Flu Guide: January 1- 15, 2008

by Domenick J Masiello, DO, DHt

Seems like we are starting the New Year without very much influenza around. However, we do have a change in the epidemicus remedy. Many patients are coming down with a viral tracheitis. The trachea gets inflamed and results in a concussive, spasmodic, tickling cough. The cough doesn't produce much in the way of mucus and the little that is produced is pale yellow, gelatinous and difficult to raise. Patients are eating and drinking more but not because they have the sensation of hunger, rather eating and drinking anything seems to provide some temporary relief from the cough. Talking and deep inspiration increases the tickle and hence the cough. The cough may be accompanied by some epistaxis, however, the expectoration is not blood streaked or speckled. There may be a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth even when the cough is non-productive. On physical exam the throat appears normal and the lungs are clear. Short of performing laryngoscopy or tracehoscopy, there isn't much to see. Patients are usually afebrile and a bit tired. Some have had this cough for several weeks now. The epidemicus remedy for this cough is Phosphorus.

In the previous installment, Phosphorus was mentioned as a useful remedy for patients who relapsed from the Kali Bichromicum upper respiratory virus. It now seems that what has happened is"epidemicus drift". The epidemicus remedy can morph to another remedy picture over time. This is common with seasonal viral infections. It may be because the virus itself is morphing over time ( the influenza virus does this) or it may be that a second virus has now reached epidemic proportions. This is precisely the purpose of Flu Guide, to chart and report these shifts! From the homeopathic perspective it doesn't really make a difference as remedy selection is always based on symptoms and not the name of the virus.

There have also been a few cases of rather violent diarrhea accompanied by vomiting. Some news reports are calling this a Norwalk or "Norwalk-like" virus. I have not treated enough of these cases to propose any remedy. One should look at rubrics such as - Stomach:Vomiting - followed by diarrhea; Stomach:Vomiting, diarrhea, during; Stomach:Vomiting- alternating with diarrhea and any other symptoms that might help differentiate the case. 

Dr. Domenick Masiello, D.O. is board certified in Family Practice (C-FP), Osteopathic Manipulation (C-SPOMM) and Homeopathy (D.Ht.).  Dr. Masiello is published in many peer reviewed journals and continues to practice in New York City.  He graduated in 1985 from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his internship at Kennedy Memorial Hospital in New Jersey.  You can read more about Dr. Masiello here, and contact him for appointments at 212-688-4818.