Homeopathic approach in managing Acid reflux: clinical case study

Dr Veer Davinder Singh

Abstract
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation. This case presents the successful treatment of a 42-year-old male suffering from chronic acid reflux with individualized homeopathic medicine based on the totality of symptoms.

KEYWORDS – Acid reflux, GERD, Homeopathy, Individualized Homeopathic Medicine

INTRODUCTION
Acid reflux affects millions globally, causing discomfort and complications like esophagitis if left untreated. It often results from dietary indiscretions, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, stress, or hiatal hernia. Conventional treatments include antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and dietary modiications. Homeopathy aims at holistic healing, addressing both physical and emotional triggers through individualization.

CASE REPORT
A 42-year-old male reported to the clinic on 12th January 2024 with complaints of frequent burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), sour regurgitation, and acidic taste in the mouth, especially after meals and at night. Lying down after meals aggravated his symptoms. He also complained of bloating and heaviness after eating. Spicy and fried foods triggered the discomfort. Emotional stress at work further worsened his complaints.

PAST HISTORY

• History of gastritis 5 years ago.
• No major chronic illnesses.

TREATMENT HISTORY

• Had been taking antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) intermittently for years with temporary relief.
• Followed occasional dietary restrictions.

FAMILY HISTORY

• Father – History of peptic ulcer
• Mother – Hypertension

PHYSICAL GENERALS

• Appetite – Good, but easily feels bloated
• Thirst – Increased, prefers cold water
• Cravings – Spicy and fried foods
• Urine – Normal
• Stool – Regular, but tendency to flatulence
• Sleep – Disturbed due to burning in chest
• Perspiration – Profuse on forehead
• Thermal Reaction – Chilly

MENTAL GENERALS

• Ambitious, competitive, but gets easily irritated when contradicted.
• Work pressure causes anxiety.
• Sensitive to criticism.
• Feels better after expressing anger but regrets later.
• Sleeps better after mentally unwinding or prayer.

TOTALITY OF SYMPTOMS

1. Burning in chest after meals
2. Sour regurgitation
3. Worse from spicy/fried food
4. Worse lying down at night
5. Bloating and flatulence
6. Profuse perspiration on forehead
7. Chilly patient
8. Irritable temperament, sensitive to criticism
9. Better after belching
10. Thirst for cold drinks

RUBRICS USED

• Stomach – Heartburn, after eating
• Stomach – Regurgitation, sour
• Stomach – Food – spicy – aggravates
• Mind – Irritability
• Perspiration – Forehead, profuse
• Sleep – Disturbed, heartburn, from
• Thermal – Chilly patient

PRESCRIPTION
Nux Vomica 200, one dose given on 12th January 2024, based on totality.

FOLLOW-UP
25 January 2024

• Significant reduction in regurgitation.
• Bloating subsided.
• Sleep slightly better.

Prescription: PLO (Placebo) for 15 days.

10 February 2024

• Heartburn only occasional, usually after dietary indiscretion.
• Emotional irritability also more controlled.

Prescription: PLO for 15 days.

25 February 2024

• No major episodes of acid reflux.
• Appetite normalized, flatulence reduced.

Prescription: PLO for 15 days.

15 March 2024

• Patient reports being almost symptom-free.
• Now maintaining dietary discipline and stress management techniques like meditation.

Prescription: PLO for 15 days.

Result: Positive

CONCLUSION
This case highlights the efficacy of individualized homeopathy in treating acid reflux/GERD. Addressing both the physical and emotional components with a suitable remedy led to sustained relief and improved the patient’s quality of life. Along with dietary and lifestyle guidance, homeopathy offers a gentle and curative approach for chronic acid reflux.

SOME COMMON HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR ACID REFLUX

• Nux Vomica – For acid reflux in irritable, sedentary, overworked individuals; worse with spicy food, alcohol, late-night eating.
• Robinia Pseudacacia – Intense sour belching, burning in the stomach, worse lying down.
• Carbo Vegetabilis – For bloating, heaviness, and regurgitation, worse after overeating or rich foods.
• Lycopodium – Excessive flatulence, early satiety, sour regurgitation, better with warm drinks.
• Phosphorus – Burning in the stomach with a craving for cold drinks, sour eructations.

REFERENCES

1. GERD – Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd
2. William Boericke – Homeopathic Materia Medica. http://www.homeoint.org/books/boericmm/
3. John Henry Clarke – A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica. http://www.homeoint.org/clarke/

Dr Veer Davinder Singh BHMS
Singhveerdavinder1996@gmail.com