Young boy with GERD overcame antacid dependency with homeopathy
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disorder in which stomach acid or bile flows back into the esophagus.
Leading to symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and discomfort. This condition can significantly affect a person''s quality of life.
Homeopathy focuses not only on alleviating the physical symptoms of acid reflux and indigestion but also on addressing the deeper emotional and constitutional imbalances that may be contributing to the condition. Stress, anxiety, suppressed emotions, and even inherited tendencies
CASE STUDY:
A 20-year-old patient (Patient ID: 52139) was consulted at the Life Force Homeopathy on 2nd August 2023, with complaints of GERD.
His symptoms were mainly irritation of the throat with cough, episodes occurring once in 1-2 weeks, especially at night; frequent eructation; and heartburn on eating spicy food. There was a significant weight loss of 5 kg over a month ago. All symptoms started in 2021.
Symptoms are more frequent when he is on an empty stomach, at bedtime, or when eating spicy food. Also, he has been dependent on antacids for 3 years.
Upon initial consultation, a comprehensive case history was taken, focusing on physical and mental state.
Physical Makeup:
The patient was on a vegetarian diet; his appetite was average. He craved salty and spicy food. And had an aversion to sweets. There were no urinary symptoms. Bowels and sleep were satisfactory.
Family History and Background:
His father was working as a general manager and had vertigo and gastric issues, and his mother was working in the IT sector and had an underactive thyroid.
History—He was infected with COVID in 2020.
Mental State:
The patient is short-tempered—he has outbursts if things happen against him. He cannot tolerate injustice. He is very expressive about his emotions. His hobbies are music. He also sings well and is good at academics. Goes into depth, explores everything in detail, and does it perfectly. 11th grade was difficult as it was online—stressful to him; he felt he was not performing well.
He was prescribed the homeopathic medicine nitric acid by Dr. Shah for his GERD complaints.
Follow-up :
After 2 months of medication, on 11.11.2023, when the patient gave his first follow-up,
The patient had a noticeable improvement of 50% in the first follow-up.
Throat irritation and dry cough persist occasionally.
No retrosternal burning, and antacid use has been reduced.
Frequency and duration of episodes are minimal (1–2 episodes in 1–2 weeks).
After four months of treatment on 23.12.2023,
Further improvement was seen.
Symptoms further reduced, throat irritation was minimal, and the patient has stopped taking antacids completely.
No retrosternal burning, mucus in the throat reduced, and frequency of episodes is rare.
On 15.3.24, sustained improvement was approx. 85% better.
No antacids were taken; throat irritation, dry cough, and heartburn were rare and much milder.
Weight was stabilized. No regurgitation or bloating seen.
Lifestyle factors like stress and spicy food are still noted as aggravating, but the overall condition was well managed.
The patient expressed his gratitude towards Dr. Shah and the entire Life Force team for his effective treatment for GERD.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the effectiveness of individualized homeopathic care in managing chronic GERD.Through a holistic assessment of the patient''s physical symptoms, emotional makeup, and lifestyle triggers. Within just a few months, the patient showed steady and marked improvement, with a significant reduction in symptoms and complete withdrawal from antacids. The outcome not only reflects relief from physical discomfort but also an overall enhancement in well-being.
- Case study written by Dr. Shweta R., an associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah, MD (Hom)