OSTEOMALACIA

ASTHI-VAKARATAA -- RICKETS -- OSTEOMALACIA

WHAT IS THIS DISORDER?

ASTHIVAKARATAA or rickets in children and Osteomalacia in adults is a group of disorders in which there is softening and weakening of the bones. When it is in children, it is called Rickets and usually present with bending of the bones of the legs inward or outward, and when it is in adults, it presents with severe bone pains.

WHY THIS APPEARS IN THE BODY?

For the proper growth and maintenance of bones we need calcium and phosphorus in normal amounts. We get all this calcium and phosphorus from the diet but our body cannot absorb these from the intestines. Our body needs a group of substances known as Vitamin D. vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, Vitamin D is also activated into some of its active compounds with the help of sunlight when there is direct exposure of sunlight.

Any condition which results in the deficiency of these can result into ASTHIVAKARTAA ---

LACK OF VITAMIN D—

--very less exposure to sunlight

--in children who always stay inside

--in persons who have to work indoors always

--children who have lactose intolerance—have trouble digesting milk, cannot get vitamin D

--children who don’t drink milk products at all

--if children are only on breastfeed, human breastfeed doesn’t contain much vitamin D

--disorders that reduce the digestion and absorption of fats from the intestines cause a lack of vitamin D

LACK OF CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS—

--not getting enough of these from the diet

--when due to genetic reasons our kidneys hold back phosphorus, and there is a loss of it through kidneys

--sometimes severe diarhoea and vomiting can cause loss of these from the body

--overactive resorption (taking out the calcium from the bones) due to the overactive thyroid gland

VARIOUS CAUSES IN ADULTS WHICH RESULT IN LACK OF VITAMIN D—

--renal tubular acidosis

--malnutrition during pregnancy

--malabsorption syndrome

--hypophosphotamia

--chronic renal failure

--long term anticonvulsant therapy

--coeliac disease- GRAHNI ROGA

ASTHI KSHYA LAKSHAN – SUSHRUTA  SUTRA 15, CHARAK SUTRA 17,67

—DANTA, NAKHA, ROMA, LOMA, KESHA PAATAN, ASTHI TODA (pricking pain in bones), KESH RUKSHTA, DEH RUKSHATA, PAINS IN THE BODY, MAANS ABHILASHA, ASTHI BADHATAA        LIKE FEELING, FATIGUE, WEAKNESS AND LOOSENESS OF THE JOINTS

ASTHIVAHA SROTODUSHTI---CHARAK SUTRA 28/16

--Adhyasthi (extra bone growing over the bone)

--Adhidantau (extra teeth growing)  

--dant Asthibheda (pain in the teeth and bone) shoola (pains), vivarnataa (changes in the color of the skin in various parts)

--kesha (long hair) loma (small hair) nakha (nails) shmashru (beard) doshashch Asthi pradoshajah.

 WHAT ARE ITS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS??

ASTHI VAKARTAA IN CHILDREN OR RICKETS---

                --bone tenderness in various parts of the body

                --Dental problems—delayed formation of teeth, defects in the structure of teeth, holes in the enamel, increased cavities in the teeth

                --muscle weakness – Richetal myopathy

                --increased tendency for fractures

                --skeletal deformities like bowed legs (Genu Varum), knock knees (Genu Valgum), cranial deformitis (skull bossing), spinal deformitis

                --stunted growth, short stature

                --Hypocalcemia( low calcium level in the blood)

                --Tetany – uncontrolled muscle spasms all over the body

                --soft skull (craniotabes)

                --costochondral swelling—ricketal rosary

                --Harrisons groove – a horizontral groove along the lower border of the thorax corresponding to cosatal insertion of diaphragm

                --widening of wrists

                --breast bone pushed forward (pigeon shaped chest)

ASTHIVAKARATAA IN ADULTS OR OSTEOMALACIA—

                --bone pains, bone tenderness, weakness in the bones, muscle weakness

                --easy fractures, bending of bones, softening of bones, pelvic flattening

                --numbness around the mouth, numbness in the arms and the legs, spasms in the hands and the feet

                --starts insidiously as aches and pains in the lumber region and thighs, pain is symmetrical and non radiating

                --there is difficulty in climbing up the stairs and standing from the sitting position

                --the typical waddling gait

                --chronic fatigue is an important feature many a times

HOW IT IS DIAGNOZED?

