule out the cause followed by proper treatment. Depending on the cause behind the discharge, it can be attended with burning, vaginal pain, belly pain, pelvic pain, swelling and redness of the genitals, eruptions on the vulva and vagina, and fever.

Causes for Itching with Vaginal Discharge

1. Fungal/yeast infection in the vagina: Also called vaginal candidiasis, it causes symptoms like itching in the vagina, thick white vaginal discharge, burning when urinating or during intercourse, vaginal pain, and redness with swelling of the vulva.

2. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis: Gonorrhoea is caused by bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, while chlamydia is caused by bacteria chlamydia trachomatis. Trichomoniasis is caused by infection by parasite trichomonas vaginalis.

3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): It refers to infection in the upper genital tract of females including uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries usually occurring from sexually transmitted infections.

4. Bacterial vaginosis: This condition occurs when there appears an imbalance in the naturally present bacterial flora in the vagina. When the number of bad bacteria increases and good bacteria in the vagina decreases, then bacterial vaginosis occurs.

5. Vaginitis: it refers to inflammation of the vagina.

6. An allergic reaction to chemicals present in soaps, contraceptives, feminine sprays or a forgotten tampon.

7. Rarely cancer of the vulva, uterus, cervix or the vagina

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathic mode of treatment carries a great scope to manage cases of vaginal discharge with itching. Homeopathic medicines aim to correct the underlying cause behind it to bring wonderful results. These are natural remedies that treat this condition with zero side effects. Along with vaginal discharge and itching, they also manage any associated symptoms like burning, pain in vagina and pelvic pain. Homeopathic medicines for treating such cases are selected depending on the characteristic symptoms in every individual case. It is advised to take any homeopathic medicine under supervision of a homeopathic doctor and avoid self–medication in any case.

Homeopathic Medicines for Vaginal Discharge with Itching

1. Sepia – Top Recommended Medicine

Sepia is one of the best homeopathic medicines to manage vaginal discharge with itching. In cases needing it, the discharge may be of different colors in different women, like yellow, green or clear like water. The discharge is foul-smelling and is more in volume after urinating. The discharges usually occur during the day. A very important accompanying symptom is bearing down pain in the pelvis with the sensation as if the pelvic organs will come out of the vagina. There is also an increased urge to urinate along with the above complaints. Intense pain during coition is also there. Pain in the ovarian region is mainly of stitching type which occurs sometimes. In some cases, ulcers in the vagina may be present.

2. Kreosote – Along With Burning In Vagina

Kreosote is a highly suitable medicine when there is vaginal discharge along with itching and burning in the vagina. Females needing this medicine also complain of itching between the labia and the thighs. Sharp pain may also be felt in the vagina. Vaginal pain is most marked while urinating. A characteristic feature to use this medicine is intense bad smell coming from the discharge. The discharge in most cases is yellow which leaves stains on the clothes. The discharge gets worse while standing and walking and gets better while sitting. Pain during intercourse can be an attending symptom along with above indications. This medicine is highly suitable for vaginitis cases.

3. Natrum Mur – With Thick White Vaginal Discharge

This medicine is very effective in managing thick white vaginal discharge along with itching. The discharge is attended with excessive weakness in cases needing it. Pain in the lower abdomen may occur along with the discharge. The discharge is worse at night in most of the cases. Burning is also felt in the vagina while passing urine. Burning also occurs during coition. Vagina is sore to touch.

4. Merc Sol – With Greenish Discharge

Merc Sol is a well-indicated medicine for green discharge along with itching in the vagina. Itching leads to scratching. After scratching, burning sensation is felt in the vagina. Itching worsens while urinating. The discharge contains lumps of mucus in most cases. It may sometimes be blood-stained. In cases needing it, the discharge gets worse at night. Sometimes throbbing is felt in the vagina. Swelling may appear in the labia. Small pimples may also be seen on the labia. There is pain in the uterus, the nature of pain may be stitching or aching type.

5. Nitric Acid – With Brownish Coloured Discharge

This medicine is highly recommended when brown vaginal discharge occurs along with itching. The discharge may occur in the form of ropy mucus. It is foul-smelling. The discharge flows down the legs like water. Itching in the vagina may be felt after coition. This medicine is a prominent one for cases of gonorrhoea with vaginal discharge, and also vaginitis. Stitching pain is felt in cases requiring this medicine. Ulcers and cracks may appear on the labia minora along with soreness (pain on touching). The vulva may also be swollen besides burning and itching.

