|
by Lauren Feder, M.D., CCH and Mary Grace, RS Hom(na), CCH, DHM
The events of September 11, 2001 have reminded us how quickly lives can be changed forever. At this time we must all look inward and clearly focus on well-being and health for ourselves, our family, our friends and the world. We have all been very concerned about recent events and take the additional threat of biological and germ warfare quite seriously.
The need for this article indicates how much our world has changed. The possibilities of treatments for people who are affected by today's events and the danger of these diseases can be addressed with homeopathy. It is our hope that our minds and hearts can remain open and that homeopathy can once again stimulate health and well-being in all of us and in our world.
Anthrax
What is anthrax?
Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It mostly occurs in wild and domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, camels and antelopes. Anthrax can also occur in humans, usually upon exposure to an infected animal.
There are 3 forms of the disease Anthrax: cutaneous (skin), inhalation (lungs), and ingestion (gastrointestinal). Anthrax can form a spore, which can become airborne and cause infection to humans. The spores live in the soil for many years. Humans can become infected with anthrax by coming in contact with infected animals via an open skin wound, by inhaling anthrax spores or eating undercooked meat from infected animals. It is rare to find infected animals in the United States.
What are the symptoms of anthrax?
The symptoms of Anthrax vary depending on how the disease was contracted, but symptoms usually occur within 7 days.
Cutaneous/Skin: 95% of anthrax infections occur when the bacterium enters a cut or abrasion on the skin. This includes handling contaminated wool, hides, leather or hair products (especially goat hair) of infected animals. Skin infection begins as a raised itchy bump that resembles an insect bite but within 1-2 days progresses into a painless ulcer, with a characteristic black area in the center. Nearby lymph glands may swell. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) deaths are rare if the patient receives appropriate medications.
Inhalation/Lungs: After an incubation period of 1-7 days, an exposed individual develops flu-like symptoms (which can include fatigue, muscle and body aches, fever and cough) which can last 2-3 days. The exposed person improves and begins to feel better. After several days, new symptoms appear as severe breathing problems with bloody frothy mucous, chest pain, sweating and shock. Inhalation anthrax is usually fatal.
Ingestion/Gastrointestinal: The intestinal disease form of anthrax may follow after eating contaminated meat. An acute inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract is followed by symptoms of nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever. Subsequently abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea occur.
Direct person-to-person spread of anthrax is not known to occur.
What is the anthrax vaccine?
An anthrax vaccine has been licensed for use in humans. The vaccine is reported to be 93% effective in protecting against anthrax. The Department of Defense (DoD) has begun mandatory vaccination of all active duty military personnel who might be involved in a conflict.
What is the standard medical treatment?
The FDA has declared that the antibiotic Cipro is the treatment of choice for anthrax. For medication to be effective, treatment should be initiated early. If left untreated, anthrax (inhalation/lung) is fatal. The FDA has approved this treatment largely on the study using monkeys, who suffer anthrax similar to humans.
What is the homeopathic treatment for anthrax?
There are several remedies that have been used for the various forms of anthrax. The homeopathic remedy, Anthracinumis usually the first remedy to be used by homeopaths. The homeopathic literature supports many successful cases of treatment of anthrax with anthracinum on both humans and animals. According to Dr.Henry C. Allen, the first preparation of anthracinum was reported in the Archives in 1830 by Dr.G. A. Weber who used anthracinum extensively in the 'cattle plague' (anthrax) and cured every case with it. He found that the men who had contracted the illness equally benefited from taking anthracinum. His treatise was published in 1836. In 1837, Dr. P. Dufresne the founder of the Bibliotheque Homoeopathique, of Geneva, used anthracinum which helped prevent the spread of anthrax in a flock of sheep as well as curing the shepherds. During the same time period, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann gave anthracinum to two farmworkers who both suffered with cutaneous anthrax. Both men were treated successfully. For more information, consult with your homeopathic practitioner.
Anthrax is a serious illness and can be fatal. If a person develops any symptoms matching the description of anthrax, medical evaluation should be sought immediately. Homeopathic remedies, such as anthracinum, can be used in conjunction with antibiotics and other standard medical treatments.
|
|
|