INVESTIGATIONS—

-low serum calcium

-low urinary calcium

-sometimes low serum phosphate

-low levels of vitamin D

-Bone x rays

-Bone density test

TREATMENT SHCHEDULE—

Advice for AsthiDusht`ee (or Vriddhi)

Panchakarma (Vamana, Virechana, Nasya, Basti, Raktamokshan`a)

Basti: (Tikta Rasa PradhaanaDravya siddha Ghrita/Ksheera)

Advice for AsthiKshaya:

--Guru, Kathina, Khara, PaarthivaDravya – aushadha and ahaara

-- Tikta Rasa yukta herbs and ahaara

--herbs with SandhaneeyaGuna like ARJUNA, GUGGULU, MOTHA, LAKSHA

--Dravya (Single Drugs): Pooga, Naareekela, Pravaala, MrigaS`hringa, S`hauktika, SudhaaVarga, Vaataama, Methikaa, Majjaa

--Formulations - Tiktadravya siddha Ghrita, Taila, TiktaKsheeraBasti, Chyavanpraasha,

--Aahaara (Diet)-Godugdha, Ghrita, Maamsa Rasa

Chikitsaa Karma - Basti (Tikta Rasa PradhaanaDravya siddha Ghrita/Ksheera)

RASAYANA—

ATHI MAJJA POSHAK – MOTHA, GOKHRU, GILOY, AMLA

DR PAWAN MADAAN

drmadaan@gmail.com

+919530959828

NASAL ALLERGIES -- COMMON

WHAT IS A NASAL ALLERGY?

In medical terminology the nasal allergy is generally called Rhinitis. Rhinitis means the inflammation of the mucus membrane of the nose. Usually when our nose produces symptoms of stuffy nose, runny nose, post nasal drip, sneezing, sore throat, we generally call, you are caught with some nasal allergies. It may not be always an allergy that is causing these symptoms, there are many other causes involved but generally we call it Nasal Allergy. This condition is commonly seen during the change of the season like in spring and autumn.

SYMPTOMS OF THE NASAL ALLERGIES

The characteristic symptoms of allergic rhinitis are:

--excess nasal secretion

--itching, and nasal congestion and obstruction.

--swelling and redness in the eyes, eyelid swelling, lower eyelid swelling more

--swollen nasal pathway

--sneezing, stuffy nose, post nasal drip

--Sore throat sometimes

--sometimes headache, body aches and middle ear infection

WHAT CAN CAUSE THE NASAL SYMPTOMS??

Well there are so many causes of these types of symptoms which is called Rhinitis. The most common ones are the allergic factors in the environment like pollens, dust and other minute particles. These particles when come in contact with the nasal membrane of the inside of the nose produce some kind of reaction and thus there is the inflammation in membrane producing this kind of symptomatology.

Sometimes some persons cannot bear the extreme changes in the temperature, so when they just enter in an area of high or low temperature their body reacts and produces rhinitis.

Emotional factors are also an important cause of the rhinitis. When someone is facing a sudden change in the emotional stability, it could cause some reactions in the body which result in thesekind of symptoms.

In many of the patients they have some pathology going in their nasal compartments, like that are having persistent swollen mucus membranes due to irritation produced by rubbing the nose while cleaning in excess, or they have a condition which is called deviated nasal septum (DNS) which is producing a reaction when some external factors come in contact with them. Some persons are having nasal polyps’ i.e. small soft tissue growths in the nasal cavities which produce allergic symptoms.