6. Calcarea Carb – For Discharge With Itching And Weakness

This medicine is considered when along with discharge and itching of the vagina, weakness is also present. Itching gets worse in the evening in cases needing it. Burning is also felt in the vagina. The discharge is worse during urination and also after exercise. The discharge is milky white in color. Inflammation, swelling and soreness (pain on touch) of genitals attend the above symptoms.

7. Alumina – With Intense Burning

This medicine is indicated when intense burning in the vagina attends discharge and itching. The discharge is transparent and profuse. The discharge runs down to the feet. Washing with cold water helps to relieve the complaint. The discharge is more during the day. There is swelling of the vagina. Ovaries may also be swollen along with pain with above symptoms.

8. Helonias – Along With Heat, Redness, Swelling

Helonias is a very useful medicine when there is itching in the vagina along with discharge accompanied with heat, redness and swelling of genitals. Itching is very intense in nature. The discharge is curdled and smells very foul. Lower back pain occurs along with these complaints.

9. Sulphur – For Itching Worse while Sitting

This medicine is suited for cases in which itching gets worse while sitting. Burning sensation is felt. Vagina is painful to touch. The discharge is yellow. Discharge worsens at night. Offensive smell occurs from discharge. Bearing down is felt in the genitals. Cutting or pinching type of pain occurs around the navel.

Sound sensitivity, medically called hyperacusis, refers to over-sensitivity to a variety of sounds that are unbearable and feel painfully loud to the sufferer. They may also frighten some sufferers. In some cases, it may result in seizures (fits). Sound sensitivity is also referred to as decreased sound tolerance. In persons having sound sensitivity, certain sounds are perceived only at a very high volume. The same may be perceived at normal volume by persons having normal hearing. Some sounds are not even heard by them. The sound made while turning pages of the book, chewing food, running water, and running of electrical home appliances seems intolerable to persons with sound sensitivity.

These sounds may be annoying to the sufferer and impact his/her mental health resulting in anxiety, irritability, anger, depression, and can lead to social isolation. Depending on the cause behind sound sensitivity, some other symptoms may be present like tinnitus (hearing noises like ringing, buzzing in ear in the absence of an external source), feeling of fullness/pressure in the ears and pain in the ears. Being tired and stressed may worsen the symptoms.

It can result from various reasons. Some of these include

1. Head or ear injury or an infection affecting the inner ear and ear damage resulting from toxins.

2. Migraine: It refers to one-sided headache of throbbing type chiefly attended with nausea and vomiting. One may feel excessive sensitivity to sound and light.

3. Autism: It is a neuro-developmental disorder that leads to problems in communication, and social interaction of child along with restricted and repetitive behavior.

4. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): It is a condition that causes problems in processing sensory stimuli and responding to them appropriately. Sensory stimuli involve sound, sight, taste, smell and touch. The sufferer may either give an oversensitive or hyposensitive response to sensory stimuli.

5. Meniere’s disease: It refers to an inner ear disorder represented by different medical conditions: tinnitus (noises in the ear in the absence of any external source), vertigo and hearing loss usually on one side of the ear. In some cases, it is linked with sound sensitivity.

6. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition related to the mind triggered by a traumatic event in life (like a road accident, sexual assault, etc) and depression.

7. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): It refers to tiredness both physically and mentally that does not improve with rest. There is no underlying medical condition behind it.

8. Lyme Disease: A bacterial tick-borne disease, it is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdoferi.

9. Temporo Mandibular Disorder (TMJ) disorder: It refers to a disorder resulting from a problem with the jaw joint, or muscles related to the jaw movement.

10. Ramsay hunt syndrome: It arises when Shingles (a viral infection caused by varicella zoster virus) affect the facial nerve lying close to ear.

11. When no cause is identified, then it is referred as an idiopathic case.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy is very effective in managing complaints of sound sensitivity. These medicines are entirely safe to use with zero side effects as these are prepared from naturally occurring substances. Homeopathic medicines bring excellent results in such cases by aiming to treat the root cause behind it. They bring gradual improvement in such cases, and the results may vary from case to case. The most suitable medicine in these cases is selected keeping in mind the individual requirement after detailed case evaluation based on the characteristic symptom presentation. So it is advised to get every case evaluated by a doctor and take medicine under the supervision of a doctor. Self-medication should not be done in any case.

