Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

April 6, 2022

Management of Acute Bacterial Disease or Diphtheria in Ayurveda

Abstract

Nowadays the rate of infectious diseases is increasing day by day due to poor hygiene or lack of immunity. With modern civilization and lifestyle, the immunity of the people becoming poor due to improper lifestyle and unhealthy diet. These factors gave chances to many bacterial and viral infections to develop inside the body. Usually the infection spreads through poor hygiene, or through coming in contact with an infected person. In Modern medicine, the infections are controlled by antibiotics or antivirals but Ayurveda has a different approach to this. One of the acute bacterial diseases is diphtheria which is generally a bacterial infection of the mucous layer of the throat and nose. Although due to the vaccination this disease is rare now but still there are some cases we still came across. Here in this article, we are going to discuss all about Diphtheria or acute bacterial disease and its Ayurvedic aspect.

What is Diphtheria?

Diphtheria is an acute bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. This bacteria spreads quickly and affects the mucous membrane of the nose and throat. Corynebacteria are nonmotile, Gram-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped bacteria. It causes a gray thick coating at the back of your throat that makes it hard to breathe and results in suffocation. The toxins produced by the Corynebacteria may also affect other tissues and organs of the body and result in serious problems like paralysis, inflammation of the heart or heart failure.

Diphtheria is now rare in the developed countries due to the vaccination against the disease but many countries with limited vaccination or health care options are still experiencing the high rates of Diphtheria.

symptoms of Diphtheria

Types of Diphtheria

  1. Respiratory Diphtheria – It involves the nose, throat and the tonsils.
  2. Cutaneous Diphtheria – It involves the skin only.

Ayurvedic concept of Diphtheria or Acute bacterial disease

Ayurveda is an ancient heritage science. The basic principle of Ayurveda is based on the balance of three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The imbalance of these doshas due to any other internal and external factors leads to the disease state. In Ayurveda, Diphtheria can be related to Rohini. Rohini is a disease of the throat and nose that generally affects the children. It has been described in Charaka and Sushruta Samhita as a fatal disease. There is a vitiation of all the three doshas – Vata, Pitta, Kapha and Rakta in which a mansakura (fleshy growth) is produced in the throat causing obstruction. Acharya Sushruta described Rohini under Kanthagata roga and Acharaya Charaka said that if this is left untreated then it is fatal in three nights. This is considered as Kapha dominant Tridoshaj disease. The common symptoms of Rohini are- Naaditej (pulse is quick), Teevra jwara (high grade fever), Hoarseness of voice, sore throat, and swaskrechchhta (difficulty in Breathing) etc. Acharayas  had classified Rohini into 5 types

  1. Vattaj
  2. Pittaj
  3. Kaphaj
  4. Sannipattaj
  5. Raktaj

Symptoms of Rohini according to the Doshas involvement

Vattaj Rohini – vedna (pain) in Hanu (jaw) and karna (ear), Kanthavrodha (obstruction in the throat), around the tongue, and can be fatal in 7 days if not treated.

Pittaj Rohini – jwara (fever),  Pipasa (thirst),  shighra (frequent) Paka (ulcers) and Daha (burning sensation), Sparshanasaha (intolerance to touch), and sore throat. It is more toxic and can be fatal in 4 days.

Kaphaj rohini – obstruction of pranvaha strotas (respiratory tract), sthir, mandpaak,  and pichchil kantha. It can be Fatal in 3 days.

Sannipattaj rohini – paak in Dhatoos (starting from mamsa dhatu) and whose vega (flow) is impossible to stop with medicine. It includes symptoms of all the three doshas (vata, pitta, kapha).

Raktaj rohini – usually characteristic of the pittaj Rohini and the fleshy growth formed in the throat covered with small vesicles. This type of Rohini is incurable.