And the most important cause is some of the wrong combinations in our diet style which when used regularly, produce some changes in the body and the immunity of the body decreases and the body becomes vulnerable to the allergies and infections and it cannot cope up and prevent these afflictions.

HOW TO PREVENT THESE ALLERGIES?

There are many therapies available now a day. The most common is, taking some ant allergic tablets. But this is not the best way, it decreases the immunity of the body and makes the body habitual to these tablets and after sometime the dose of the tablets has to be increased. The best way is, we should do something to increase the immunity of our body so that what may be the conditions we should not produces these symptoms, like you see not all the persons get theses allergies. Because they have the internal strength and immunity that whenever an infection comes, body is able to stop this by itself. For this Ayurveda has the solution. It has many powerful herbs which can increase the immunity as well help the body to fight with these infections.

SOME COMMON TIPS TO COUNTERACT NASAL ALLERGIES..

--a very effective remedy is the common curcumin. Take half a tsf of this and mix it with some 50 ml of warm milk and take once or twice a day.

--mix half a tsp of honey and half a tsp of ginger juice and take twice daily

--add ¼ tsp of black pepper powder in 50 ml of milk with a pinch of curcumin and some sugar and boil this for 5 mins and drink.

--take one tsp of ginger powder and licorice powder each. Boil this mixture in some 250 ml of water for ten mins, until it reduces to half. Take this mixture twice, you can add honey as sweetener.

--fresh garlic is the best way to build immunity against most allergens. It helps to control coughing and has strong decongestant benefits. Gingers lowers the body`s production of histamine which is the tre cause of the sniffing and sneezing.

--boil 2-3 tsp of coriander seed in 4 cups of water and inhale.

--take one half tsp of piper longam powder and mix with one tsp of honey and take it at night before going to bed, you will certainly feel better.

WHAT AYURVEDA CAN DO?

Ayurveda is the ancient and natural healing system of the India. Various herbal preparations are available to combat the nasal allergies. We have mentioned some of the very useful tips above. Herbal formulations are also available. One important treatment of Ayurveda for this condition is called NASYA THERAPY. It is a specialized technique of application of herbal medicines in special ways. The medicine is given through the nasal route with a specialized procedure. It helps to clear up the congested sinuses, decreases the inflammation of the mucus membranes, reducing the swelling in the nasal cavities, building the immunity of the local organs as well as preventing the further attacks of allergy.

DR PAWAN MADAAN

drmadaan@gmail.com

ITCHING -- IMPORTANT CAUSES

ITCHING – KANDU

WHAT IS ITCHING??

By definition itching means an unpleasant sensation on the skin for scratching. The medical name of the itching is pruritis. It is a type of tingling or irritating sensation on the body that compels the body to scratch. This can be simple for a very less time but sometimes it can be all over the body and can be chronic for many months or years and keep on coming again and again. Itching can affect any area of the body. It can either be--

--Generalized – where itching occurs over the whole body

--Localized – where itching only occurs in a particular area

Sometimes, there is a rash or a spot where the itching occurs.

WHY ITCHING HAPPENS??

Itching is the stimulation of the free nerve endings in the ends of the nerves those are coming from the nervous system. These nerve endings are present in between the outer part of the skin, epidermis and the inner layer of skin called dermis. The release of histamine from cells in the epidermis is usually considered to incite most sensations of itching. Scratching may temporarily relieve itching by interrupting the rhythm of nerve impulses or by inflicting transitory damage to the nerves.

Itching associated with skin lesions (such as vesicles and papules) generally indicates a dermatologic disease.

Generalized itching without skin lesions can occur in systemic diseases such as those that occur in metabolic and endocrine conditions, malignant cancers, drug reactions, and renal, blood, and liver diseases.

Excessive drying of the skin caused by pregnancy, old age, or weather often produces itching.

