Shigellosis is a medical condition involving infection of the intestines by the Shigella organism. This condition usually affects children between the age of six months to five years and involves symptoms which are similar to those of bacillary dysentery such as diarrhea and blood, abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, abdominal spasm, and passage of mucus along with stools. The modern management of this condition involves the use of anti-infective and anti-protozoal medicines and other symptomatic treatment.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for Shigellosis involves the use of herbal medicines in order to control the Shigella infection as well as bring about symptomatic treatment. Ayurvedic medicines which have a definite anti-infective and anti-septic action form the mainstay of treatment in the management of this condition. These medicines not only control infection but also reduce inflammation of the mucosa of the intestines. Reduction of inflammation also brings about reduction in pain and spasm of the intestine as well as reducing the exudate within the intestine which causes diarrhoea.
Ayurvedic herbal medicines are also used for symptomatic improvement of diarrhoea, bleeding, fever, vomiting, and passage of mucus along with stools. Herbal medicines which are used for the symptoms bring about in improvement in the digestion and absorption of nutrients and also help in healing the damage mucosa. The action of these herbal medicines therefore reduces bleeding, pain, as well as fever, and reduces the number of motions as well as the passage of mucus.
Most individuals affected with Shigellosis require Ayurvedic herbal treatment for about 1 to 4 weeks, depending upon the severity of the condition. Other supportive treatment such as oral rehydration may also be required along with Ayurvedic herbal medicines. Individuals who have a tendency for recurrence of Shigellosis may require preventive care, improvement of overall hygiene, controlled eating habits and additional Ayurvedic treatment in order to improve the resistance power of the intestine, so that recurrent infection can be prevented. Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a definite role to play in the management and treatment of Shigellosis.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