What are the common causes of Diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that infects the throat, nose, and skin caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It is mainly spread from one person to another through direct contact with the infected people by using his hanky, towel, cup, or other belongings. Usually it is spread through droplet infection but it can also spread through the bloodstream.

What are the common signs and symptoms of Diphtheria?

The common signs and symptoms of diphtheria are

  1. Bad sore throat
  2. Drooling
  3. Mild fever and chills
  4. Bloody and watery drainage from nose
  5. Feel weakness
  6. Swollen glands
  7. Fatigue
  8. High pulse rate
  9. Gray covering at the back of your throat, making difficulty in breathing
  10. Bluish coloration of the skin as diphtheria can also infect your skin
  11. Swollen lymph nodes on both sides of the neck

Children infected with diphtheria may have symptoms like –

  1. Nausea
  2. Vomiting
  3. Chills
  4. High fever

As the infection progresses further, the person may have –

  1. Complaint of double vision
  2. Have slurred speech
  3. Signs of going into shock
  4. Heart failure or arrhythmia

Diagnosis

Diphtheria can be diagnosed by a physical examination by the doctor by seeing the gray covering of dead tissues in the back of the throat. He may perform other tests like –

  1. Sample analysis through a throat swab
  2. Serological and blood tests like complete blood count, diphtheria antigen, antibodies to diphtheria, etc.

Ayurvedic management

In Ayurveda, Rohini or diphtheria is managed with both Shodhana and Shamana chikitsa. Shodhan chikitsa include Panchakarma procedures like – Raktamokshana, Dhoomapana, Vamana, Nasya karma, and Gandhusha, etc. Shamana chikitsa includes the use of herbs like Kanchnaar, Haridra, shallaki, etc.

Vattaj rohini is managed with Pratisaran (application of medicinal paste) from Panchalavana, Gandusha by Sneha and Raktamokshana.

In pittaj rohini – Kwatha of  Parushak and  Draksha is useful as kawal (gargles), pratisaran by Sarkra and Patanga mixed with Madhu.

In kaphaja rohini – Pratisaran by Kutki Choorna and Grahdhoom, and Siddha tail with Vidanga, Danti, and Sweta along with Saindhav lavana is used as Nasya and kawal.

In raktaj rohini –  should be treated like pittaj rohini.

Herbal remedies for acute bacterial disease or Diphtheria by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a herbal manufacturing firm which is internationally certified. This is a WHO-GMP certified manufacturing company based in India founded in 2002 by Dr. Vikram Chauhan and this company came into existence as a subsidiary or as a brand name known as Krishna herbal company. The products of the company are 100% herbal, pure and vegetarian. The products are made from the extracts of potential ayurvedic herbs. Planet Ayurveda offers the following herbal remedies for the treatment of acute bacterial disease or Diphtheria

Herbal remedies for acute bacterial disease or Diphtheria

Herbal remedies for acute bacterial disease

  1. Sanshamani vati
  2. Kanchnaar guggul
  3. Tulsi capsules
  4. Praanrakshak churna
  5. Aller-g care capsule
  6. Boswellia curcumin

Description of the products

1. Sanshamani vati

Sanshamani vati is a herbal formulation by Planet Ayurveda prepared from the pure extract of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) as a major ingredient. It has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antioxidant, immune booster properties and helps to fight against the infection by increasing the immunity. It helps to balance the Vata and Pitta doshas and thus helps in lowering the body temperature and inflammation. Thus it is beneficial in diphtheria.

Dosage – 2 tablets twice a day after meals with plain water.

2. Kanchnaar guggul

Kanchnaar guggul is a classical herbal formulation by Planet Ayurveda in a tablet form prepared from the pure extract of wonderful herbs like Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegata), Guggul (Commiphora mukul) along with other potent herbs. Kanchnaar guggul helps to balance all the three doshas of the body and also prevents abnormal cell growth. It helps to reduce the inflammation, swelling and size of the fleshy growth and promotes the growth of the healthy cells and have good results in curing diphtheria.