Homeopathic Medicines for Sound Sensitivity

1. Asarum Europaeum

It is a highly recommended medicine for cases of sound sensitivity. Persons needing it have hypersensitive nerves with oversensitivity to the slightest noise. The rattle of the paper and scratching on the clothes are unbearable to them. Even the thought of scratching with nails by someone seems to bring a nervous tremor (trembling) in them. A very characteristic symptom that can be present is an extreme sensitivity to cold. Additionally, low energy levels can also be an attending feature.

2. Borax

Borax is another important medicine to manage sound sensitivity. Those requiring this medicine get easily frightened by the least noise. They are very nervous people and get startled from sharp noises like sneezing, hawking, coughing and hearing someone crying. Additionally, they may have a great fear of downward motion like going downstairs and fear of falling. Fear of thunder may also be there along with the above symptoms.

3. Opium

This medicine is well indicated for persons who are unable to sleep due to acuteness of hearing. Noise from distant places disturbs the sleep and keeps them awake. They are actually very sleepy but are unable to sleep due to this medical condition. Besides, they also complain of noises in the ear i.e. tinnitus. The noises can be of different types. These might include roaring, buzzing or humming type, varying from case to case.

4. Zincum Met

Zincum Met is of great use in treating many of the nerves-related complaints including sound sensitivity. The key indicating feature to use this medicine is sensitivity to the sounds of people talking. These sounds affect the nerves in the sufferer and cause impatience and bad temper in them. Marked fatigue (tiredness, exhaustion) in an intense degree can accompany the above symptoms in most of the cases.

5. Coffea Cruda

Coffea Cruda is an effective medicine when hearing is very acute with hearing even very distant sounds that are not audible to persons with normal hearing. Persons needing it also have marked sensitivity to voices, music and even footsteps. Even little noise seems to cause pain in the body or worsen the already present pain. Besides hearing, a person’s other senses are also over-sensitive, like smell, taste and touch.

6. Theridion

This medicine is suitable when there is extreme sensitivity to noise that seems to penetrate the whole body. The noises especially seem to penetrate the teeth. It is followed by nausea and pain all over the body, and a chilly feeling. Vertigo may also result from the slightest noise. Noise may make headache worse. The noises that are the most disturbing include vibration of any sort or the sound of footsteps while walking. There is also marked restlessness along with the above symptoms.

7. Belladonna

Belladonna is recommended when there is ear pain along with sensitivity to sounds. The slightest noise seems to cause ear pain. Startling occurs from the least noise. Tinnitus may also be present with roaring, ringing and humming noises in ear. Headache may also occur from noise.

8. Phosphorus

This medicine is prominently indicated for cases in which there is oversensitivity to different senses other than hearing including odor, light and touch. The slightest noise cause startling in persons needing it. In case of sensitivity to smell, sensitivity to the smell of flowers is most prominent that may even cause fainting. In general, anxiety and restlessness may also be present.

9. Nux Vomica

Nux vomica is indicated when there is increased sensitivity to noise, odor, and light. Every sound causes pain to those needing it. Sudden noise may sometimes result in fits or seizures.

Facial pain refers to any kind of pain or discomfort felt in the face. The pain can occur on the whole face or may be localized to a particular part of the face. In some cases, pain may radiate from the head or ears to the face. The pain can be mild to severe varying from case to case. It may be constant or may come and go at varying intervals. Depending on the causes, facial pain may be attended with other symptoms like headache, jaw pain, tooth pain, earache, tingling/numbness/weakness on the face, swelling on the face, skin eruptions, sinus symptoms like nasal discharge, PND (Post Nasal Drip means dripping of mucus from the back of nose into throat), blocked nose, and eye-related symptoms like eye redness, eye watering, etc.  Facial pain can arise from various causes as follows:

1. Trigeminal neuralgia: Trigeminal neuralgia refers to severe pain on one side of the face along the course of the trigeminal nerve mainly due to compression, irritation or damage to the trigeminal nerve.

2. Sinusitis: It refers to inflamed paranasal sinuses i.e. air-filled cavities in the skull bone. It can cause facial pain along with other symptoms like nasal discharge, post nasal dripping, headache and blocked nose. Facial pain can be felt in the cheek area, forehead, root of the nose or the upper jaw depending on the sinus involved.

3. Toothache or cavities (hole in a teeth from decay) in the teeth and dental procedures like tooth extraction, root canal treatment, etc.

