Aconite [Acon]
It is to be thought of, particularly when the trouble has arisen from checked perspiration or confinement from the fresh air. It is indicated in the very beginning, before there is any effusion, when there are: Sharp stitches in either side of chest, with chills followed by high fever, with restlessness. But as soon as the fever begins to decrease and as effusion begins, it ceases to be of any benefit, and then Bryonia comes in as an all-sufficient remedy.
Apis [Apis]
It is one of the best remedies we have to bring about the absorption of the fluid [Bryonia, Kali Iodium, Phosphorus, Sul.].
In conditions that refuse to respond to the well -chosen remedy, it acts very much like that of Sulphur (see Sulphur).
Bryonia [Bry]
It is one of the best and at the same time an all-sufficient remedy in Pleurisy with effusion, and is adapted to the whole case. It is indicated after Aconite, in conditions stated above (see Aconite). The patient is quiet and is full of pain; he lies on the affected side, because, by the pressure thus exerted on the ribs, he moves the affected parts less, than he would, were he lying on the sound side.
Guaiacum [Guai]
It is indicated in Pleurisy, during the second stage of Phthisis, with muco-purulent sputum.
Rananculus Bulbosus [Ran-b]
It is to be thought of in inflammation of the serous membranes, particularly of the pleura. You will find that here it will serve you as well, as apis., Bryonia or Sulphur, or better than these, if there are present the following symptoms, particularly the character of the pains here described: Acute stitching pains, accompanied by an effusion of serum into the serous sack. Great anxiety, dyspnoea and distress, caused partly by the accumulation of the fluid and partly by the anxiety, from the pains themselves.
It may also be used for pains about the lungs, from adhesions after Pleurisy.
Stannum [Stann]
It is indicated by: Sharp, knife-like stitches, beginning in the left axilla and extending up into the left clavicle; sometimes they extend from the left side down into the abdomen. They are (<)from bending forward, from pressure and on inspiration.
Sulphur [Sulph]
It is one of the best remedies in Pleurisy and is indicated, particularly when there is sharp, stitching pain through the left lung to the back,(<)lying on back, and from least motion. It is also useful in cases that refuse to respond to the well-chosen remedies, particularly when there is well-marked pleuritic effusion [Apis.].
Besides the above remedies Kali Iodium and Phosphorus may also be indicated.
