Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) is an autoimmune
disease which includes Reynaud’s phenomenon (discoloration of fingertips and
toes in extreme temperatures), arthritis, esophageal dysfunction, myositis (inflammation
of muscles), pulmonary hypertension, sclerodactyly (swollen and hardened
fingers and toes), skin rash, reduced white blood cell counts, pleuritis
(inflamed coverings of lungs), pericarditis (inflamed coverings of heart),
along with high levels of ribonucleioprotein antibodies. Women are ten times
more affected by this condition than men.
Autoimmune diseases are those clinical conditions in which
the immune system of the body becomes dysfunctional and starts targeting body
organs and tissues, resulting in long term inflammation and damage. The modern,
conservative treatment of MCTD is to suppress the dysfunctional immune system
using steroids or immunosuppressant drugs; while this brings about an early
relief from symptoms, most patients tend to relapse in the long run. The
Ayurvedic treatment protocol for the management of MCTD consists of treating
symptoms, treating the damaged tissues and organs, normalizing metabolism,
soothing a hyper-reactive immune system, and treating all possible causes of
the disease. Causes include chronic allergies, chronic inflammation, chronic
infections, nutritional deficiencies, degeneration, and toxic build up in the
body.
Detoxification, rejuvenation treatment of tissues and organs,
immune modulation and symptomatic treatment need to be done separately or
concurrently. Treating and protecting important internal organs like the heart,
lungs and kidneys, and bringing about successful immune modulation, need to be
accorded top priority in the long run. When it becomes apparent that the immune
system is gradually functioning at optimal levels, the herbal medicines can be
tapered off gradually. Depending upon the severity of the condition and the
treatment response of the patient, treatment time may range anywhere from six
to twenty-four months. Educating the patient about a healthy diet and lifestyle
becomes important at this stage so as to enjoy optimal health and avoid a
relapse of the condition.
Concurrent treatment with modern medicines and Ayurvedic
herbal medicines can be safely given on a long term basis; however, adequate
monitoring and testing is essential.
The writer, Dr. A. A.
Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com 
