GASTRO-OESOPHAGEAL REFLUX

Gastro-oesophageal reflux is a normal physiological event described only in human beings. It is defined as the movement of gastric contents into the oesophagus.

Facts

1) Physiological gastro-oesophageal reflux is common after meals and increases with belching but permits only a transient contact of the refluxed contents with oesophageal mucosa

Causative factors

1) Hyperemesis
2) Unconsciousness
3) Mental retardation
4) Delayed gastric emptying
5) Alcohol, smoking
6) Drugs esp.- muscle relaxants
7) Heavy and spicy food

Symptoms

1) Heartburn
2) Dysphagia – pain / discomfort while swallowing
3) Increased salivation
4) Rarely bleeding is seen
5) Chest pain

Therapeutic consideration

1) Avoid heavy, oily and spicy food
2) Preference should be given to small meals at short intervals instead of heavy hearty meals at big intervals
3) Stop smoking, alcohol and causative drugs, coffee, tea, aerated drinks
4) Having dinner at early hours also helps i.e.- before 8:30 pm
5) Weight reduction
6) Cold milk also helps

Ayurveda approach

According to ayurveda, this is a predominantly PITTA disorder caused due to wrong type of food pattern and life style. But if ayurvedic medicines are taken with a strict diet regime, can cure this problem completely. Therefore, ayurvedic treatment is strongly recommended for this problem.

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

ATHEROSCLEROSIS

It is a lesion initiated in response to injury to internal lining of artery, leaving endothelial cells exposed to damages (damage by free radicals, immune entities, physical, mechanical, viral, chemical and drug factors). Damage leads to affinity for cholesterol, monocytes and platelets forming plaque which grows with time.

Symptoms

Depends upon arteries involved and degree of obstruction. Some of them are
1) Angina – chest pain
2) Leg cramps
3) Gradual mental deterioration
4) Weakness, dizziness

Causative factors

1) Hypercholesterolemia
2) Hypertension
3) Smoking
4) Diabetes
5) Physical inactivity
6) Hypothyroidism

Investigations

1) Blood test – Lipid profile  
2) Colour Doppler

Therapeutic approach

1) Decrease saturated fat – decreasing animal products, oily food, fried carbohydrates i.e., refined carbohydrates (sweets) & hydrogenated oil
2) Avoid coffee, smoking
3) Eat fiber rich plant food i.e.– fruits, vegetables, legumes
4) Exercise regularly
5) Niacin is useful *
6) Pantethine is also useful*
7) Vit-C is recommended*
8) Garlic
9) Guggul helps clear the obstruction
10) Magnesium, potassium also are useful*
11) Vit-E avoids further damage *

Ayurveda approach

According to ayurveda, this problem occurs due to KAPHA & VATA doshas. If ayurvedic medicines are taken with a diet regime and exercise regime, can cure the problem completely. Therefore, ayurvedic treatment is strongly recommended for this problem.

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

THALASSEMIA

It is a heterogeneous group of hereditary hemolytic anemias marked by decreased rate of synthesis of one or more hemoglobin polypeptide chains. Classified according to chain involved.

Causes

1) It is a common single gene disorder in the world. When both parents are carriers of Beta-thalassemia, there is 25% chance of offspring having thalassemia

Symptoms

1) Child usually is normal at birth and first few months of life, around 4-36 months of life anemia develops
2) Frequent infections give rise to fever, cough, diarrhea, vomiting and failure to thrive
3) Child due to lack of muscular development leads to thin stick like extremities
4) Abdomen is usually swollen
5) Big head, widely spaced eyes, flattened bridge of nose, upper teeth projecting forward, uncovered by upper lip
6) Most children die in the first decade of life due to severe anemia and cardiac failure

Investigations

1) Complete blood count
2) Bone marrow examination
3) Hb F level

Therapeutic consideration

1) Vit-B is recommended*
2) Calcium *
3) Fresh cow milk

Ayurveda approach

According to ayurveda, thalassemia comes under a category called sahaja or janmajata vyadhi. When it comes to sahaja vyadhi, ayurveda says it depends upon the severity of disease, organ affected, age of patient etc. Those factors make the disease manageable or hard to manage. But ayurvedic medicines have shown very promising results in some of the thalassemias, so they are definitely recommended to these patients.

