Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

What is Poland Syndrome?- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Abstract

Poland syndrome is a rare disorder which is typically present in children from birth. It can also be termed as congenital disorder whose symptoms and signs vary from person to person or from case to case. But classically it is characterized by absence or aplasia of chest wall muscles usually on one side (unilateral) along with abnormally short, webbed fingers, known as symbrachydactyly which describes a hand abnormality affecting single upper limb and it is not inherited. The affected upper limb generally has the same side as of the affected chest wall muscles (ipsilateral). In this article we will basically discuss Poland syndrome in detail and also about its Ayurvedic management.

Introduction

The patients who are having poland syndrome have unilateral absence of pectoralis minor and also the sternum or breastbone portion of the pectoralis major. Pectoralis minor is a very thin and triangular muscle of the upper chest wall. On the other hand, pectoralis major is a large, fanlike muscle which is responsible for covering the upper and front part of the chest. Poland syndrome generally affects males more commonly than females. Usually the involvement of the right side of the body is affected and there is no specific cause which is being mentioned for development of this question. But still based on theories, some relevant reasons are mentioned. In ayurveda, the concept of shad garbha kara bhavas can be applied to understand this condition.

Causes

According to reports reflecting medical literature, this condition occurs without any cause and maximum cases occur randomly. The relation of poland syndrome with family history can not be established as in almost all the cases the child born with similar condition don’t have parents, grandparents or siblings having poland syndrome. Though, in some cases hereditary susceptibility to a certain point can be seen.

Primary Causes

They may include impaired development of certain arteries supplying chest muscles and due to this interrupted blood flow during early embryonic growth poland syndrome occurs. For this “subclavian artery disruption sequence” term can be used which takes place at or around the sixth week of embryonic development.

Poland Syndrome

Sign and Symptoms

  1. Absence of chest wall muscles on one side of body (unilateral)
  2. Involvement of same hand (ipsilateral)
  3. Absence of the sternal portion of pectoralis major along with absence of pectoralis minor.
  4. In rare cases with Poland syndrome, unilateral absence of other regional muscles may also be seen like the back, the latissimus dorsi and sometimes involvement of serratus anterior is also present.
  5. In some cases associated conditions may include underdeveloped or absence of upper ribs and bars of cartilage.
  6. Underdeveloped shoulder blade, which is known as scapula.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis for poland syndrome is usually made at birth which is based on the characterized physical findings, some clinical evaluation and different specialized tests. The test which are generally performed are as follows

  1. CT scan (Computerized tomography)
  2. X- rays
  3. MRI (in rare cases)

Treatment of Poland Syndrome

  1. The treatment generally requires a team of specialist doctors and the preferred treatment is plastic surgery which is done to rebuild the chest wall and also helps in grafting ribs into their proper places.
  2. Plastic surgery can also be performed to correct skeletal abnormalities as well.
  3. Some physical therapies can improve the motion limitations.

Ayurvedic Aspect of Poland Syndrome

In Ayurveda every congenital disorder is said to be the result of imbalance in shad garbhakara bahavas. It can be the imbalance of one garbhakara bhava or even more than one can also be present. The shad grabhakara bhavas include matrija, piterija, atmaja, satmyaja, rasaja, sattvaja bhavas which are responsible for formation of anga pratyanga of garbha i.e organogenesis. These shadbhavas are not only responsible for the structural growth of foetus but they also play an important role in the development of psychological, spiritual and emotional factors. Therefore we can say that proper growth and development of Garbha is achieved from a combination of proper shadbhavas.

Herbal Formulations for Poland Syndrome by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a leading herbal manufacturing unit and is GMP certified. Our organisation deals with the manufacturing and production of several herbal products which are formulated under the guidance of expert doctors. The whole manufacturing unit works under the guidance of Ayurvedic doctors so as to avoid any kind of compromise with the quality of medication. For the management of Poland Syndrome Planet Ayurveda also offers some of its herbal medications

These medications are as follows

  1. Vikramprash
  2. Ashwagandha Capsules
  3. Musli Strength
  4. Atirasadi Churna
  5. Dhanwantharam Oil

Products Description

1. Vikramprash

Vikramprash is the patent herbal formulation of Planet Ayurveda available in jam-like consistency and has been  prepared  using potent herbs like Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Agnimantha (Premna mucronata), Shyonak (Oroxylum indicum), Patla (Sterospermum suveolens), Shalparni (Desmodium gangeticum), Bala (Sida cordifolia) etc This formulation has muscular and cellular rejuvenation effects on the body as well as on mind. The vikramprash is potent enough to provide nutritional support to the body.

