Introduction
Homeopathy is a form of alternative and complementary medicine. The core tenet of homeopathy is the use of compounds that produce symptoms at higher doses and treat diseases at lower doses. Another core tenet of this treatment approach is the increase in healing power with dilution, via the processes of potentiation or dynamization. According to the homeopathic theory, homeopathic remedy results in an initial aggravation of symptoms and subsequent slow and steady recovery of the health condition. Homeopathic practice is a useful immunization strategy, based on which homeopathic medicines treat different diseases. In contrast to Austria, France, Germany, and Switzerland where homeopathy is highly prevalent,the United Kingdom and other countries have a lesser prevalence of homeopathic practices.
What are nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis?
Nasal polyps are described as hyperplastic and benign inflammatory growth of the mucosa of the sinuses or sinonasal mucosa. Nasal polyps are a common occurrence in individuals suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis. This condition is described as chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). In addition to chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps can also be a manifestation of systemic vasculitis, cystic fibrosis, and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease. Concerning allergic conditions, nasal polyposis occurs in the end-stage of uncontrolled allergic conditions.
Approximately 10% of the adult population in the UK suffer from chronic sinusitis. Similar prevalence is also estimated in the European population, however, the prevalence of the condition is relatively lesser in the United States. Despite the predominant involvement of males, the female population is subjected to a severe form of chronic rhinosinusitis. Moreover, there is a significant healthcare burden regarding surgical treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps in the UK population. Subsequent sections discuss the causes and homeopathic treatment approach for nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis.
What are the causes of nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis?
There are three types of nasal polyps – diffuse, systemic, and localized nasal polyps. The localized nasal polyps are a reactive response to neoplastic processes and/or inflammatory processes. On the contrary, diffuse nasal polyposis is a manifestation of CRSwNP, which has different etiologic factors. Elevated levels of the interleukin-5 (IL-5), eosinophilia associated with T-helper 2 (Th2) cells, and immunoglobulin E (IgE) inflammation, which are related to seasonal allergic and environmental triggers.
In individuals suffering from cystic fibrosis, neutrophil-associated inflammation leads to the development of nasal polyps. Such individuals may also experience severe nasal polyposis in the absence of a specific allergic trigger. Inflammatory processes associated with fungal infections may also lead to the development of nasal polyps. Individuals with systemic illnesses can have nasal manifestations in the form of nasal polyps. These systemic disorders include Churg-Strauss syndrome or eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and cystic fibrosis.
In CRSwNP patients, the involvement of the innate immune response is reflected by defects in the tight junctions between the sinonasal epithelial cells and defective barrier function. This aggravates chronic inflammation as allergens, microbes, and antigens penetrate the mucosal tissues and lead to the activation of immune responses. In addition to the involvement of innate immunity, chronic rhinosinusitis is also associated with adaptive immune cells. Activation of the innate immune responses leads to the recruitment of adaptive immune cells. CRSwNP is marked by type 2 inflammatory responses, involving Th2 cells, IL-5, and IL-13.
What is the role of homeopathy in the treatment of nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis?
Homeopathic therapeutic approaches are beneficial for the treatment of nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis, as homeopathic medicine targets the root cause of the medical conditions, in addition to providing symptomatic relief. However, in the UK, homeopathy is not covered by the National Health Service (NHS). Owing to a lack of evidence regarding the use of homeopathy, NHS does not recommend the use of homeopathy by general practitioners. However, pharmacies and private practitioners may prescribe homeopathic medicines for health conditions including nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis.
Different homeopathic medicines for the treatment of nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis include calcarea carbonicum, phosphorus, natrum muriticum, nitric acid, sepia, silicea, aurum muriticum, lemna minor, and pulsatilla nigricans. Phosphorus is an effective homeopathic medicine for the treatment of nasal polyps with bleeding. It is useful for individuals who are slender and tall and may develop an urge for drinking cold water. Lemna minor is effective for individuals who are suffering from loss of sense of smell or anosmia and severe nasal blockage. Calcarea carbonicum is an effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of nasal polyps in overweight individuals and individuals who develop nasal polyps in reaction to seasonal changes
Homeopathy regulates the immune responses at both systemic and cellular levels. Homeopathic medicines with higher potencies are effective in changing the levels of CD4 lymphocytes. Homeopathic medicines have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which enable these medicines to resolve chronic sinusitis. Modulating the response of the immune system in chronic sinusitis not only corrects the underlying pathology, but also alleviates the symptoms, and corrects the growth of nasal polyps.
What is the role of diet in the treatment of nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis?
The onset of nasal polys and chronic sinusitis may be associated with food allergies or allergies to certain ingredients. Individuals with food hypersensitivity shall eliminate wheat, milk, meat, shellfish, and eggs from the diet. This modulates allergic immune responses and helps manage nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis.
Why homeopathy is an effective treatment for nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis?
While surgical procedures can easily remove nasal polyps in chronic sinusitis and other disorders, these procedures have higher rates of recurrence, requiring repeated surgical procedures. In addition to this, individuals with nasal polyps and bleeding disorders are recommended not to undergo surgical removal of nasal polyps. Homeopathic medicine tends to be more effective than surgical procedures in treating the underlying cause of nasal polyps. Since homeopathy improves the immune response, it is associated with minimum recurrence of nasal polyps.
Conclusion
Nasal polyps are a prevalent occurrence associated with chronic sinusitis. Nasal polyps are associated with defective innate and adaptive immune responses. Traditional therapeutic approaches such as surgical removal of the polyps may lead to the recurrence of nasal polyps. In contrast, homeopathy treats the underlying cause, which is a defective immune response, alleviates associated symptoms, and reduces the rates of recurrence. In addition to homeopathy, diet also plays a significant role in the treatment of nasal polyps.
References
