Abstract
There are a lot of things that are affecting our life, or You can say disturbing our smooth going life. Apart from situations, the most disturbing thing is the diseased state. When the person is not feeling well that is the most disturbing thing in his/her life. Emotions or our mental status we can hide, humans are expert in that but the body's diseased state cannot be hidden. When you are not feeling well, it's like a gesture written on your face. In this article we will be discussing a condition that can potentially disturb your smooth going daily activities and it is called Reiter's syndrome or Reactive arthritis. The condition is better manageable with Ayurvedic formulations. Now let's discuss Reiter's syndrome or Reactive arthritis in detail along with its Ayurvedic management.
Introduction
Reiter's Syndrome or Reactive Arthritis is a condition in which swelling of joints takes place. This swelling is associated with pain as well and swelling is triggered by an infection which is present in other parts of the body. Reactive arthritis is also described as the classical triad of arthritis, urethritis and conjunctivitis. However, the majority of patients do not present with the classical triad. Reiter's syndrome is named after Hans Reiter, who was the first person to describe this syndrome. According to present study the condition is an deviant autoimmune response or condition which is because of the long standing salmonella, shigella, campylobacter, or chlamydia infections in the gastrointestinal system. Though the condition is rare and its occurrence in population based studies is to be between 0.6 - 27% per one lakh. About 1-3% of patients with urethritis usually develop Reactive Arthritis. Now, let's get into the details of the topic that is Reter's Syndrome or Reactive Arthritis.
Key Notes for Reiter's Syndrome or Reactive Arthritis
- Reiter's Syndrome or Reactive Arthritis: A seronegative Spondyloarthropathy
- Causes: Underlying infection of urethra, Conjunctiva, Uvea, Intestines
- Epidemiology: Rare
- Predominance: Common in Young man below the age of 40 years, Rare in Children
- Anatomical Location: Unilateral/ Bilateral
- Diagnosis: Clinical triad, History, Symptoms and Ophthalmologic Examination
- Along with prevalence of HLA-B27 is estimated to be 30%-50% with wide variations in the range values
- Ayurvedic perspective: Reactive arthritis or Reiter's syndrome is a Form of Amavata. Amavata is a condition in which vitiation of Vata dosha (Kinetic energy) along with accumulation of ama (Endotoxins) takes place in Body.
Causes Of Reiter's Syndrome / Reactive Arthritis
The Reiter's Syndrome or Reactive Arthritis is caused by an underlying infection of some other system. Most common infections include the following:
- Infection by microorganism Chlamydia
- It can also be acquired through Sexually transmitted diseases
- Other organisms like Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia and Campylobacter can cause Gastrointestinal infections resulting in Reactive arthritis or Reiter's Syndrome
- As aforementioned infection of Uvea and Urethra can also cause this Condition
When discussed in Ayurveda, Reactive arthritis or Reiter's syndrome is the result of Vata Aggravation (Excess of Kinetic Energy) along with deposition or accumulation of Ama Dosha (Endotoxins) in the body. This happens due to the out of order or without disciplined diet and lifestyle we are following.
Symptoms Of Reiter's Syndrome / Reactive Arthritis
The symptoms of Reiter's Syndrome or Reactive Arthritis includes a large variety but the most commonest are the following:
Clinical Triad
Uvea Inflammation, Conjunctiva Inflammation, Urethra Inflammation
- Pain in joints along with stiffness
- Inflammation of Tendons & ligaments attached to bones
- Swollen toes along with fingers
- Skin problems in few cases
- Back in lower back
On the other hand, As per Ayurveda Ama Vata has symptoms as following:
Ama and Vata vitiation involves Koshtha (Gastrointestinal tract), Trika (Lumbar sacral spine), and Sandhis (Joints). It also involves Pan in joints, low appetite, Indigestion, stiffness along with swelling in Joints, Weakness and heaviness in chest as well.
