Osteitis is a bacterial bone infection that can be contracted through blood. In this case, it is caused by a systemic disease and is known as osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis usually comes from a distant source. In some rare cases, osteitis may be of fungal or parasitic origin.
Osteitis is an inflammatory bone disease. It is caused by a bacterial infection of bone tissue. The main bacteria responsible for the infection are Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The presence of open fractures or infectious diseases like angina favour the entry of bacteria into the body, enabling them to easily reach the bone cells. Skin infections of the skin like impetigo, anthrax or furuncles also constitute a gateway for the infection.
In the infection’s early stages, osteitis is characterized by fever that can go up to 40 ° C. The affected person is subject to chills and headaches. These symptoms are accompanied by sharp throbbing pain stemming from the site of the infection. The disease progresses with the appearance of pus-filled wounds. Complications of the disease manifests themselves by the appearance of new abscesses in the lungs and brain. These ailments are then followed by septicaemia and infective endocarditis. In the case of tuberculous osteitis, the pain is moderate and the infection can evolve towards the development of a cold abscess. When the infection is localized in the jaw, it is referred to as osteitis of the maxilla.
The basic treatment of osteitis is Aurum Metallicum 100%. If osteomyelitis is accompanied by pus, treat it with Staphysagria 80%. In case of chronic osteitis of small bones, administer Argentum nitricum 60%. Osteitis of the nose, mastoids and palate can be treated with Aurum Metallicum 80%. Aurum Metallicum is also effective in the treatment of necrotizing or suppurative osteitis. If the inflammation is located in the maxilla, treat it with Hekla Lava 4 CH. If there is a tendency to suppuration accompanied by traumatic soreness, administer Siegesbeckia 4 CH. In case of osteitis that leads to gun sensitivity and the onset of abscesses, resort to Hekla Lava and Siegesbeckia in low dilutions, namely in 3 CH, 4 CH or 6 CH. They are used together in the triturate form and the dosage consists of one scoop or three granules, to be taken twice a day.
It is necessary to seek medical attention from the onset of the first symptoms. Indeed, in the absence of treatment, the subject may develop an abscess that will only be detected by ultrasound. The disease may also evolve to the formation of fistulas, which is characterized by a spontaneous opening of the wounds. Subsequently, pieces of necrotic bone are evacuated through the fistula.
Good to know: Thanks to its gentle and in-depth therapeutic action, homoeopathy can effectively treat osteitis from the onset of the first symptoms.