How to Treat Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (AHUS) in Ayurveda ?
Overview
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (AHUS) is an extremely rare, complex and life-threatening disease, which is characterized by the formation of tiny blood clots (micro thrombi) in small blood vessels throughout the body. The clots reduce or hamper the flow of blood to the different organs of the body, particularly the kidneys.
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is a progressive disease. It mostly has a genetic component, although some of the cases may also be acquired because of auto-antibodies or may occur due to unknown reasons.
Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (AHUS) : Signs
Patients suffering from AHUS generally show three main signs:
- low levels of circulating red blood cells because they get destroyed (Haemolytic anaemia)
- low platelet count (Thrombocytopenia)
- Acute kidney damage (Uremia), because of which kidneys cannot process waste products from the blood and expel them into the urine.
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome can affect children as well as adults. It can pose a potential risk of stroke, heart attack, severe high blood pressure (hypertension), kidney (renal) failure, lung complications, pancreatitis, brain dysfunction, liver necrosis (death of liver cells or tissue), seizure, or coma. In severe cases, the disease can be fatal.
Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (AHUS) : Causes
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (AHUS) can be caused by a number of factors, including genetic, environmental and immunologic factors. However, most of the cases of AHUS are caused by a chronic, excessive and unrestrained activation of the ‘complement system,’ or that part of the body’s innate immune system which destroys and eliminates foreign particles.
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is commonly linked to mutations in the various genes which are responsible for the production of proteins that are involved in the alternate pathway of complement. Though at least six different genes are believed to be associated with the disease, malfunctions in the gene (CFH) are apparently the main cause behind the disease in nearly one-third of the cases.
Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (AHUS) : Symptoms
The main indications of atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (AHUS) are low levels of red blood cells, low platelet count and damage to the kidneys. In addition, some of the other common symptoms of the disease include:
- Abdominal pain
- Edema or water retention (swelling)
- Nausea / vomiting
- Bloody diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Paleness of skin
- Loss of appetite
- Malaise (depression / unhappiness)
- Confusion
- Anaemia
- Elevated urea and creatinine levels.
Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (AHUS) : Ayurvedic Approach
Ayurveda is an ancient science of body healing. It underlines a natural method for treating a wide range of diseases, and is considered to a holistic, curative and preventative system of healthcare.
Since treatment of diseases in Ayurveda typically depends of each individual’s body constitution, Ayurvedic practitioners follow the time-tested, herbs-based method for effectively managing diseases like atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (AHUS). The use of the herbs for preparing the formulations for treating the symptoms of AHUS is undertaken in accordance with the ancient Ayurvedic texts.
For managing AHUS, Ayurvedic practitioners find out the primary dosha of the patients, and strive to balance the body’s three doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha – with the help of herbal formulations. The Ayurvedic treatment of AHUS may also require a change in the patients dietary and lifestyle habits; and, hence, patients need to participate actively in the treatment.
Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (AHUS)) : Treatment
At present, there is no standard treatment for Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (AHUS) in modern medicine system. However, doctors usually recommend the use of drugs which can improve the count of platelets and red blood cells in the body, and may potentially be helpful in reversing acute kidney injury and preventing kidney failure. In some cases, the treatment of AHUS may also involve blood transfusions and platelet transfusions.
For managing AHUS in a safe and natural manner, renowned herbal manufacturing company Planet Ayurveda offers some excellent herbal products. These products, prepared from 100% pure herbs, include:
1. Gotukola Capsules
To prepare these capsules, pure and standardized extracts of the ‘Gotu kola’ herb (Centella asiatica) are used. The herb has immense medicinal significance because it can promote overall health of the body.
The use of Gotukola capsules is beneficial in managing AHUS because the capsules have the ability to support healthy blood circulation in the body, maintain a healthy metabolic rate, keep the brain healthy, pacify the Pitta dosha, and balance the body’s three psychic energies – Satva, Rajas and Tamas.
Dosage :- 2 capsules, two times a day.
2. Punarnava Capsules
Standardized extracts of the ‘Punarnava’ herb (Boerhavia diffusa)are used for preparing these capsules. This herb is widely known for its diuretic actions and its ability to support the body in eliminating fluids.
Patients suffering from AHUS can benefit from the use of Punarnava capsules because they can treat edema, manage water retention caused by liver/kidney/heart dysfunction, help the body to expel fluids, promote liver health, improve respiratory health, and maintain the health of the urinary tract.
Dosage :- 1 capsule, two times a day.
3. Arjuna Capsules
These capsules are prepared from the bark extract of the Arjuna tree (Terminalia arjuna), which has proven benefits in managing heart problems, high cholesterol, and blood pressure. Arjuna specifically has cholesterol-regulating properties, and can restrain the absorption of lipids.
The use of Arjuna capsules can benefit AHUS patients because the capsules have the ability to improve blood circulation, clear blockages in blood vessels, control high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and reduce the effects of stress and nervousness.
Dosage :- 1 capsule, two times a day.
4. Saralghana Vati Tablets
These tablets are prepared from pure extracts of ‘Saral’ (Pinus roxburghii) bark or pine bark. Saral is widely used in Ayurvedic formulations because of its antiseptic, antioxidant, diuretic, diaphoretic, stimulant, haemostatic, and spasmolytic properties.
The use of Saralghana Vati is beneficial for managing AHUS because these tablets can maintain healthy renal functions, relieve pain and inflammation, manage liver disorders, treat haemorrhages, eliminate toxins from the body, and maintain healthy levels of urea, creatinine and cholesterol in the body.
Dosage :- 2 tablets, two times a day.
5. Navkarshik Churna
A combination of anti-inflammatory, blood purifying and immunomodulatory herbs is used for preparing this herbal powder, including Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Vacha (Acorus calamus), and Daru haldi (Berberis aristata).
Patients suffering from AHUS can benefit from this churna because of its ability to cleanse the blood, eliminate toxins from the body, regulate the heat in the body, support the immune system, treat liver disorders, and balance the body’s Vata and Pitta doshas.
Dosage :- 1 teaspoon, two times a day.
Conclusion
Planet Ayurveda herbal products for managing Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (AHUS) are purely organic formulations, which are prepared from herbal ingredients that undergo strict Quality-Quantity-Potency checks. These herbal products do not contain any additional colours, chemicals, preservatives, additives, fillers or binders.
Dr. Vikram Chauhan
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