4. Herpes Zoster or post-herpetic neuralgia: Herpes Zoster refers to a painful rash with fluid-filled bumps (blisters) caused by varicella zoster virus. If this pain continues for more than three months after healing of the skin rash, it is termed post-herpetic neuralgia.

5. Herpes Simplex: It is also known as fever blisters characterized by tiny blisters around the mouth and on the lips caused by herpes simplex virus 1.

6. Headaches like migraine (one-sided headache usually throbbing type often attended with nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to noise and light)

7. An injury to face or a fracture of maxillary or mandibular bone

8. Oral infection (infection of gums, tooth abscess – pus collection in different areas of tooth from bacterial infection) and infection of the salivary glands

9. TMJ (Temporo Mandibular Joint) disorders: These are the disorders arising from complaint of the jaw joint or muscles linked with jaw movement.

10. Atypical facial pain when no clear cause is found.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy can be of great help in cases of facial pain. Homeopathic medicines are natural remedies that help in relieving facial pain by working on the root cause behind it. Once the root cause is treated, a long-term relief in facial pain follows. The most suitable homeopathic medicine for facial pain is selected after taking into consideration the individual symptoms and the cause behind facial pain. It is advised to always get any case of facial pain evaluated by a homeopathic physician for the right diagnosis and prescription. In most cases, facial pain occurs due to mild causes treatable with homeopathy. However, in very rare cases, pain in the face or jaw may happen from heart attack. So, if any pain occurs in the chest or left arm suddenly and radiate to the face or jaw then immediate help from conventional mode of treatment should be taken as homeopathy has limitation in treating such critical cases.

Homeopathic Medicines For Facial Pain

1. Belladonna – Top Medicine

Belladonna is a highly effective medicine for managing facial pains. It can help facial pain linked to several issues like sinusitis, headache, migraine, nerve involvement. In cases requiring it, the pain gets worse by touching the face or movement of the face. The pain may radiate to the side of head, ear or to the neck. The pain can be relieved by pressing the face hard. Though pain can occur on any side, it mostly affects the right side of the face. The pain can be cutting, shooting, tearing in nature. Along with pain, heated sensation can be felt on the face. The face can be markedly red too. Swelling may appear on the cheeks.  This medicine is also helpful for managing nerve pain that starts from the right side of head and spreads to the right eye and right cheek.

2. Spigelia – For Facial Pain From Trigeminal Neuralgia

Spigelia is one of the best medicine for pain on the face due to trigeminal neuralgia. Pain is mostly felt on the left side of face. One feels pain on the forehead, eye, cheek, teeth on left sided face. The pain can be tearing stitching, stabbing or burning type like hot needles. Pain tends to come and go suddenly. The left side of the face is also very sensitive to touch.

3. Magnesia Phosphorica – For Right Sided Facial Pain

This medicine is well indicated to manage facial pain on the right side especially due to trigeminal neuralgia. It is recommended when pain begins from the right eye and from there radiates to the entire right side of the face. The pain may be cutting stitching, shooting or cutting type. The pain tends to worsen from the slightest touch, a draft of air and washing with cold water. Relief is felt from warm application on the right side of face.

4. Colocynth – For Left Sided Facial Pain

Colocynth is a wonderful medicine for managing left sided facial pain. In cases needing it, facial pain gets worse from even slight touch on the face. The left side of the face is red, hot and swollen along with pain. The pain gets better from applying warmth. It is also relieved by absolute rest. The pain may radiate to the head, left ear and left side of the neck. Pain may be attended with excessive watering from the left eye. It is also indicated when pain from the left cheek bone radiates to the left eye.

5. Kali Bichrome – For Pain From Sinusitis

Kali Bichrome is a useful medicine for managing facial pain caused by sinusitis. In cases needing it, pain is mostly felt on the forehead above the eyes, root of the nose or the cheeks. Besides, thick ropy, yellow or greenish discharge from the nose may appear or the discharge may drip from the back of the nose into the throat i.e. PND – post nasal drip. Nasal blockage may be experienced.

6. Merc Sol – From Toothache

This medicine is well indicated when pain from painful teeth radiates to the face and even to the ears. Pain may be tearing or shooting type. The affected tooth may be decayed. Gum inflammation can also be present. Swelling over the cheek may be present on the affected side of the tooth. The pain gets worse from eating anything cold or warm. Relief appears from rubbing the cheek around the affected tooth.

