How To Treat Henoch Schonlein Purpura?

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Allergic Purpura, Allergic Vasculitis, Anaphylactoid Purpura, Hemorrhagic Capillary Toxicosis, Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis,

Henoch-Schonlein purpura is an inflammatory condition resulting in leakage of the small blood vessels causing bleeding in skin, joints, kidneys, and intestines. Children are most commonly affected by these disorders, although anyone can suffer from it. Boys are more prone to HSP than girls. This disorder is in a more severe form in adults than children. The characteristic sign of this disease condition is purple rash mainly on the lower part of the buttocks and legs. Abdominal pain and joints pain can also occur in Henoch-Schonlein purpura. In severe cases, kidneys, lungs and nervous system can be damaged severely. It commonly improves by itself within 4-6 weeks but the relapsing of the disease is common. If major organs are affected than serious complications can pose.

What is Ayurvedic Understanding of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura?

It is believed to be an autoimmune disease.  According to Ayurveda it is caused due to deposition of the harmful toxins, i.e. ama in the blood vessels. The immune system of the body identifies it as a harmful material and targets to destroy it. In this process of destroying and eliminating ama blood vessels also gets damaged and it results in HSP.

What can be the Causes of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura?

The exact cause of this disorder is not known but it is believed to be an autoimmune disease caused by abnormal functioning of the immune system. Immune system targets the blood vessels and starts attacking it which causes damage and leakage. This may be usually an abnormal response of the immune system to any infection as symptoms of HSP appear usually after few days of upper respiratory tract infection.

What can be the Risk Factors for Henoch-Schonlein Purpura?

  • Vaccinations for cholera, typhoid, measles, yellow fever, or hepatitis B.
  • Drugs
  • Chemicals
  • Insect Bites
  • Children are more prone, 2-6 years old.
  • Boys suffer from it more commonly
  • It is believed to strikes usually in winter, autumn, and spring, rarely in summers.

What can be the Signs and Symptoms of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura?

  • Purpura (Rash)-Its characteristic sign is purple color rashes which looks like bruises or hives. This rashes is mainly found to be on feet, arms, legs, face, buttocks, and trunk. These are worse in pressure areas like waistline and sock line.
  • Painful and swollen joints- Sore and swollen joints are usually present in this disorder, especially in ankles and knees. Sometimes joint pains appear one or two weeks earlier than rashes.
  • Kidney symptoms- In severe cases it affects the kidneys which result in various symptoms like albuminuria i.e. presence of albumin (protein) in urine, hematuria, i.e. presence of blood in urine.
  • Gastrointestinal involvement- Abdominal pain, bloody stools, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting may appear in children suffering from this disorder. These symptoms usually appear before the rashes.

What can be the Complications of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura?

  • Kidney- In severe cases, it can result in kidney damage and usually in adults. In some incidences, the patient may need a dialysis or kidney transplant.
  • GIT- Intussusception, i.e. an abnormal folding of the bowel resulting in bowel blockage preventing bowel movements. This case requires surgery.

How can Henoch- Schonlein Purpura be Diagnosed?

Presence of typical purple rash may suggest your doctor inspect into the cause through detailed medical history and examination. The doctor will evaluate the indicative sign and symptoms and reach to the conclusion. In order to confirm the diagnosis some blood tests, urine tests, and imaging test can be done.

What is the Treatment for Henoch-Schonlein Purpura?

In modern medicine, there is no specific treatment for this condition. Treatment is aimed at management of the symptoms which mainly include corticosteroids. Surgery is done if complications pose like folding of the bowel.

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda for Henoch-Schonlein Purpura

Planet Ayurveda comes up with the 4 specific remedies to treat this rare and difficult to treat the disorder, i.e. HSP. These remedies are prepared from herbs of the best quality under strict and classical principles of the Ayurveda. All the remedies are purely vegetarian and are not tested on animals. No chemicals, preservatives, additives, dye, and fillers are added in these herbal remedies.

1. Pitta Balance

Standardized extracts of various amazing herbs are used to manufacture these capsules. Some of the ingredients used are Praval pishti (Coral calcium), Akik pishti (Agate calcium), Jahar mohra pishti (Calcium compound), kamdhudha rasa etc. These capsules help in balancing the Pitta dosha and treat gastrointestinal problems. Indigestion and acidity are relieved by regular consumption of Pitta balance capsules.

Dosage- Take 2 capsules two times a day with plain water after 30 mins of the meals.

2. Arogyavardhan Vati

These herbal tablets are composed of various herbs Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Amlaki (Emblica officinalis), Shudh Shilajit (Asphaltum), Shudh guggulu (Commiphora mukul) and Kutki (Picorrhiza zeylanica). All these herbs have a wonderful effect on the overall body system. It supports healthy digestion and immune system. Indigestion and loss of appetite are relieved by these tablets. It also helps to balance all the three doshas, i.e. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Dosha.

Dosage- Take 2 tablets two times a day with plain water after 30 mins of the meals.

3. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia serrata (Shallaki) and Curcuma longa (Curcumin) are used to manufacture these herbal capsules. Boswellia curcumin capsule is an amazing remedy for various health ailments like inflammation and its associated symptoms like pain and swelling; removes toxins and free radicals from the body, i.e. antioxidant; helps to treat viral and bacterial infections.

Dosage- Take 2 capsules two times a day with plain water after meals.

4. Amalaki Rasayan

These herbal capsules are made from the standardized extract of Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis). Amalaki Rasayana capsules are packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which relieve swelling pain and detoxify the body.

Dosage- Take 2 capsules two times a day with plain water after 30 mins of the meals.

Diet and Home Remedies

As this disorder is usually known to be preceded by the upper respiratory tract infection. So below are some points listed for maintaining a healthy respiratory system:

  • Include immunity enhancing spices like cumin, fennel, turmeric, coriander, ginger and black pepper in your food.
  • Do not take leftovers in order to prevent deposition of Ama.
  • Avoid processed food, drinks, and cold drinks.
  • Heavy food, spicy and fried food should be strictly avoided.
  • Vegetables from nightshade family create ama, like potatoes, tomatoes, sweet pepper and eggplant. So they should be avoided.
  • Take nourishing, light and warm food.
  • Vata pacifying foods should be taken like cooked apples or pears.
  • Take asparagus, zucchini, and squashes.