Thursday, July 9, 2009

POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA / TEMPORAL ARTERITIS

This disease is found predominantly in elderly people and characteristically involves medium sized arteries .However, the aorta and its branches are affected in about 15% of the cases.

 

Causes of Polymyalgia rheumatica / Temporal arteritis


1) Autoimmune origin
2) Infectious disease

 

Facts about Polymyalgia rheumatica / Temporal arteritis


1) It dominantly affects patients over the age of 50 years
2) Occurs predominantly in females

 

Symptoms of Polymyalgia rheumatica / Temporal arteritis


1) Fever
2) Malaise
3) Headache – intense and unbearable
4) Anorexia
5) Weight loss
6) Myalgias
7) Night sweat
8) Claudication – in the jaw muscles while chewing
9) Blindness may occur

 

Investigations for Polymyalgia rheumatica / Temporal arteritis


1) E.S.R.
2) Complete blood count
3) Biopsy of temporal artery confirms the diagnosis
4) Angiography may help to confirm diagnosis

 

Treatment / Home remedies for Polymyalgia rheumatica / Temporal arteritis


1) Diet – diet rich in whole food, vegetables and fiber; low in sugar, meat, refined carbohydrates and saturated fat is protective against this problem
2) Dietary fats – fatty acids are precursors of inflammatory prostaglandin, omega-3 fatty acids are useful*
3) Dietary antioxidants should be preferred in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables
4) Vit-E*
5) Vit-C*
6) Pantothenic acid*
7) Niacinamide*
8) Turmeric – Indian spice
9) Ginger
10) Physiotherapy
11) Steam bath

 

Ayurveda approach for Polymyalgia rheumatica / Temporal arteritis


Ayurveda is perhaps the most ancient text in the world which defines this disease and its difference from other types of headaches. Ayurveda is the first science in the history of medicines to describe extra articular symptoms in this disease.

The treatment runs a long course, but ultimately controls the disease without any complication and unwanted effects. Treatment consists of strict diet regime, medicines and special type of exercise.Therefore, ayurvedic treatment is recommended for this disese.

Contact - Dr. Rahul Saraf at rahsaraf@gmail.com, +919422309088 to discuss your health problem or ayurvedic guidance on the same.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Contact - Dr. Rahul Saraf at rahsaraf@gmail.com, +919850053462 to discuss your health problem or ayurvedic guidance on the same.