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

CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

These are structural malformations present since birth, due to abnormalities in embryonic development.

Facts

1) The overall incidence rate for CHD is 1 per 100 live births
2) Almost 20% of infants with CHD die

Common congenital heart anomalies

1) Ventricular septal defect
2) Atrial septal defect
3) Patent ductus arteriosus
4) Pulmonic stenosis
5) Tetralogy of fallot
6) Aortic stenosis
7) Coarctation of aorta

Causes

1) Chromosomal disorders
2) Single gene disorder
3) Rubella
4) Thalidomide – sedative & hypnotic, immunosuppressants
5) Foetal alcohol syndrome
6) Triodione
7) Maternal systemic lupus erythematosus


Symptoms

1) Heart failure (breathlessness, sweating, feeding difficulties)
2) Pallor
3) Fatigue
4) Loss of consciousness

Therapeutic consideration

1) Eliminate salt intake
2) Avoid caffeine, smoking and alcohol
3) Diet rich in potassium, fibers, magnesium is very useful*

Ayurveda approach

According to ayurveda, congenital heart disease comes under a category called sahaja or janmajata vyadhi. When it comes to sahaja vyadhi, ayurveda says it depends upon the severity of disease, organ affected, age of patient,etc. These factors make the disease manageable or hard to manage. But ayurvedic medicines have shown very promising results in some of the congenital heart diseases, so they are definitely recommended to these patients.

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

VALVULAR HEART DISEASE

Various disorders in which cardiac valves are involved, are called as valvular heart disease.

Causes

1) Ventricular septal defect – a congenital heart condition where there is a communication between two ventricles
2) Non- rheumatic heart disease – like mitral valve disease, pulmonary valve disease, tricuspid valve disease, pulmonary valve disease, syphilis, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, aorto-arteritis
3) Rheumatoid heart disease – rheumatoid heart disease, ankylosing spondylsis
4) Infective endocarditis – due to various bacterias esp.- Streptococcus viridans from oral cavity or genitourinary tract

Symptoms

1) Breathlessness
2) Chest pain
3) High fever, if infective
4) Frequent chest infections, in case of congenital defects
5) Fatigue
6) Joint pain, in case of rheumatoid arthritis
7) Anorexia
8) Palpitations
9) Ascitis
10) Pedal oedema

Investigation

1) ECG
2) Chest X-ray
3) Echocardiogram
4) Rheumatoid factor

Therapeutic consideration

1) Reduce excessive weight
2) Eliminate salt intake
3) Avoid caffeine, smoking and alcohol
4) Diet rich in fibers, potassium
5) Consumption of garlic and onion
6) Magnesium*
7) Stress management
8) Calcium*
9) Vit-C *

Ayurveda approach

According to ayurveda, this is a predominantly VATA disorder and AMA is involved in the pathogenesis. But if ayurvedic medicines are taken with diet control and exercises, one can easily win this disease. Therefore, ayurvedic medicines are strongly recommended for this problem.

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

HYPERTENSION

There is no universally accepted definition of hypertension, however the joint national committee of United States on detection, evaluation and treatment of high blood pressure defines hypertension as systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or more and / or diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or more.

Causes

1) In 90% of all patients, the exact cause is not known. Several factors are believed to play role like hyperactivity of sympathetic nervous system, increased renin secretion etc.

Risk factors influencing hypertension are

1) Heredity – a member of hypertensive family has 5 times more chance of developing hypertension as compared to a member from non- hypertensive family
2) Sex – male are more prone to hypertension, female after menopause are more prone to hypertension
3) Stress
4) Smoking
5) Obesity
6) Diabetes mellitus
7) Raised serum lipids
8) Alcohol
9) More salt intake

Symptoms – a large number of patients in early stages have no symptoms, some of them have

1) Severe headache
2) Irritability
3) Fatigue
4) Insomnia

Complications of hypertension

1) Congestive heart failure
2) Brain infarct
3) Kidney failure
4) Loss of vision due to retinopathy

Therapeutic consideration

1) Reduce excessive weight
2) Eliminate salt intake
3) Avoid caffeine, smoking and alcohol
4) Diet rich in fibers, potassium is beneficial
5) Consumption of garlic and onion is recommended
6) Magnesium is beneficial *
7) Stress management – helps reduce blood pressure in many ways
8) Calcium – intake helps lower the blood pressure *
9) Vit-C is also having protective action .*

Ayurveda approach

According to ayurveda, this is a dominantly VATA disorder with involvement of KAPHA. But if ayurvedic medicines are taken with diet control, can cure this problem, give strength to heart muscles, reduce congestion of blood vessels. Therefore, ayurvedic medicines are strongly recommended.