7. Hecla Lava – From Decayed Tooth Or After Tooth Extraction

This medicine is highly suitable to manage facial pain that occurs from decayed tooth or follows tooth extraction. The pain is located over the jaw area. Swelling may also be present. The affected area is painful to touch. Due to pain there is difficulty in eating and sleeping.

8. Silicea – For Pain From Gums Infection Or Tooth Abscess

Silicea is a very important medicine for managing pain in the cheeks or face or from infection in gums or tooth abscess. In cases needing it, there is soreness and inflammation of gums. There is throbbing pain in teeth. This pain tends to radiate to the cheek or face from teeth. Pain gets worse at night.

9. Rhus Tox – For Pain From TMJ Disorder

This medicine is beneficial for managing pain occurring from TMJ disorder especially from joint inflammation. It is indicated when pain occurs at a jaw joint. It is accompanied with stiffness. Warmth or pressure over the joint relieves pain.

A healthy immune system is the hallmark of a healthy life. However, low immunity in kids makes them prone to frequent infections. Immune system helps to defend body against an infection caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. A strong immune system is needed to fight infections and maintain good health. If the immune system becomes weak, it leads to recurrent infections. It is quite common for a kid to get an infection just like an adult and it’s a part of his growing up. If it happens very frequently at short intervals, it indicates a lack of immunity to fight those infections. The reason behind poor immunity may be genetic factors predisposing a child to frequent infections; lack of well-balanced diet containing proper nutrients including vitamins, and an minerals;  lack of physical activity; insufficient germ exposure because of intensely clean environment; lack of sufficient sleep, stress, exposure to smoke and air pollutants, etc.

Signs Of Poor Immunity

1. Catching infections frequently is one of the most important signs of weak immunity in children. One amongst the various infections that a child can suffer from frequently is cold. Cold occurs from viral infection and it is quite common in children to catch cold about three to four times in a year but if a child catches cold more frequently than this, it indicates weak immunity. Other infections include tonsillitis, ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and urinary tract infection.

2. Another sign of weak immunity is irregularity in bowel movements including constipation (a condition in which a child passes stool less frequently means less than 3 stools in a week or passes hard, dry hard stool or has difficulty or pain when passing stool), gas problem and diarrhea (passing loose stool three or more times in a day). Both good and bad bacteria are present in our gut. The good bacteria help to keep the gastric system strong and healthy and also help to fight the diseases Lowered good gut bacteria may result in improper digestion and weak immunity.

3. Lack of energy to play or do other activities, getting tired very easily is another sign pointing towards weak immunity.

4. Not gaining weight and poor physical growth signals towards low immunity.

5. Other signs of weak immunity may include slow wound healing, loss of appetite, anemia (a condition characterized by lack of enough red blood cells to carry adequate amount of oxygen to body tissues).

Homeopathic Treatment

One can rely on homeopathic medicines when it comes to boosting child’s immunity. These medicines are 100% natural medicines with zero side effects, so are totally safe to use. They enhance body’s immunity naturally. Based on symptomatic treatment, homeopathic medicines gradually reduce the frequency of catching infections often by building a stronger immunity and improving gut health. There is no single specific medicine that can help each and every case of poor immunity, rather the medicine has to be selected from a set of different medicines in every individual case based on the detailed case history. Individual assessment is required for case analysis and prescription, thereby it is advised that homeopathic medicines should be solely used under guidance of an expert homeopathic physician and self-medication must be avoided.

Homeopathic Medicines for Boosting Immunity In Kids

1. Calcarea Carb

This medicine is effective in cases where tendency to catch cold and suffer from sore throat is quite frequent. This medicine will boost immunity and make kids less prone to suffer from cold and sore throat happening at very short intervals. Besides, it can be helpful for the kids who get frequent ear infections. Kids needing it may have a tendency to sweat excessively especially around the head, mainly while sleeping. Sour smell may emanate from sweat and also from stool. A tendency to eat indigestible things like chalk, pencils, dirt can be present. They may have an intense craving for eggs and a dislike for milk.

2. Baryta Carb

Baryta Carb is prominently indicated to build strong immunity in kids who suffer recurrent cold and tonsillitis (inflamed tonsils) at relatively shorter intervals. They feel pain in the throat while swallowing, burning sensation in throat as well as increased salivation during acute tonsillitis. There may be tendency of pus collection behind tonsils (quinsy also known as peritonsillar abscess). Children needing it also have retarded growth and development and have short height. After infections, they may suffer from weight loss. There may be offensive sweat on the feet.