 Dosage: 1 teaspoon twice a day after meals

2. Ashwagandha Capsule

This is a single herbal formulation which is prepared from pure extracts of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).  Ashwagandha is a very durable herb for mind and body. It behaves as a nerve tonic as well as being effective for muscle strengthening. It is prepared using pure and potent extracts of Ashwagandha. The formulation is generally used in debilitating conditions like poland syndrome. This helps in strengthening the muscles and calms down the metabolism thus resulting in body relaxation.

Dosage: 2 Capsules twice a day with plain lukewarm water after meals

3. Musli Strength

Musli strength is a herbal formulation which is best for providing strength to the muscles due to its key ingredients Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) and Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). This formulation is prepared using pure extract of the above mentioned two ingredients. This formulation is capable of providing regeneration effects to the body. Moreover, it also provides strength to the reproductive system.

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

4. Atirasadi Churna

Atirasadi churna is a powerful herbal formulation. It is a most potent and effective herbal formulation for enhancing  the overall health of the person. Its key ingredients include best rejuvenating herbs such as Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), Kali musli (Curculigo orchioides), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Vrahikand (Dioscorea bulbifera), Kesar (Crocus sativus) etc. This product is very useful in maintaining and enhancing muscle strength and also has a very significant effect on increasing the quality and quantity of sperm.

Dosage: ½ teaspoon twice a day with milk after meals

5. Dhanwantharam oil

This is a classical Ayurvedic oil preparation which is being formulated for various kinds of disorders and has potent herbs as its ingredients like Sesame Oil (Sesamum indicum), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Yava (Hordeum vulgare), Kola (Ziziphus jujuba), Kulthi (Dolichos biflorus), Bilva (Aegle marmelos) etc. This helps in enhancement of the muscle strength and in addition, is also very beneficial for undernourished or weak muscles. Dhanwantharam oil is beneficial for pain disorders such as arthritis, knee pain, backache and spondylosis.

How to apply: Apply over the affected area thrice a day after cleaning it properly.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030 Or Check Website – www.PlanetAyurveda.com

Conclusion

Poland syndrome is no doubt a very rare disease. It is kept under the category of congenital disorders and can be effectively managed using Ayurvedic herbs along with plastic surgery or physical therapy routines. This will definitely help in improving and enhancing the basic functioning of the child. The products which are being offered by Planet Ayurveda are totally herbal, do not contain any kind of harmful preservatives, dyes, colours or additives. In case of any query kindly visit www.planetayurveda.com

Natural Remedies for Addison’s disease (Hypocortisolism)

Abstract

Addison’s disease is also known as primary adrenal insufficiency as its main characteristic feature is the inadequate production of cortisol and aldosterone (steroid) hormones by adrenal cortex which are the two outer layers of adrenal gland cells. This insufficiency results in clusters of signs and symptoms and affects an individual as a whole. In this article you will be learning all about Addison’s disease and its herbal management through herbal remedies offered by Planet Ayurveda.

Introduction

Addison’s disease is a rare disorder in which the important hormones, i.e. cortisol and aldosterone are not sufficiently produced by the adrenal glands. Adrenal glands are located above the kidneys. As hormones are the chemical messengers which control the various functions in the body and similarly these two hormones also have very important and specific actions like cortisol is known as stress hormone which helps the body to respond to stress of injury, illness or surgery. Cortisol also maintains normal heart function, blood pressure and blood glucose level and healthy functioning of the immune system. On the other hand aldosterone controls the balance of sodium and potassium in the blood which eventually controls the urine amount excreted by kidneys. The amount of fluid removed by kidneys affects the blood pressure and blood volume.