Common Causative Agents
The commonest causative agents for Reiter's Syndrome or Reactive Arthritis are as follows:
- Salmonella enteritidis
- Shigella flexneri
- S. dysenteriae
- Yersinia enterocolitica
- Campylobacter jejuni
- Clostridium difficile
Diagnosis Of Reiter's Syndrome / Reactive Arthritis
The symptoms manifest several days to weeks after the initial infection. Diarrhoea or other symptoms which are the result of the offending agents are usually resolved by the time a patient develops arthritis. So, for diagnosis following procedure is the best to follow:
- History of past illness: This plays an important role before declaring a patient to have reactive arthritis or Reiter's Syndrome. History of long standing infection gives a detailed idea about the situation.
- Physical examination: It will reveal presence of sausage shaped fingers, toes, Pain in heel which will be bilateral (mostly), Asymmetric oligoarthritis limited to lower extremities, conjunctivitis, iritis, Acute diarrhoea or onset of cervicitis within 4 weeks of onset of arthritis.
- Blood Tests like C reactive Protein (whose levels are elevated in body due to presence of infections) and HLA- B27 (which comes out positive in this case).
Treatment of Reiter's Syndrome or Reactive Arthritis
The treatment is done in various steps. After going through a patient's detailed symptoms, antimicrobial therapy is generally preferred. The duration of these antimicrobial medications is for 3 to 6 months.
Treatment of underlying infection is to be done at the earliest
In certain patients, for relieving pain and stiffness painkillers in a combination of muscle relaxants are also given.
When nothing works, neither NSAIDS nor antiinflammatory drugs than steroids are the Choice of Drugs in this case. At a tapering dose, these steroids are introduced in the treatment.
Ayurvedic Perspective of Reiter's Syndrome or Reactive Arthritis
As aforementioned, Reiter's Syndrome or Reactive Arthritis is a form of Ama Vata. Ama are the toxins that are accumulated in the body and Vata is the kinetic energy which gets disturbed due to certain food and lifestyle habits. In this case the Ama is produced by the bacterias or antimicrobial agents in the form of Cytotoxins. Due to Aagantuj karna (or external factors responsible for infections inside the body), dhatu kshaya (Tissue deterioration) is there along with vitiation of agni (Digestive fire) and this results in the aggravation of Vata dosha.
Vata dosha, due to its chal guna (Mobile property) carry ama (Cytotoxins) from the Srotas (microchannels) and with a huge strength it carries it to the joints and then lakshana (symptoms) like shotha (swelling), ruja (pain), stambhan (stiffness) and other symptoms appear.
That's the Ayurvedic perspective for the occurrence of Reiter's Syndrome or Reactive Arthritis.
In this condition Ayurveda suggests a very particular type of treatment. The treatment protocol according to ayurveda includes the following:
- Langhan (Intermittent fasting): For digestion enhancement
- Sweden (Dry Sudation): Reduces pain and Swelling
- Deepan and Pachan (Digestive and Carminative): Enhances Appetite
- Virechan (Purgation): Eliminates Toxins
- Snehapana (Oleation Therapy): For reducing Stiffness
- Basti (Medicated Enema): Expels toxins from colon and pacify Vata dosha
Herbs like Haridra, Shallaki, Guggul, Amla, Ashwagnadha, Brahmi etc. have a very impressive result in this condition. They help in expulsion of Ama from the body and also help in pacification of Vata dosha.
The formulations which are giving impressive results in Amavata are Simhanad guggul, Yograj guggul, Brahmi vati etc. are having very impressive results in Reactive Arthritis. Oil of castor also plays a very important role in elimination of ama dosha and pacifying vata as well.
Herbal Remedies for Reiter's Syndrome or Reactive Arthritis by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is a leading herbal formulations manufacturing company. The formulations which are prepared by Planet Ayurveda are completely herbal and do not have any type of side effects. The products are manufactured under the Guidance of MD Ayurveda experts. Planet Ayurveda has outlets all over the world and its products are Approved by FDA, US as well. Planet Ayurveda also has various oyster certifications like Kosher, HALAL and many others. The Ayurvedic formulations are advised in a combination, in many types of conditions and have very fruitful impact. The formulations which are given in Reiter's syndrome or Reactive Arthritis are as follows:
- Boswellia Curcumin
- Amalaki Rasayan
- Yograj Guggul
- Aamvatantak Churna
- Ashwagandhaghan Vati
- Orthovita Oil
Products Description
1. Boswellia Curumin
Boswellia curcumin is Planet Ayurveda's Patent formulation and has impressive results in conditions like Reiter's Syndrome. The formulation has ingredients like Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) & Haridra (Curcumin longa). Boswellia curcumin is in capsule form and helps in the pacification of ama dosha. These capsules have their impact on digestion as well. They help in the cleansing of micro channels so that easy passage for Vata movements can be made. Boswellia curcumin is a fantastic combination which also helps with pain due to its Vata pacification property and reduces swelling as well. The formulation has no side effects and gives impressive results in this condition.
