Legionnaire’s disease is a severe form of pneumonia which is caused by a bacterium known as legionella. The risk factors for this condition include old age, a history of smoking, the presence of chronic disorders like lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease and cancer; a weakened immune system, and professional occupations related to air conditioning maintenance and repair. The symptoms of this condition include high fever, chills, body pain, cough, hemoptysis, breathlessness, chest pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion, and other mental disorders. This condition may also cause aggravation of infections in wounds and in other parts and systems of the body including the heart. A weakened immune system increases the morbidity and mortality in this condition, and therefore, prompt and aggressive hospital treatment is important in the management of this disease. Outbreaks of this condition can be reduced with meticulous cleaning and disinfection of water systems, pools and spas.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be given as the mainstay of treatment if the affected individuals can be treated on an outpatient basis or as supportive therapy if intensive care in hospital is required. In the latter case, the main focus of Ayurvedic treatment is on improving the immune status of the affected individual, so as to reduce treatment time and improve the cure rate. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial action form the mainstay of treatment in the management of this condition. Medicines which have a specific action on the heart, brain, and lungs are also very useful while treating Legionnaire’s disease. Ayurvedic medicines which have a specific action for treating fever and respiratory tract infections can also be used while treating this disease.
In addition to anti-infective therapy, Ayurvedic herbal immunomodulatory agents are also very important in the management of this condition in order to prevent or reduce the chances for infection. Herbal medicines which improve the immune status of affected individuals can be used both for curative as well as preventive purposes. Most individuals affected with this condition require Ayurvedic herbal treatment for periods ranging from two to eight weeks, in order to bring about a significant improvement or cure in this condition. Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of Legionnaires disease.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