Signs And Symptoms

Adrenal insufficiency or Addison’s disease develops gradually over the time so do the symptoms appear slowly with passing time. Some of the major symptoms appear are

    • Pain in abdomen
    • Irregular menstrual cycle
    • Desire and craving for salty food
    • Dehydration
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Depression and irritability
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    • Decreased appetite
    • Low blood pressure and blood glucose
    • Weakness of muscles
    • Extreme fatigue
    • Unexplained weight loss

symptoms of Addison’s disease

Causes

Addison’s disease is an autoimmune disease which is caused due to abnormal functioning of the immune system resulting in targeting of the body’s own tissues and organs and damaging them. In Addison’s disease the immune system attacks the adrenal cortex where the cortisol and aldosterone are produced hence resulting in insufficient production of the named hormones. There can be few other causes as well which comprises some of the cases of Addison’s disease like:

  • Adrenal glands injury
  • Infections like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis or fungal infections
  • Cancer cells invading adrenal glands from other parts of the body
  • Removal of adrenal glands surgically
  • Building up of abnormal protein, i.e. Amyloid on adrenal glands
  • Genetic defects

Diagnosis

Thorough history and physical examination will help in determining some of the visible signs and symptoms explained by the patient. Further blood tests are done to measure the potassium, sodium and ACTH levels in the blood. Some other confirmatory tests are done like

  • ACTH stimulation test
  • X-rays
  • CT scan (Computed tomography)

Treatment of Addison’s Disease

Conventional treatment for Addison’s disease includes hormonal therapies in order to fulfill the deficiency, hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone acetate tablets. However it is not effective for all of the patients.

Ayurveda has always been a ray of hope especially in case of autoimmune diseases where the herbal treatment helps in managing the presenting complaints and also helps in eradicating the root cause. Treatment in Ayurveda is aimed at restoring the balance of the tridosha, i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha (when imbalanced causes diseases) and boosts the natural immunity to work efficiently and in a correct way. In Ayurvedic treatment along with the internal medicine, a certain way of living and eating is also recommended to be followed in order to get a healthy body.

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a renowned herbal pharmaceutical company which works to manufacture herbal medicines and products. These herbal products are produced following the strict Ayurvedic principles and under the supervision of MD Ayurveda doctors. All of the herbal medicines and products are purely vegetarian, organic and herbal, free from preservatives, additives, chemicals, dye, fillers, yeast and colors. Various acute and chronic diseases are treated here with the help of these medicines that are prescribed to the patients by experienced MD Ayurveda doctors. For Addison’s disease also Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal medicines which work efficiently to treat and manage the condition naturally.

Product List

  1. Navkarshik churna
  2. Gotukola capsule
  3. Kanchnaar guggul
  4. Boswellia curcumin

Herbal Remedies for Addison's disease

Product Description

1. Navkarshik churna

Therapeutic herbs like Amla (Emblica officinalis), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Bahera (Terminalia bellerica), Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), and Daruhaldi (Berberis aristata) are used in the preparation of Navkarshik churna which possess amazing therapeutic properties. Navakarshik churna acts as an immunomodulator and modifies the action of the immune system preventing destruction of the adrenal gland.

Dosage– Take one teaspoon twice daily after meals with plain water

2. Gotukola capsule

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) herb is used in the standardized extract form to prepare these herbal capsules. Gotu Kola capsules help in treating depression and anxiety, provides vitality to the body, and treats extreme weakness.

Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

3. Kanchnaar guggul

It is formulated using medicinal herbs like Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegata), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Pippali (Piper longum), Marich (Piper nigrum), and Varuna (Crataeva nurvala). Kanchnaar guggul helps in maintaining a balance of tridosha, possess rejuvenating properties, antioxidant, and immunomodulator actions.

Dosage– Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water

4. Boswellia curcumin

Two medicinal herbs Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), and Haridra (Curcuma longa) are used to prepare these therapeutic capsules. Boswellia curcumin capsules help in modifying the action of the immune system, preventing the destruction of cells of adrenal gland, helps in healing of internal organs and relieves pain in muscles and provides strength to the body.

Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

Conclusion

Addison’s disease or primary adrenal insufficiency is a rare autoimmune disorder which affects the whole system of the person resulting in a wide range of presenting complaints. Signs and symptoms are usually present in many other disorders as well which makes it difficult to diagnose the condition. However careful observation and history can help in diagnosing it. Early diagnosis and start of treatment is necessary to prevent further damage to the adrenal glands. However the herbal remedies suggested in this write up can help in management and treatment of the condition naturally.