3. Tuberculinum

This medicine is quite similar in action to the above medicines. It also helps to strengthen immunity to keep away tendency of suffering from recurrent upper respiratory tract infections like cold, tonsillitis, sore throat. It boosts immunity which reduces tendency to have recurrent bronchitis. Kids needing it might not be gaining weight according to their age and they look thin and weak. They also feel tired and have a tendency to sweat profusely at night.

4. Alfalfa

This medicine is considered a general tonic in homeopathy to improve appetite and digestion along with enhancing immunity. It also helps in cases where tiredness and fatigue are marked, besides low weight. Alfalfa will help gain weight and improve the child’s stamina to keep away tiredness and infections.

5. Ferrum Phos

This medicine is recommended for kids who are anemic and have low immunity. They look thin and pale. There is marked weakness as they feel tired and exhausted. There is an aversion to do any kind of physical exertion due to exhaustion. There may be weight loss.

6. China Officinalis

China Officinalis can be used in kids who have weak digestion. They tend to have gas problem along with bloated abdomen. Frequent stomach pain due to gas may occur. They may suffer diarrhea (loose stool) often. There may be excessive weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss and anemia.

7. Alumina

Alumina can help cases where the digestive process is impaired along with constipation. Kids needing it suffer from intense constipation. They do not pass stool daily. There is lack of urge to pass stool for many days so they go for days without passing stool. The stool when passed is very difficult. Great straining is needed to expel stool. Alumina helps to regularize bowel movements and improve indigestion which may be decreasing immunity. Additionally kids needing it may be inactive and want to lie down all the time.

8. Silicea

Silicea is a well-indicated medicine where a child is thin and has hindered growth and development. This is not due to lack of appetite but due to defective assimilation (absorption and transportation of the nutrients from food to body cells through bloodstream). Children needing it have good appetite but have poor growth due to improper assimilation of food. They have excessive fatigue and get exhausted easily. They are very sensitive to cold and have tendency to sweat heavily on the feet and head. They may also be prone to skin infections with pus formation.

Testicles, also called testes, is a pair of oval-shaped reproductive organs in men. These are enclosed in a sac of skin called scrotum and produce sperms and male hormones.  Pain in testicle (testicular pain) is the pain which is felt in or around the testicle. It can be in one (unilateral) or both the testicles (bilateral). The pain may be accompanied with swelling and enlargement of the testicle. Sometimes a lump may also be felt in the testicle.

Homeopathic Management

There is good scope to treat cases of mild to moderate pain in testicles in homeopathy. Homeopathic medicines for testicle pain help in providing relief by targeting the root cause behind it. These medicines help in natural and safe recovery without any side effects. Before starting homeopathic treatment it is very important to rule out the reason behind testicular pain. This is because homeopathy, despite its great scope, has limitations to treat some serious conditions like testicular torsion where immediate help from the conventional mode of treatment is needed. It is to be noted that in case of sudden severe unbearable testicle pain or testicle pain attended with nausea, chills, fever or blood in urine one should urgently take medical help as they can be indicative of a serious condition.

Homeopathic Medicines For Testicular Pain

1. Clematis – Top Remedy

Clematis is a top-listed medicine for managing cases of testicle pain. It is very beneficial when pain worsens from the slightest touch. In many cases requiring it, the pain from the testes can extend to the groin and the thighs. The testis may also be swollen and inflamed. Testis may also feel hard to touch. It is prominently indicated for testicle pain occurring from orchitis, hydrocele and epididymitis.

2. Rhododendron – For Pain Due To Hydrocele

Rhododendron is the most recommended medicine for cases of testicle pain arising from hydrocele. In cases needing it, the pain from the testicle may extend to the abdomen and the thighs sometimes. The testes may also be swollen. They may be very painful to touch. Another indication to use it is pain in the right testicle which worsens while sitting and gets better when walking.

3. Hamamelis – When Related To Varicocele

This medicine is well-indicated when testicle pain is related to varicocele. This medicine helps to improve blood flow in the veins of the scrotum and decrease pooling of blood. In cases needing it, the pain may be present day and night but gets worse after midnight. The right testicle may be enlarged along with heat sensation and pain. The left testicle may be swollen and hard with pain. Along with pain in testicles, pain may be felt in the groin that may extend to the back.

