A case of hay
fever.
By W. S. Gee, M. D.
Presented by Sylvain CazaletA monograph on this
subject appeared some years ago giving in a word Ars. iod. as the only
remedy of special value, or, in fact, of any value, in this disease.
Articles have lately appeared by two writers, both named MacKenzie. The
result of these was nil as regards the management of the trouble. The Ars.
iod. has not proven to be of value in but one case, so far as
my experience goes. Ambrosia artemis.
was given special mention a few years ago. This does seem to be of
service in the asthmatic form when indicated. The value of a remedy in
this, as in all other diseases, depends upon the similarity of the
symptoms to those given by the patient. This patient, a lady aged 26,
married, mother of two children, is slim and delicate ; weight
about 85 pounds ; has had this distressing disease for ten years in
succession ; always had it very severely. Her life is made
miserable by it.Sept. 4th, 1884 :
She gave these symptoms as recorded then. The attack begins every year
on August 15th to the very day. It comes with a nervous feeling, as
though she would go wild, compelling her to walk about. Begins with
sneezing in the early morning- “Sneezes twenty times,” and
seems as if it would tear her chest in pieces. Feels as though
firecrackers exploded in right half of chest every time she sneezed. The
eyes smart and burn ; must rub them. After the paroxysms there is a
small lump of cheesy, pus-like substance in the inner canthus of both
eyes. Eyes feel blurred, objects are seen indistinctly, eyes feel weak.
Eyes feel hot when first going into the open air but are better later.
Water runs from the nose after sneezing ; water is hot and burning,
makes the nose sore. Then the throat begins burning and smarting, is
dry, feels closed, so that she can’t speak. There appear in the back of
throat little white granular spots. Constant effort to clear the throat.
The chest symptoms follow.There is a sore spot in
right chest under the clavicle, about two inches in diameter, sore,
burning, sensitive to touch, a feeling as though it had been burned. The
cough is dry, worse from a draught of air ; dreads the cold air,
afraid of cold, yet feels relieved after she has been cut a short time.
Pain in the sore spot from coughing. No expectoration. Headache, all the
time, usually relieved after vomiting, but now vomits only water, and
the headache continues ; begins in the top of the head, extends to
the left temple, is hot and throbbing ; < from any exertion ; moving makes it very sore ; hot applications give temporary relief. Appetite variable, fruit tastes best ; thirsty, drinks much but not often ; water does not quench her thirst, prefers beer. Has backache, with nausea at stomach, better when lying down. Leucorrhœa slight. During last flow (second day) felt as though everything would come out, as if bones of pelvis spread apart ; flow too profuse and lasts too long. Aching in thighs from front to back ; seems "deep in the bones." Sleep night and unrefreshing. Dreams of the affairs of the day. Palpitation on going up and down stairs or from exertion. Marked prostration. Perspires freely. Saliva runs from the mouth when asleep. Feels generally < in the evening. Feels irritable and little things offend., -Calc
carb. M. M.
Sept. 10 : Took a
powder the eve of the 4th and on the eve of the 5th, but felt so much
better next day that she took the disks. (S. L.) alone. The first change
noticed was that the “spells” were lighter in degree and
length. Eyes have not troubled so much. Has not been nervous, felt
quiet. Not so troubled and sensitive to cold. Still has a choked feeling
and the nose discharges before she sneezes. The former attacks began by
“sneezing 20 times.” There is less smarting and burning. Eyes
feel stronger. Breathing better, does not have the tight feeling. The
sensitive spot is comfortable except when sneezing. Throat more
comfortable. Fewer little spots in the throat. Less of the closing
feeling, “nearly gone”. Feels much stronger. Has no need to
hack or clear the throat. The spot is sore and slightly tender, but the
burning is all gone. Coughs rarely. No dread of fresh, cold air. Went to
a party Saturday (6th) and expected to be troubled greatly, but was
entirely free from it. Headache absent since Friday (5th). Back “a
great deal better.” Has not noticed the salivation at night. S.
L.
I have met the patient
frequently since, and she said she had not a symptom of the trouble
afterward. She has gained in weight remarkably first since, and feels
better than she has before in her life.Symptoms
prominent : Takes cold very easily ; the wind seemed to blow
“right through her.” Great weariness. Symptom 987 reads
“Sore pain in right mamma on the slightest touch.” 990 :
“During the cough pain in the chest as if raw, evenings and
nights.” “Irritable without cause ; peevishness and
obstinacy.” 340 : “Sore ulcerated nostril, preceded by
frequent sneezing” 348 : “Severe coryza, with headache
and oppression of the chest.” Headache relieved by vomiting mucus
and bile. C. H. C. 554 : Great Thirst for beer.
Source :
The Homœopathic Physician, 1884.
Copyright © Sylvain
Cazalet 2001