Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) - Effective Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) - Effective Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Polyarteritis nodosa, also known as PAN, is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by spontaneous inflammation of the arteries, causing symptoms such as fever, pain, fatigue, weight loss, bleeding, and dysfunction of affected organs. Inflammation of the arteries can be very serious and cause permanent damage to affected organs such as the intestines and kidneys. Spontaneous bleeding from multiple sites can also be fatal. PAN is therefore a very serious condition that requires urgent treatment.

PAN affects multiple body systems and usually affects muscles, joints, skin, intestines, nerves and kidneys. Although it is more common in older people, it can affect people of all ages including children. Conservative modern treatment of this condition involves the use of steroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Although these medications initially respond well, most patients' condition inevitably begins to deteriorate in the long term. PAN can therefore cause severe morbidity and mortality.

In this scenario, Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be used judiciously and effectively to combat and successfully treat this disease. Herbal medicines can be administered in high doses and over long periods of time to treat inflammation of the arteries, induce immune modulation, and treat affected organs symptomatically and prevent permanent damage. It is very important to start treatment as early as possible to avoid long-term, irreversible damage.

According to the Ayurvedic pathophysiology of the disease, a disturbed Vata dosha causes autoimmune status and a disturbed and increased Pitta dosha causes inflammation of the arteries, thereby damaging various systems and organs. Ayurvedic treatment therefore aims to correct Vata Dosha and reduce harmful aspects of elevated Pitta Dosha. This can be done through a combination of oral herbal tablet therapy and special Panchkarma procedures. These include induced cleansing to treat Pitta Dosha and a series of medicated enemas known as “Tikta Ksheer Basti” to treat Vata Dosha.

While patients with mild forms of the disease go into remission within six to eight months of starting Ayurvedic herbal treatment, those suffering from a more severe form of the disease require longer treatment of eight to eighteen months or more. However, almost all patients with PAN can be successfully treated so that the disease goes into complete remission. The medication may then be continued in a smaller amount or with a reduced frequency to prevent the disease from relapsing. Compared to herbo-mineral Ayurvedic formulations, it is preferable to use herbal medicines as they are safe even at very high dosage of medicines and for a long period of time.

Patients with bleeding from multiple body sites and severe damage to major internal organs are best treated in the intensive care units of well-equipped hospitals. However, once the acute symptoms are well controlled, it is better to initiate Ayurvedic treatment so that the disease can be completely cured. Ayurvedic herbal treatment therefore plays a crucial role in the successful and effective treatment of PAN.