Dosage – 2 tablets twice a day with plain water after meals.

3. Tulsi capsules

Tulsi capsules is a single herbal formulation by Planet Ayurveda prepared from the pure extract of holistic herb Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum). Tulsi has been known for multiple health benefits from ancient times. It has anticancer, antioxidant, antiseptic, antipyretic, antibacterial and antifungal properties.Tulsi is used in strengthening the immune system, lung disorders, treating heart disorders, treating disorders of skin and blood and also increasing the digestive fire. It helps in curing bacterial infection and thus useful in Diphtheria.

Dosage:  1 capsule twice a day with plain water after meals.

4. Praanrakshak churna

Praanrakshak churna is a classical herbal formulation in powder form by Planet Ayurveda prepared from the pure extract of herbs like Shirish (Albizia lubbock), Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), Vaasa (Adhatoda vasica), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), along with other herbs which are very beneficial in treating the diseases of respiratory system. Also it gives relief from the symptoms of diphtheria like difficulty in breathing, sore throat, etc. and also boosts your immunity. Thus it is used in the management of Diphtheria.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon two times a day with normal water after meals.

5. Aller-g care capsule

Aller-g care capsule is a polyherbal formulation by Planet Ayurveda prepared from the pure extract of haridra (Curcuma longa), neem (Azadirachta indica), shirish (Albizia bebbock), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). These capsules are very effective in allergic conditions, maintaining health and regulating the normal respiratory system. The herbs used in this formulation have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihistamine properties and are thus used in the management of Diphtheria.

Dosages -1 capsule  twice a day with normal water after meals.

6. Boswellia curcumin

Boswellia curcumin is the polyherbal formulation by Planet Ayurveda made from the most effective combination of anti-inflammatory herbs like Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). These two herbs are helpful in reducing inflammation as well as pain. The powerful combination of these herbs promotes healing, reduces swelling and boosts the immune system. Thus this is very effective in Diphtheria.

Dosage –  1 capsule twice daily with water after meals.

Conclusion

At last we can conclude that Diphtheria is a life threatening condition and it should be treated as soon as possible. Though now the cases are rare after the availability of vaccination but still there are some countries where the cases of diphtheria are still seen. In Ayurveda we manage this disease from its root cause through Ayurvedic herbs. Planet Ayurveda offers effective herbal formulations which have very good results in this condition. Planet Ayurveda products are 100% pure, effective, vegetarian, and natural. We hope the above-mentioned information regarding Diphtheria and its ayurvedic treatment will be beneficial for the one who suffers. For more details of our products, you can check our website www.planetayurveda.com. For more queries, you can send your queries to our email id herbalremedies123@yahoo.com.

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April 5, 2022

Alternative Treatment For Crigler Najjar Syndrome (Type 1)

Abstract

There are many congenital and inherited disorders which are becoming common in children as the world is growing. With technology our life was supposed to become easy but it is becoming more of a difficulty instead of the agenda “Difficulties being solved”. The children are even born with diseases now and diseases like whose solution is not written anywhere, is not described anywhere. In this article we are going to discuss one of such conditions whose name is Crigler Najjar Syndrome (Type 1). The condition is an inherited disorder and is related to bilirubin. The article mentions all about Crigler Najjar Syndrome (Type 1) and how its management is possible with Ayurvedic formulations.

crigler najjar syndrome

Introduction

Crigler Najjar Syndrome (Type 1), as mentioned earlier is an inherited disorder in which the bilirubin is not broken down. In this condition the patient basically lacks the enzyme that normally converts the bilirubin into a form that can be easily removed from the body through stools and urine. But without this enzyme the bilirubin build up is obvious and thus it results in damage to several organs, mostly the brain. The condition of severe jaundice appears. The Crigler Najjar Syndrome (Type 1) is caused by the mutation in a certain set of genes called UGT1A1 and it was inherited. The condition is understood as an autosomal recessive manner.