A psychological cause for itching is considered only after all other possibilities have been sufficiently excluded.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF THE ITCHING??

LOCAL CAUSES---

CONTACT DERMATITIS—it is a condition in which there is itching, redness, selling and inflammation of the skin in response to a stimulus which causes a reaction in the skin. This irritant can be a perfume, a chemical, a plant, pollens and many more.

ECZEMA—it’s a chronic itchy, scaling skin disease

PSORIASIS—it’s an autoimmune disease represented by reddish white, scaling, dry, itching patches on the skin.

DERMATOGRAPHISM--a raised, red, itchy rash caused by pressure on the skin

INFECTIONS that cause itching include--chicken pox, measles, lice, pinworm, scabies, fungal infections like candida,

DRY SKIN--Dry skin can occur for many reasons and is marked by scaling, itching, and cracking. It is most common on the legs, arms, and abdominal area.

BITES AND STINGS--Insect and spider bites and stings may cause initial pain and are often followed by an allergic reaction to the animal's venom.

HIVES--Hives, or urticaria, are itchy, raised welts on the skin, often red and painful to touch. They are often caused by an adverse reaction to medication or allergens.

SYSTEMIC CAUSES—DUE TO A DISEASE AFFECTING THE WHOLE BODY—

HYPERPARATHYROIDISM---because it causes excesses of calcium in blood but less in bones.

DIABETES MELLITUS—due to neuropathy of the nerve endings

IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

JAUNDICE AND CHOLESTATSIS—bilirubin from the liver is an irritant for the skin in large amounts

MALIGNANCIES LIKE HODGKINS DISEASE

MENOPAUSAL CHANGES

DISTURBED THYROID FUNCTIONS

PREGNANCY

HEPATITIS—present in almost all types of Chronic Hepatitis

SARCOIDOSIS---Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease in which clumps of immune cells form in various organs, causing inflammation. Skin, the body's largest organ, is commonly affected.

POYCYTHEMIA VERA--In polycythemia Vera, the body produces too many red blood cells, possibly leading to clots. Fatigue, breathing difficulty, and tingling hands and feet are early symptoms

SICKLE CELL ANEMIA---Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease affecting red blood cells. Symptoms include abnormal heart rhythms, pain, anemia, and itching.

THALESSEMIA--Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body destroys red blood cells, causing anemia. Symptoms include jaundice, malnourishment, and enlarged spleen.

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE---Chronic kidney disease does not cause symptoms until the kidney is mostly destroyed. The list of symptoms is extensive and includes skin reactions, such as itching, color changes, and brittle nails.

END STAGE RENAL DISEASE--In the final stage of kidney disease, the kidneys are functioning below 10%, producing a wide range of serious symptoms, some of the visible, like changes in skin color and dry, itchy skin.

GLOMEROLONEPHRITIS---Glomerulonephritis occurs when blood filtering vessels in the kidneys are damaged. This may contribute to kidney failure, which causes fatigue, insomnia, itchy skin, and other symptoms.

SCARLET FEVER---Scarlet fever is an infection that sometimes occurs after strep throat, causing a bright red rash, sore throat, and fever. It mainly affects children between the ages of five and 15.

TREATMENT OPTIONS---

The treatment for this symptom will depend on the individual cause.

drmadaan@gmail.com 

KAUNCH.. Kapikacchu... Macuna prurita

KAUNCH -- MACUNA PRURITA

---it increases the level of dopamine, serotonin & other catecholamine in the brain & body to the extent that it indices mood elevation & relieves dpression

---when used with ashwagandha it increases the sedative & tranquillizing effect

---in a dose of 6 gm per day od it significantly decreases the nervousness, insomnia, irritability, depression

---in low doses it has a CNS stimulant action & in high doses it has CNS depressive action

---it also increases the sperm count & weight of the testes& seminal vesicles

---it also improves depressed libido, all the cases of organic & psychological cases of sexual weakness

drmadaan@gmail.com