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

ANGINA PECTORIS (ISCHAEMIC HEART DISEASE)

Inadequate oxygen and nutrients supply to heart muscle

Causes

1) Atherosclerosis – artery block
2) Platelets aggregation
3) Coronary artery spasm
4) Hypoglycemia
5) Magnesium insufficiency
6) Hyperthyroidism

Symptoms

1) Squeezing or pressure like pain in chest after exertion
2) Pain may radiate to left shoulder, left arm or jaw which lasts 1-20 minutes

Precipitating factors

1) Emotional tension
2) Cold weather
3) Large meal
4) Hypertension

Investigations

1) X- ray chest
2) Electrocardiogram
3) Angiography is required in very few cases

Facts

1) In a large fraction of medically stable patients with coronary disease, angiography can be avoided
2) Heart patients with healthy hearts and one, two or three vessels block did surprisingly well without angioplasty or surgery. Such patients live just as long or longer than those having surgery
3) Ventricular pump function can be the deciding factor for surgery

Therapeutic approach

1) Diet – increase fibers,
Increase onion, garlic, vegetables,
Decrease saturated fats, sugar and other animal product, eat regular
meals
2) Stop smoking, coffee
3) Relaxation techniques are highly recommended
4) Aerobic exercises can also be done, are proved to be beneficial when pain is less
5) Walking is highly recommended

Ayurveda approach

According to ayurveda, this is  dominantly a VATA disorder with involvement of KAPHA. But if ayurvedic medicines are taken with diet control, can cure this problem, give strength to heart muscles, reduce congestion of blood vessels. Therefore, ayurvedic medicines are strongly recommended.

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

CONGESTIVE CARDIAC FAILURE

Inability of the heart to effectively pump enough blood.

Causes of congestive cardiac failure

1) Long term hypertension
2) Previous infarct
3) Disorder of heart valve
4) Cardiomyopathy
5) Chronic lung disease

Precipitating factors

1) Anemia
2) Fever
3) Infection
4) Increased sodium intake
5) High environmental temperature
6) Renal failure
7) Thyrotoxicosis
8) Arteriovenous shunt
9) Hepatic failure
10) Respiratory insufficiency
11) Emotional stress
12) Pregnancy
13) Obesity
14) Arrhythmias
15) Pulmonary embolism
16) Nutrient deficiency
17) Beta- adrenergic blockers
18) Anti-arrhythmic drugs
19) Na-retaining drugs (NSAIDs, steroids)

Symptoms

1) Breathlessness on exertion
2) Cough
3) Fatigue
4) Oedema on legs and body

Investigation

1) Electrocardiogram
2) Chest X-ray shows increase in heart size
3) Ultrasonography to confirm liver size

Therapeutic consideration

1) Try to remove the precipitating factors
2) Diet low in sodium and high in potassium
3) Magnesium is beneficial*
4) Thiamine is protective *
5) Terminalia arjuna has got protective properties, it avoids further damage .

Ayurveda approach

According to ayurveda, this is dominantly a VATA disorder with involvement of KAPHA. But if ayurvedic medicines are taken with diet control, can cure this problem, give strength to heart muscles, reduce congestion of blood vessels. Therefore, ayurvedic medicines are strongly recommended.

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

FUNGAL INFECTION OF LUNGS

Causes

1) Certain therapies like anti-cancerous drugs, steroids, prolonged use of antibiotics, immunosuppressants, radiotherapy
2) Malignant disorders – eg:- bronchial carcinoma, lymphoma, leukemia
3) Metabolic disorders – diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, obesity, Addison’s disease
4) Pulmonary disease –  tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, bronchial asthma, cystic fibrosis
5) Haematogical conditions – agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, myelofibrosis
6) Immunodeficiency – AIDS
7) Miscellaneous factors – nutrition deficiency, extreme age, pregnancy.