Causes of Crigler Najjar Syndrome (Type 1)

The cause of crigler- Najjar syndrome is a result of gene mutation. This gene is responsible for providing instructions for making Bilirubin uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (Bilirubin UGT) enzyme. This enzyme is primarily found in liver cells and is necessary for the removal of bilirubin from the body.

If understood from the view point of Ayurveda, then this condition is simply the result of bijadushti i the worm by the tridosha. The aggravation of doshas may be due to external factors like emotional stress from the side of the family or husband or may be due to internal factors like wrong eating habits etc.

Symptoms of Crigler Najjar Syndrome (Type 1)

The symptoms related to crigler najjar syndrome type 1 are as follows:

  • The symptoms usually vary from patient to patient and usually appear just after the birth.
  • Affected child present with severe and persisting yellowing of skin along with mucous membranes and sclera (white portion of eyes)
  • The infants are also at the risk of developing kernicterus which is commonly known as  bilirubin encephalopathy. All of this happens within the first month of life.
  • The kernicterus is a potentially life threatening condition, which is related to the neurological system. In this condition, toxic levels of bilirubin start accumulating in the brain and cause irreversible damage to the central nervous system.
  • There are some early signs of kernicterus which may include lack of energy or lethargy, vomiting along with fever or not taking satisfactory feed.
  • Absence of certain reflexes like more reflex
  • Mild to severe pain in the muscles along with spasms
  • Spasms causing head and heels to bend or they are arched backward.
  • The body bows forward which is called as opisthotonus
  • Uncontrolled and involuntary movement of muscles
  • Spasticity is also present
  • The affected infant may suck or nurse very weekly
  • Suddenly they develop a high pitched cry and also exhibit diminished muscle tone.
  • This also results in abnormal floppiness. 
  • Kernicterus can also result in milder variety of symptoms like clumsiness, difficulty with motor skills along with underdevelopment of enamel of teeth. In Addition severe things like hearing loss, and problems with sensory perception are also present. 
  • Moreover, convulsions, slow and continuous involuntary, writhing movements are also seen. These are generally observed in arms and legs. Sometimes, the entire body is involved. 
  • When the condition appears in childhood then symptoms like fatigue, abdominal pain related to biliary stones can also be there.
  • The acute stage of illness may include symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, confusion, slurred speech, difficulty in swallowing and sometimes change in gait, staggering and falling frequently. Same things can also continue with on and off episodes of seizures. 

Diagnosis of Crigler Najjar Syndrome (Type 1)

  • The diagnosis is suspected within the first few days of the life which is with persistent jaundice. The diagnosis is done on the basis of clinical evaluation, characteristic findings, after detailed history of the patient.
  • Blood tests reveal abnormally high levels of unconjugated bilirubin. This situation is generally associated with degeneration of high levels of RBC but in this situation it is not linked to hemolysis.
  • Moreover, analysis of bile will reveal no detectable glucuronides and urine analysis will show lack of bilirubin.

Treatment of Crigler Najjar Syndrome (Type 1)

  • The mainstay treatment of Crigler najjar includes the following:
  • Aggressive phototherapy
  • Immunosuppressant medication
  • Liver transplantation
  • Certain multivitamins like vitamin E, Vitamin C, Coenzyme Q and creatinine.
  • If the condition is aggressive,  intravenous fluid hydration is done along with management of elevated glucose along with administration of  albumin and even plasma exchange is also done.

Ayurvedic View Point of Crigler Najjar Syndrome (Type 1)

As mentioned before the cause in this situation is the beejadushti from the Ayurvedic view point. The symptoms in the body are arising due to the high levels of pitta in the body and it can be well managed with the Ayurvedic herbs. Bile here is considered as pitta and when it is not converted into the form which can be easily excreted out of the body then it starts accumulating in the body and thus causes various types of problems. To balance this pitta it is really important to maintain the healthy functioning of the liver here. Liver is termed as yakrit in Ayurveda and To maintain the health of Yakrit there are many things which can be done in Ayurveda. Certain formulations can be given for the shaman of pitta and some others are given to enhance the working of the liver.

