Cystic fibrosis, also known as CF, Fibrocystic disease, or Mucoviscidosis, is an inherited disorder resulting from a faulty gene, due to which a protein controlling the movement of salt and water in the cells is not produced in the required quantities. Cystic fibrosis is predominantly a disease of the mucous and sweat glands and results in thick and sticky mucous and very salty sweat. This disease is seen mostly in Northern Europe and some parts of America. The common symptoms of this condition include thick sputum, salty skin, dehydration, male infertility, respiratory problems, diarrhoea, bulky and foul smelling stools, pain in the abdomen, and failure to thrive. In addition to respiratory problems, cystic fibrosis can also cause pancreatitis, intestinal blockage, nasal polyps, rectal prolapse, liver disease, diabetes, gall stones, and weakened bones. The sweat test is usually used for the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for cystic fibrosis is aimed at giving symptomatic treatment for the presenting symptoms of this condition, as well as giving medicines to treat the root cause of the condition. Ayurvedic herbal medicines are given to treat the respiratory as well as gastrointestinal diseases resulting from this condition. In addition, Ayurvedic herbal medicines are given to reduce the thickness and stickiness of mucous as well as to reduce the amount of salt present in sweat. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which act on the lymphatic and blood tissue as also medicines acting on the fat tissue are used in combination, so that the movement of salt and water from within the cells of the body can be regulated correctly.
In addition, Ayurvedic herbal medicines are also used which act on the DNA of the cells of the body so as to correct the dysfunctional gene to the maximum extent possible. This result in at least a partial secretion of the protein controlling the movement of salt and water, and cystic fibrosis can thereby be corrected. Treatment is required for about six to nine months in order to bring about a significant improvement both in the metabolism as well as in the resulting dysfunctions in the body. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can bring about a significant change in the quality of life of patients with cystic fibrosis, and can significantly improve survival.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