Symptoms –
1) Cough
2) Haemoptysis (blood in cough)
3) Breathlessness

Investigations

1) Examination of bronchial aspiration
2) Chest X-ray

Therapeutic consideration

1) Treat the underlying cause
2) Avoid therapies affecting immunity
3) Drink plenty of hot fluids
4) Vit-C is known as protective*
5) Vit-A – improves immunity*
6) Fresh garlic is useful
7) Neem leaves are also useful

Ayurveda approach

According to ayurveda, this is dominantly a KAPHA disorder with involvement of PITTA. Ayurvedic medicines remove the infection and most importantly increase the immunity of a person. Therefore, ayurvedic medicines are strongly recommended for this disease.

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

DERMATITIS HERPETIFORMIS

It is a dermatological condition due to gastro-intestinal immunological disorders, where usually there is itchy, blistering rash on elbows, knees and buttocks.
The disease is often accompanied by asymptomatic intestinal problem.
Gluten sensitivity is involved.

Causes

1) Chronic intestinal problems
2) Food allergy – especially because of gluten (wheat products), milk in some patients

Investigation

1) Skin biopsy

Therapeutic approach

1) Avoid allergic food till completely symptomless, then slowly reintroduce those items in a very small quantity.

Ayurveda approach

This is a TRIDOSHAJVYADHI which means all three types of DOSHAS are involved i.e.- VATA, PITTA, & KAPHA. But dominantally it is a KAPHA type of disorder.If regular medicines are taken with strict diet regime, this disease can be cured completely. So, I will strongly recommend ayurvedic treatment here.

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

SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS

Common papulosqamous condition with appearance similar to eczema with scaly eruptions on scalp, cheeks and intertrigo of axilla, groin and neck.

Facts

1) Usually it is non itchy
2) Usually worse in winter
3) This is a common manifestation of AIDS affecting about 83%

Causes

1) Genetic predisposition
2) Emotional stress
3) Food allergy
4) Hormonal imbalance
5) Yeast like organisms

Therapeutic approach

1) Biotin – cooked eggs, liver, milk, fish
2) Pyridoxine – Bengal gram, black gram, maize
3) Folic acid – banana, asparagus, peas, broccoli

Tips

Avoid B5 antimetabolites – hydrazine dyes (FD&C yellow # s) and drugs INH and hydralazine, dopamine, penicillamine, oral contraceptives and excessive protein intake.


Ayurveda Approach

According to ayurveda, this is a dominantly KAPHA & VATA disorder. But if ayurvedic medicines are taken with diet control, can cure this problem completely. Therefore, ayurvedic medicines are strongly recommended here.

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

ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Chronic, pruritic, inflammatory skin condition. Skin is dry and hyperkeratotic, lesions include excoriations, papules, eczema and scaling with small vesicles formed within epidermis.

Facts

1) Positive family history in 2/3 of eczema patients, many develop allergic rhinitis and / or asthma
2) Predominance of pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus in skin flora in 90%of patients i.e.- increased susceptibility to staphylococcus infection

Causes

1) Food allergy – virtually any food can be offerending agent. But dominantly found food items are milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, soy, wheat, citrus and chocolates. Food allergies linked to “leaky gut” i.e., increased gut permeability with increased antigen load on immune system are also responsible.

2) Fungal infection – gastrointestinal overgrowth of candida is the causative factor in allergies including atopic dermatitis

3) Altered essential fatty acids and prostaglandin metabolism

4) Emotional tension – aggrevates itching in A.D. A.D patients show higher anxiety, hostility and neurosis

Therapeutic approach

Diet –
Eliminate all major allergens (milk, eggs, peanuts), limit animal products

Supplements –
Vit-A – carrots, spinach, sweet potato, apricot, lettuce,
Vit -E – tomatoes, oatmeal wheat, brown rice, fresh coconut oil
Zinc – nuts
Botanicals- Glycyrrhiza glabra

Tips –
Avoid rough textured clothing.
Use milk soap
Minimize greasy ointments

Ayurveda approach

According to ayurveda, this is a disease occurring due to all three DOSHAS- VATA, PITTA, KAPHA. If certain kind of diet is strictly followed with regular medicines, this disease can be cured completely and without recurrence.
I will strongly recommend ayurvedic treatment for this disease.

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