Hepatopulmonary Syndrome – Symptoms, Causes & Ayurvedic Treatment

ABSTRACT

Liver is an interesting and crucial organ/gland. Liver does a number of functions that are required to live a healthy life. Liver metabolises the food we intake. Liver helps in detoxification and also helps in the formation and storage of vitamins and minerals. Due to various reasons, liver disease occurs and its functions are hampered. In advanced stages, the lungs get involved and result in lung dysfunction. In this article, we shall study a lot more about this coupled condition of Liver and Lungs in some details and the management protocol in the modern medicinal system and Indian Ancient Medicinal System of Ayurveda will also be discussed.

INTRODUCTION

Hepatopulmonary Syndrome is a dual diseased condition of liver and lungs when the prior organ disease progresses and hampers the functioning of the latter. This is a complication of liver cirrhosis rather than a disease itself. This condition has a triad that is also known as Hepatopulmonary triad – liver disease, intrapulmonary vascular dilation and arterial hypoxemia. Decreased oxygen concentration leads to hypoxia and needs immediate attention. So, the main culprit here is the liver disease, therefore management of this condition has a primary goal of correcting the liver disease. Let’s now have a look at the causes and symptoms that arise in this condition.

CAUSES

• The cause of HPS is not clear. Not all the patients suffering from liver cirrhosis not develop Intrapulmonary vascular dilatations.
• Hypoxemia in HPS condition primarily happens due to diffusion limitation and ventilation perfusion mismatch.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Majority of patients come up with features of liver disease while some come up with lungs or pulmonary complaints.
• Most common complaint is dyspnea (shortness of breath), however this is generally overlooked because multiple factors can be behind this.
• Spider angiomata
• Clubbing toes and fingers
• Cyanosis

INVESTIGATION

• Contrast echocardiography
• Arterial Blood Gasses
• Pulmonary function tests
• Liver function tests
• Macroaggregated Albumin Lung Perfusion Scan
• CT Chest

MANAGEMENT

• Liver transplantation
• Long-term oxygen therapy

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR HEPATOPULMONARY SYNDROME BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is a famous ayurvedic company and manufacturing unit. Planet Ayurveda has been dealing with various diseases successfully. Planet Ayurveda has treated many patients suffering from complicated diseases with proper ayurvedic formulations and diet charts. Planet Ayuurveda’s formulations are very unique, effective, result oriented and based on ayurvedic texts. Planet Ayurveda is pleased to inform you about the herbal formulations that work wonderfully in the management of Hepatopulmonary Syndrome. The list is as follows :

1. Yakrit Plihantak Churna
2. Phyllanthus Niruri
3. Punarnava Mandur
4. Praanrakshak Churna
5. Boswellia Curcumin
6. Vasaka Capsules

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. YAKRIT PLIHANTAK CHURNA

Yakrit Plihantak churna is a perfect blend of herbs such as Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Kaasni (Cichorium intybus), kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), makoy (Solanum nigrum), bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), bhringraj (Eclipta alba) and sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea). The churna is the best remedy made till now which can be taken by a healthy person because it helps in maintaining the healthy liver condition and its functioning. All the ingredients have hepatoprotective activity and also repair the damaged hepatocytes. Herbs also possess renewing property, hence helps formation of new cells. By managing liver condition, it helps in pulmonary symptoms ultimately.

Dosage: One tsp twice daily after meals.

2. PHYLLANTHUS NIRURI

Phyllanthus Niruri capsules are made up of pure herbal extract of Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri). Bhumi amla exhibits anti inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antipyretic, digestive, carminative, appetiser, laxative, antiviral and anodyne properties. With these immense positive actions, Phyllanthus Niruri capsules are a must herbal formulation required in the management of Hepatopulmonary Syndrome. It helps to establish a healthy liver and maintain it . Moreover, the symptoms are also alleviated associated with this condition such as pallor, skin itching, abdominal discomfort, anorexia and respiratory diseases.

Dosage: Two capsules twice daily after meals.

3. PUNARNAVA MANDUR

Punarnava Mandur is a classical herbomineral formulation. It contains punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), pippali (Piper longum), chavya (Piper chaba), vidanga (Embelia ribes), haridra (Curcuma longa), mandoora bhasma (Ferric oxide calx) and others. Punarnava Mandur has a lot of health benefits. It helps reduce ascites and also increases haemoglobin and platelets that are usually deceased in Hepatopulmonary Syndrome. It also benefits proper breathing.

Dosage: Two tablets twice daily after meals.

4. PRAANRAKSHAK CHURNA

Praanrakshak Churna is a herbal powder that contains the goodness of the herbs such as vasa (Adhatoda vasica), kantkari (Solanum xanthocarpum), shirish (Albizia lebbeck), mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum) and others. The formulation is indicated in respiratory diseases where the gaseous exchange does not occur properly and hypoxemia occurs. It also helps patients in Hepatopulmonary Syndrome where a person gasps for oxygen.

Dosage: One tsp twice daily with warm water after meals.

5. BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN

Boswellia Curcumin is a product of Planet Ayurveda that is used in inflammatory conditions. Haridra (Curcuma longa) and shallaki (Boswellia serrata) are its composition. The benefits of these herbs are world famous. Boswellia Curcumin helps in the management of Hepatopulmonary syndrome by alleviating the correcting blood vessel dilatation and makes gaseous exchange better that helps in proper oxygen supply to all parts of the body.

Dosage: One capsule twice daily after meals.

6. VASAKA CAPSULES

Vasaka capsules are a patent product of Planet Ayurveda. The capsules contain standard extract of vasa (Adhatoda vasica). Vasa is a herb that is indicated in all types of respiratory diseases. Vasaka with its kapha pitta balancing properties is a perfect remedy for Hepatopulmonary Syndrome. It helps soothe the pulmonary mucosa and alleviates symptoms of the condition and helps in proper gases exchange.

Dosage: Two capsules twice daily after meals.

CONCLUSION

Hepatopulmonary Syndrome is a complication of advanced liver disease and is a serious condition. It causes breathlessness, hypoxia and cyanosis. The condition worsens with time. Immediate management is required such as fluid tapping in case of ascites. However, in the modern system of medicine, liver transplant is considered to be an ultimate effective management. Unfortunately, this does not always turn out to be polite and nice. Post transplant complications are quite disturbing. There are further chances of development of hepatopulmonary syndrome and sometimes the condition stays the same. And there are often chances of getting infection after transplant. However, in the ayurvedic management, the herbs work effectively on the very root cause of the disease by correcting the dosha imbalance and also check the symptoms by directly acting on them. Above mentioned herbal medicines by Planet Ayurveda is a perfect solution to manage it.