4. Apis Mellifica – For Testicle Pain and Swelling

This is prominently indicated in cases where pain in the testicles is attended with swelling. The males needing it complain of worsening of pain in testes from touch. At most times, the right-sided testicle is swollen. It is a leading medicine for treating cases of hydrocele.

5. Conium – From Orchitis

This medicine is well-indicated for cases of testicle pain from orchitis. It is a prominent medicine for testicle inflammation with pain in those having gonorrhea. In cases needing it, excessive pain is felt in the testes mostly at night. Besides, it is a good medicine for swollen and hard testicles that arise after contusion (injury in which blood vessels are damaged from a blow to the skin, but the skin is not broken).

6. Iodum – For Painful Swollen and Hard Testicles

This medicine is recommended for cases having painful, swollen and hard testicles. A pressure is also felt in the testes that extends to the abdomen. There is worsening of pain after sexual activity. Its use is also considered when testicles are swollen without any pain.

7. Spongia – For Pain From Epididymitis

Spongia is a very useful medicine when pain arises due to epididymitis. The testes are swollen and hard and sore to touch. Another indication to use it is stitching pain in the testicle that shoots up to the spermatic cord.

8. Arnica – For Swollen Tender Testes From Injuries

This medicine is well indicated for treating cases of swelling and tenderness in testes arising after injury. It is also indicated when the testicles are hard. Another indication for its use is pain and swelling of the spermatic cord along with pain in the testes that extends to the abdomen.

9. Staphysagria – For Left Testicle Pain 

It is a useful medicine to help cases of left testicle pain. The pain gets worse while walking. The pain also gets worse from touching  and rubbing. Sometimes pain shoots into the spermatic cord from the testicles. Inflammation of testicles may be present. Burning sensation may be felt in testicle in case of inflammation.

10. Aurum Met – For Right Testicle Pain 

It is a suitable medicine for pain in the right testicle. The pain tends to get worse from rubbing or touching. The testicles are swollen along with pain. Pressure is felt in the testicle. Along with the above symptoms, the testicle may become hard.

11. Pulsatilla – For Pain In Testes Along With Burning Sensation

This medicine is indicated when pain in testes is attended with burning sensation. This can be accompanied with swelling in the testes. Besides, the testes are also sore. It is mainly indicated for cases of hydrocele, varicocele and orchitis. It is also useful for swelling of testes after gonorrhoea.

What Causes Testicular Pain?

It can arise from various reasons enumerated below:

1. An injury such as trauma, blow to the testicles.

2. Orchitis (inflamed testicle): It is mainly caused by a bacterial or a viral infection. It can cause testicle pain, groin pain, heaviness in testicles, painful ejaculation, pain or burning during urination and discharges from penis.

3. Hydrocele:  Swelling in the scrotum due to collection of fluid in the sheath that surrounds the testicles. It causes swelling in scrotum on one or both the sides. Dragging sensation and heaviness is felt in the scrotum. In some cases, pain and redness of scrotum is present.

4. Varicocele: An abnormal enlargement of the veins within the scrotum.

5. Epididymitis: It is an inflammation of the epididymis (coiled tube at the back of the testicle in which sperms are stored while they mature and then carried from the testes to the vas deferens). It is mainly caused by sexually transmitted infections (like chlamydia, gonorrhea) and also infection of urinary tract or prostate gland. Its symptoms include pain in testicles, swelling, redness and tenderness of testicles, painful urination, painful ejaculation, blood in semen, and discharge from penis.

6. Diabetic Neuropathy: It can damage the nerve that supplies the scrotum.

7. Inguinal Hernia: It refers to a condition in which the fatty or intestinal tissues from abdomen protrude through the inguinal canal. The protruded intestine can sometimes push into the scrotum causing pain and swelling in the testicle.

8. Spermatocele (build-up of fluid in testicle), testicular tumor, testicular cancer and undescended testicles.

9. Testicular Torsion: Rotation of testicle resulting in twisting of the spermatic cord that brings blood to the scrotum is another cause. It is a serious medical condition causing severe and sudden pain in testicle. It requires urgent medical treatment because it causes blood supply to the testicles to cut off which can result in permanent damage to the testicular tissue if not attended immediately.

10. Urinary tract infection or kidney stones

11. Post vasectomy pain syndrome: In some males who have undergone vasectomy (a male birth control procedure in which the tubes that carry sperms are cut and sealed) may get testicle pain afterwards.

12. Idiopathic: When no cause behind testicle pain is ruled out such cases are known as idiopathic cases