Aspergillosis is a
disease caused by infection due to a variety of fungus known as Aspergillus fungi. This condition is usually observed in
individuals with a severely compromised immune system and is caused either due
to long-standing disease or due to the chronic use of immunosuppressant drugs. Aspergillosis can cause a variety of symptoms
which can be mild or severe and vary according to the organ affected.
Infection of the ear
canal causes symptoms like itching, pain, and ear discharge. Infected sinuses can cause symptoms like
pain, congestion and discharge. Common
symptoms for infected lungs include cough, fever, breathlessness, and hemoptysis. Severe and deep-seated infection can cause
symptoms such as fever, chills, shock, bleeding, kidney failure, and liver
failure. In individuals with acute
leukemia and hemato-poetic stem cell transplantation, aspergillosis is a
leading cause of death. Biopsy is usually
diagnostic of this condition, in addition to other routine tests like blood
tests, x-ray, and CT scan. The
management of aspergillosis in the modern system of medicine includes treatment
with antifungal medicines and steroids, if necessary.
Patients having
deep-seated and serious infection are best treated in well-equipped hospitals with
intensive care facilities, in order to promptly treat the fungus infection as
well as the associated complications, so as to prevent or reduce morbidity and
mortality from the disease. Mild to
moderate infection due to aspergillosis can be treated independently with
Ayurvedic herbal medicines. Different medicines can be given according to the
presentation of symptoms and the different organs affected. Additional treatment needs to be given for
symptoms such as pain, inflammation, itching, discharge, cough and fever. In addition to symptomatic treatment,
Ayurvedic medicines which have a specific antifungal action can be given in
high doses in order to bring about a prompt response.
In addition to
patients having moderate or mild infection, even individuals having severe
aspergillosis infection can be given supplementary Ayurvedic treatment in order
to bring about a prompt response as well as reduce complications and increase
the chances of survival. This is usually
achieved by using herbal medicines to significantly improve the immune status
of affected individuals.
Herbal medicines
which can be used to directly treat fungal infection include Sukshma Triphala, Gandhak
Rasayan, Triphala Guggulu, Panch Tikta Ghrut Guggulu, Nimba Patoladi Guggulu, Ras
Sindur, Malla Sindur, Sameerpannag Ras, Tribhuvan Kirti Ras, Sitopaladi, Panchamrut
Parpati, Trivang Bhasma, Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Patol (Trichosanthe
dioica), Triphala (Three Fruits), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Kutaj (Holharrhina
antidysentrica), Pippali (Piper longum), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and Bhrungraj
(Eclipta alba). Depending upon the location of the fungal infection, single
drugs or combinations of these medicines need to be given in high doses for
about 4-12 weeks in order to fully eradicate the infection.
Herbal medicines and
herbo-mineral combinations which are used to improve immunity include Suvarna
Malini Vasant, Madhu Malini Vasant, Laghu Malini Vasant, Suvarna Parpati,
Vasant Kusumakar Ras, Makardhwaj Ras, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera),
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Manjishtha (Rubia
cordifolia), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra),
Haridra (Curcuma longa), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Chitrak (Plumbago
zeylanica) and Marich (Piper nigrum).
Depending upon the
severity of the infection and the immune status of affected individuals,
Ayurvedic herbal treatment needs to be given for periods ranging from one to
six months, in order to fully treat symptoms and prevent a recurrence.
Ayurvedic treatment thus has a significant and positive role to play in the
management and treatment of aspergillosis.
The writer, Dr. A. A.
Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