Doasge: One capsule twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.
2. Amalaki Rasayan
Amalaki Rasayan is one another formulation by Planet Ayurveda which has only amalaki (Emblica officinalis) as its ingredient. The Amalaki rasayan has a rejuvenating effect and has the capacity to balance all the doshas in the body that is Vata, pitta and Kapha as well. Moreover, it is also having antioxidant effects and supports healthy digestion. The formulation has an impressive effect in balancing the metabolic working and thus stabilises the body really well. It also acts as an immunomodulator and prevents attacks of any further infections. Amalaki rasayan capsules are prepared with the best and standardised extract of amla.
Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.
3. Yograj Guggul
Yograj guggul is an impressive Ayurvedic classical preparation which has potent ingredients like guggul (Commiphora guggul) along with other ingredients like pippali (Piper longum), ajwain (Carum copticum), vidang (Embelia ribes) and others. Yograj guggul is classically mentioned especially under amavatrogadhikara, which means it is used specifically in the management of ama vata and its forms. In conditions like Reiter's Syndrome or Reactive Arthritis the formulation has marvellous impact by pacification of Vata dosha and also in elimination of endotoxins from the body. Due to the presence of guggul it is having a healing effect as well. In addition, it reduces swelling and relieves pain in Reiter's Syndrome or Reactive Arthritis.
Dosage: Two tablets twice a day after melas with lukewarm water.
4. Aamvatantak Churna
Aamvatantak churna is a peculiar formulation for amavata and also for various forms of amavata. The churna is having ingredients like shunthi (Zingiber officinalis), pippali (Piper longum), amalaki (Emblica officnalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) and many others. Here aam stands for endotoxins, Vata stands for excess of kinetic energy in the body and antak means the ones who end both. That is how the formulation works, it eliminates the ama dosha, pacifies the Vata dosha, improves the digestion and refines the entire system. Once elimination and pacification is done the symptoms subsides gradually thus improving the entire situation.
Dosage: One tsp twice a day after melas with lukewarm water.
5. Ashwagandhaghan Vati
Ashwagandhaghan vati has ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) as its only ingredient. The formulation has an impact on deeper dhatus and helps in subsiding the swelling and pain in the joints. The ashwagandha is an excellent immunomodulator as well thus making the condition good and the situation improves impressively. This formulation also helps in the elimination of ama and pacify Vata and Kapha dosha that are potential and kinetic energies in the body. The symptoms like pain and difficulty in movement are very well handled by using this formulation. Ashwagndhaghan vati works to strengthen the entire body framework.
Dosage: Two tablets twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.
6. Orthovita Oil
The orthovita oil is one of the patent products of Planet Ayurveda which has ingredients like tail tarpon, shul gajendra, gandhapura, turpentine, saindhavadi taila, prasarini oil and few others.its application should be done gently and thus help in anulomana of Vata dosha as well. The orthovita oil helps in supporting normal movement of joints and also maintains the strength of joints.
How To Use Oil: Mix both the oil and warm it through the water bath method before application. Never warm the hot through direct heating. Apply it on the affected area and massage gently.
Conclusion
The Reiter's Syndrome or Reactive Arthritis is a very rare condition which can develop in even children, if the case is the rarest. But without modern medication this condition is quite manageable with Planet Ayurveda's formulations. They help in elimination of accumulated cytotoxins and pacify the Vata dosha which is responsible for various types of deformities, pains and selling in this case. But with Ayurveda the things can be much better and the patient gets relief along with the disciplined lifestyle and diet habits. In case of any queries kindly visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com
