Polyarteritis nodosa
(PAN) is an autoimmune disorder involving spontaneous inflammation of the
arteries usually affecting muscles, joints, intestines, nerves, kidneys and
skin. These cause symptoms which include
fever, pain, fatigue, weight loss, bleeding, and dysfunction of affected organs. Though this disease usually affects the
elderly population, it may be seen in all age groups. The severe form of this disease can be fatal.
The modern management
of this condition involves the use of steroids and immuno-suppressant
drugs. Ayurvedic herbal treatment for
PAN is aimed at treating the root cause of the disease, that is, inflammation
of the arteries. The symptoms for this
disease .point to a severe disturbance in the Pitta Dosha of the body; hence, herbal
medicines which act on Pitta and reduce its disturbed properties, are used in
high doses in the management of this condition.
The autoimmune component of the disease also needs to be handled
aggressively so that inflammation of arteries can be treated at the earliest
possible.
Since bleeding from
different parts of the body and damage to internal organs can be quite severe
in the advanced stage of the condition, it is important to initiate treatment at
the earliest possible in order to bring about a rapid remission, prevent permanent
damage of important organs and reduce morbidity and mortality to the maximum
extent possible. Ayurvedic treatment can
be done in the form of oral medication as well as Panchkarma which mainly
includes induced purgation, and courses of medicated enemas, if required.
Symptomatic treatment
to reduce damage to the skin, muscles, joints, intestines, nerves, and kidneys
needs to be given on a patient-to-patient basis, keeping in mind severity of
the symptoms, and the need to provide treatment of the root cause. If treatment is started early, a complete
remission can be obtained within a few months, and later on, low dose treatment
can be continued in order to prevent a relapse of the condition. An acute and severe presentation of the
disease requires highly aggressive treatment in the form of high doses of
herbal medicines which are nevertheless very effective in controlling symptoms
and bringing a rapid resolution of the disease.
Even severe forms of the disease can be treated completely within a span
of six to eight months.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment
can be very judiciously utilised to effectively treat PAN. Herbal medicines are quite safe for prolonged
use and can be used safely both in the pediatric as well as elderly population.
