Psittacosis is an occupational disease which occurs among zoo and pet-shop employees, poultry farmers and rangers because of the handling, purchasing or selling of birds, the handling of sick birds, or even a transient exposure to infected birds. This condition may also present as an epidemic, with predominantly respiratory symptoms. The common symptoms of this condition include fever, chills, cough, chest pain, breathlessness, severe headache, facial rash, photophobia, and occasionally, gastrointestinal upset. Since this is an occupational disease, due care needs to be exercised in order to avoid such infections.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for Psittacosis is aimed at treating symptoms of the presentation of the disease, and providing immunomodulation to individuals at risk, so as to prevent an outbreak of infection as well as recurrences. Herbal medicines which have a specific action on the respiratory tract as well as the gastrointestinal tract form the mainstay of treatment in the management of this condition. Herbal medicines which are usually used in influenza as well as upper and lower respiratory infections can also be utilised in the management of Psittacosis.
Ayurvedic herbal immunomodulation agents have a special role to play in the management and prevention of infections like Psittacosis. Individuals with a high risk due to prolonged occupational exposure to birds can utilize such immunomodulatory treatment is in order to reduce the risk of infection from infected birds. Such medicines can also reduce treatment time and as well as the possibility for complications. Individuals at risk can be given repeated courses of such immunomodulatory herbs, so as to provide long lasting protection from this condition.
Most individuals affected with Psittacosis require Ayurvedic herbal treatment for about two to six weeks, in order to obtain a complete cure from this condition. Immunomodulation may be required for another few months. Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of Psittacosis.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
