A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY TO ANALYSE THE EFFECT OF HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES IN THE TREATMENT OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD)

Authors

  • Ramalingam Sitharthan Principal & Professor, Department of Practice of Medicine, National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health, Kottayam. Kerala.
  • Baskaran Naganivetha Post Graduate Trainee, 1st year MD(Hom),Department of Practice of Medicine, National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health (NHRIMH), Kottayam.
  • Dharman Amrutha Post Graduate Trainee, 1st year MD(Hom),Department of Practice of Medicine, National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health (NHRIMH), Kottayam.

Abstract

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by regurgitation of gastric contents into the oesophagus. There is a “physiologic” reflux that occurs as heart burn especially after a meal and remains asymptomatic and neutralized by rapid clearance from distal oesophagus. Esophageal peristalsis is an important component of the anti-reflux mechanism. It is one of the common gastric disorders prevalent worldwide.

Aim and Objective: To analyse the effect of homoeopathic medicines in the treatment of GERD, also to assess the role of dietary habits, occupation, age, gender, past history of patients with GERD. This retrospective study was conducted at gastroenterology OPD at National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health (NHRIMH), Kottayam, Kerala, India.

Materials and Methods: A total of 70 case sheets were screened, in patients who had visited between January 2019 and December 2019, among them 28patients those score were more than or equal to 8 by using Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire scale were included in the study. Assessment was done using gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) and scores were recorded for every follow up visit (5 visits).

Statistical Analysis: The statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Version 20.0 software. The changes in symptom scores and GERD total score were assessed using Friedman test. Results: The test showed a statistically significant difference in the total score (χ2= 100.586, p<0.001). Conclusion: There is significant improvement in patients symptom score after homoeopathic medicines indicates there is effectiveness of homoeopathic medicines in the treatment of GERD.

Key words: Homoeopathy, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire scale, Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, Retrospective study.

Author Biographies

  • Ramalingam Sitharthan, Principal & Professor, Department of Practice of Medicine, National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health, Kottayam. Kerala.
    Principal & Professor, Department of Practice of Medicine, National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health (NHRIMH), Kottayam. PG Guide, MD(Hom) Practice of Medicine, Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur. Member, Board of Studies- Homoeopathy (PG), Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur. PG Coordinator, National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health (NHRIMH), Kottayam. Former Professor & HOD in Practice of Medicine & Research Guide, Vinayaka Missions Homoeopathic Medical College, Salem. Tamilnadu. External Examiner, for MD(Hom) Students - Practice of Medicine- Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka. External Examiner, for MD(Hom) Students - Practice of Medicine- NTR University, Andra pradesh. Former, Member Secretary, Institutional Ethical Committee, Vinayaka Missions Homoeopathic Medical College, Salem. Tamilnadu. Former Research Coordinator, Vinayaka Missions Homoeopathic Medical College, Salem. Tamilnadu. Published article in various journals and presented papers in 3 international conferences
  • Baskaran Naganivetha, Post Graduate Trainee, 1st year MD(Hom),Department of Practice of Medicine, National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health (NHRIMH), Kottayam.
    Post Graduate Trainee, 1st year MD(Hom),Department of Practice of Medicine, National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health (NHRIMH), Kottayam.
  • Dharman Amrutha, Post Graduate Trainee, 1st year MD(Hom),Department of Practice of Medicine, National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health (NHRIMH), Kottayam.
    Post Graduate Trainee, 1st year MD(Hom),Department of Practice of Medicine, National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health (NHRIMH), Kottayam.

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Published

2020-10-30

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 4 (2020): International Journal of AYUSH

Section

Original Research Article