Herbal Formulations for Crigler Najjar Syndrome (Type 1)

Planet Ayurveda is a herbal manufacturing company, which prepares effective Ayurvedic products. The products are vegan and do not contain any kind of additives, adulterants, dyes, preservatives, flavour enhancers and other chemicals. The products are prepared using effective Ayurvedic herbs which are effective in managing many conditions efficiently. The products by Planet Ayurveda in this condition can be of great help and helps in giving fruitful results.

They enhance the body’s metabolism and also work as an immune modulator. The diseases related to the liver can also be very well managed using Ayurvedic formulation. This simply means that they have a great effect on the working of the liver. Formulation offered by Planet Ayurveda in Crigler Najjar Syndrome (Type 1) are as follows:

  1. Yakrit Plihantak Churna
  2. Phyllanthus Niruri
  3. Echinacea Capsules
  4. Liver Detox Capsules

Crigler Najjar Syndrome

Product’s Description

1. Yakrit Plihantak Churna

Yakrit plihantak churna is a classical Ayurvedic formulation which has many beneficial herbs like Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa) Makoy (Solanum indicum) Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) Kaasni (Cichorium intybus) Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba). These herbs are potent in enhancing liver functioning, removing accumulated fat in the liver and also are effective in showing liver protecting effects. This churna is having very brilliant results not only in enhancement of liver functioning and also is effective in getting rid of the obstruction in the bile duct which is the main reason of biliary atresia.

Dosage: Half tsp daily with lukewarm water after meals.

2. Phyllanthus Niruri

Phyllanthus niruri capsules are the standardised extract of Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus Niruri). It is a very great formulation that is having its direct effect on the liver. It helps in enhancement of liver functioning and gives really wonderful results. In this condition it helps by its effect on the liver and also helps in balancing the levels of the bilirubin in the body. The formulation also helps in the body’s detoxification and has a soothing effect on the entire body. As it controls the level of bilirubin in the body it helps in protecting nerves and brain from harmful effects of high bilirubin.

Dosage: One capsule twice daily after meals.

3. Echinacea Capsules

Echinacea capsules also have standardised extract of kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata). Kalmegh is known as a kind of bitters and is a very great pitta dosha pacifier. Kalmegh is known for its great effects on the liver and supports healthy functioning of the liver.  Due to its bitter taste the herb is really well known for its effect on kapha dosha as well. Echinacea Capsules also help in liver detoxification and help in excreting out the bile from the body as well. The formulation is really great for managing this situation and tends to give nice results.

Dosage: One capsule twice daily after meals.

4. Liver Detox Capsules

Liver detox formula has herbs like Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Kasni (Cichorium intybus) and many others. The liver detox formula helps in clearing the toxins that are accumulated in the liver and also may help by enhancing the liver enzymes secretion. It also helps in balancing the pitta dosha thus leading to proper digestion. It is a very effective formulation which helps in treating various ailments. Liver detox formula has herbs like kalmegh that have liver protective effect too and also help in liver cell regeneration. In this condition liver detox works by protecting and detoxifying the liver.

Dosage: One capsule twice daily after meals.

Conclusion

The situations like these are very difficult for even parents to watch. Sometimes, such conditions lead to severe brain damage and thus can prove fatal. But with technology many things are possible. Though phototherapy is the only conservative treatment in this situation along with Ayurvedic formulations the phototherapy can prove to be more effective. The patient can recover at a faster rate. The formulations prepared by Planet Ayurveda do not have any type of additives, fillers, dyes, preservatives in it. The products are totally natural and do not have any side effects. They have a very good role in this condition In case of any query kindly visit www.planetayurveda.com 

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