Posts Tagged ‘Bacterial Infection’

Sickle Cell Anemia – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Comments: 0April 1st, 2011 by admin



Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder of the blood caused by abnormal hemoglobin, which causes distorted (sickle shaped) red blood cells, which are fragile and prone to rupture. When the number of red blood cells decreases from rupture (hemolysis), the resultant condition is called as sickle cell anemia. Sickling can be exacerbated by injury to the body’s tissue, dehydration, and anesthesia.

The major symptoms of this disease are the direct result of the sickled red blood cells blocking the circulation to various tissues of the body. Treatment is designed according to the individual presentation of the disease. Severe anemia; migratory pain crises; joint pain and swelling; bacterial infection; spleen and liver congestion; lung and heart injury; leg necrosis; aseptic necrosis and bone infarcts; eye damage; weakening of the bones; and damage to important organs like the brain, kidney and nervous system; are common features of this disease.

Ayurvedic treatment of this condition is primarily aimed at treating the root cause of the disease and preventing serious complications. Medicines acting on the bone marrow are given in an attempt to minimize the production of defective cells. Guduchi (Tinosporia cordifolia), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Laxadi Guggulu, Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Heerak Bhasma and Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu are used for this purpose.

Arogya Vardhini, Triphala Guggulu, Punarnavadi Guggulu, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Vata-Gajankush-Ras and Rasayan Vati are used for pain crises, joint pain and swelling. Medicines like Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Guduchi, Pippali (Piper Longum) and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) are used on a long term basis to prevent infections. Kutki ( Picrorrhiza kurroa), Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpuria), and Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) are used to prevent liver and spleen congestion. Medicines like Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) and Laxmi-Vilas-Ras are used to protect the heart, while Mandukparni (Centella asiatica) is used to prevent leg ulcers. Medicines like Laxadi Guggulu, Trayo-Dashang-Guggulu, Punarnavadi Guggulu, Gokshuradi Guggulu and Tapyadi-Loh Vati can be used to prevent damage to bones, eyes, kidneys and the brain.

Since this condition is a genetically inherited disorder, it may not be currently possible to completely cure this disease. However, a majority of the symptoms can be prevented or reduced with a judicious combination of Ayurvedic medicines. It should be remembered that all patients suffering from this condition should be under the regular supervision and treatment of a Hematologist.

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Posted in anemia

Low Platelets – Possible Causes of ITP and Other Blood Platelet Disorders

Comments: 0May 12th, 2010 by admin



There are a number of reasons and conditions that might just trigger a low platelet count or an increase in the breakdown of blood platelets.

Some possible causes are as follows:

Blood Poisoning – this is usually caused by severe bacterial infections which will leaad to a low platelt count and subsequent blood platelet destruction.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome – This is a rare disorder that causes the platelets to plummet. This is also accompanied by destruction of the red blood cells and damage to the kidneys. Sometimes this occurs when the person has contracted a severe bacterial infection such as E.Coli (Escherichia coli), which can be acquired from eating uncooked or undercooked meat, such as hamburger.

Pregnancy – Sometimes and in some unusual circumstances when the body is pregnant it destroys some of its own platelets.

Which can cause a mild case of thrombocytopenia (bruising).

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) – A blood disorder in which your immune system mistakenly identifies platelets as a threat to the body and creates antibodies that attack the platelets.

Other autoimmune diseases – These range from rheumatoid arthritis, some cancers and even lupus. A lot of these conditions lead to destruction of the platelets because the immune system has malfunctioned.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) – This is a rare, sometimes genetic, life-threatening condition. This happens when small blood clots spontaneously occur throughout your body, causing a large number of platelets to be spent in the process. In most cases of TTP the cause is unknown. In some of the cases it might be related to experiencing an infection or a chronic disease.

Drugs and medications – It is acknowledged by the medical community that certain drugs and medications can low platelet production by confusing the immune system and causing it to destroy platelets. Some examples include sulfa-containing antibiotics, heparin, quinidine, quinine, some oral diabetes drugs, gold salts and rifampin.

Thrombocytopenia induced by Heparin, has been known to cause excessive blood clotting instead of bleeding. This increases the risk of clot forming blood clots deep within a leg blood vessel. This can be lifethreatening and very dangerous as the blood stream may carry the clot to your lungs.

Trapped platelets in the spleen – The spleen normally functions to fight infection and filter unwanted waste material from your blood. It is an organ about the size of your fist and is located on the left side of your abdomen just below your rib cage. Sometimes and enlarged spleen, which can be caused by any number of disorders, may hold on to too many blood platelets, thereby causing a low platelet count in the blood.

These are just a sampling of possible causes of a low platelet count. If you have signs of a low platelet count please consider looking into natural means to build up your blood platelet levels.

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Posted in anemia

Allergies to Antibiotics and Penicillin Rash Symptoms

Comments: 0April 29th, 2009 by admin



If you or your child get strep throat, a bacterial infection, ear infection or a different breathing disorder, you may be prescribed the antibiotic penicillin to improve your health and kill the bacteria. It’s important to know if you have an allergy to this antibiotic. For those that do, you may have Type E immunoglobulin antibodies that are produced which cause problems. In this case your body is reacting to the penicillin as though it’s the enemy. Be aware that you need to amoxicillin will not be tolerated by your system as well.

An allergic reaction to penicillin may not appear immediately but may take a few to several days to be exhibited. It can show up as an itchy rash. If you notice any swelling of the face, throat or breathing issues you should seek medical attention immediately. Anaphylactic shock is serious and having one’s airway obstructed can be an emergency situation. This usually occurs shortly after taking the medication whereas the antibiotic rash may not manifest itself for several days.

For a penicllin rash without any swelling complications, taking an antihistamine can relieve the itching.

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Posted in Allergy And Sinus