Herbal Remedies for Retroperitoneal Fibrosis

ABSTRACT

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare slow-progressing disease that is characterized by the fibrosis of retroperitoneal area in the body like ureters which carry urine from kidneys to the bladder, vessels, and other organs of the abdomen. In this article, we will be learning about the presentation, signs and symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease.

INTRODUCTION

The main pathology in Retroperitoneal Fibrosis as the name suggests is fibrosis. Fibrosis is the phenomenon in which there occurs abnormally excessive growth of connective tissues resulting in the formation of mass. This mass compresses the nearby structure and causes blockage of them. The main abdominal structure to be affected in this disorder is ureters. Clinically the first signs to appear in this disorder are severe pain in the abdomen, pain in flanks, and weight loss without any apparent reason. Anatomically the anterior area of fourth and fifth lumbar is affected and the first structure to be affected is aorta that is a large artery and whose function is to transport the blood from heart to whole body.

With the progression of the disease, there can be seen affected inferior arteries that supply to legs and eventually damage the kidneys leading to kidney failure. This damage to the kidney has resulted from blockage of ureters resulting in building up of harmful substances in the blood and hence eventually causing permanent damage to them.

Mainly the abdominal aorta is affected primarily which supplies to lower body organs and heart and its damage result in kidneys damage eventually following many instances in between. The main features of this disorder are observed once the fibrosis has occurred extensively resulting in pain in the abdomen, legs, and swollen extremities.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms are divided into two major parts once when the blood supply is decreased due to damaged aorta and the other when fibrosis is spread extensively damaging other parts as well.

The initial signs and symptoms one present with are:

• Aching dull abdominal pain
• Back pain covering a large area
• Pain in legs
• Swollen legs
• Discolored skin of legs
• Severe pain in the abdomen accompanied by bleeding
• In male swelling in the scrotum is also seen
• Necrosis of intestinal tissues that can even lead to death due to hampered blood supply

The complaints observed in later stages:

• Urine output is decreased
• The complete absence of urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Anemia
• Itching
• Weight loss
• Mental dullness
• Fever
• Cloudy mind
• Walking is impaired
• Loss of appetite

These symptoms are present due to kidney failure.

CAUSES

Usually, retroperitoneal fibrosis is idiopathic, i.e. of unknown origin. In other cases, the immune system is found to be involved when Retroperitoneal fibrosis occurs with other autoimmune diseases. However there are certain risk factors that are fund to be associated with Retroperitoneal fibrosis, those are Smoking, Radiotherapy, Asbestos exposure, Trauma, infections, Surgery, Tumor, and use of some drugs like the medicines used to treat migraine. All the mentioned factors can contribute in the causation of this disorder is long gone.

DIAGNOSIS

Retroperitoneal fibrosis can be exactly confirmed by MRI or CT scans. However, some other additional tests that can be done are kidney function tests, complete blood count, CRP- inflammatory marker, X-rays of kidney and ureters, ultrasound, and biopsy when required.

TREATMENT

Conventional Treatment of Retroperitoneal Fribrosis depends upon the organ or structure that is affected by fibrosis and the severity of the disease. Corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressants are usually prescribed in this stage, and in advanced stages, even surgery is done.

However, there are other modes of treatment as well that can help in managing and treating the condition without surgical intervention or use of strong steroids. It is Ayurveda! Ayurveda is a science of life that originated in India. This alternative system of medical treatment is done by natural methods like using herbs for the preparation of medicines and natural therapies. These herbal medicines help to heal internally, eradicate the root cause, and annihilate naturally.

TREATMENT BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda has emerged as a well-known name in the field of Ayurveda. This herbal company offers herbal treatment of chronic and complex diseases through herbal medicines that are prepared from herbs of the best quality. These are prepared as per the basic Ayurvedic literature and under the supervision of expert Ayurveda MD doctors, this increases the effectiveness of the medicines prepared.

For Retroperitoneal fibrosis Planet, Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal medicines to treat and manage the condition most effectively and naturally.

1. Mahashankh vati

These are the polyherbal tablets prepared from combination of herbs like Nimbu, Saikharika, Chitraka, Amla, Vida lavana, Samudra lavana, Pippali, Hingu etc. All the herbs effectively helps in balancing the Vata and Pitta dosha in the body whose imbalance leads to these type of diseases, heals internally, helps in treating abdominal pain, arresting bleeding, gives strength to body etc.

Dosage– Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water

2. Hakam churna

This herbal churna is a very effective combination of herbs like Chandershoor, Kalonji, Methi and Ajwain. All of these are known for there wonderful medicinal properties. Hakam churna helps in treating inflammation any where in the body, improves liver function, clears and prevent formation of ama in the body (which causes autoimmune diseases) and help in treating and preventing fibrosis as well

Dosage– Take 1 teaspoonful twice daily after meals with plain water

3. Pitta Balance

As the name suggest Pitta balance capsules are very helpful in balancing the increased Pitta in the body and preventing disease caused due to it. It helps in treating excessive heat, palpitations, bleeding, weakness etc. Pitta balance capsules are prepared from cooling and natural calcium compounds like Praval pishti, Akik pishti, Kamdudha ras etc.

Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

4. Giloy Capsule

These are the single herb capsules that are prepared from Giloy that is full of medicinal properties like anti inflammatory, anti pyretic, antioxidant, and immunity enhancer.

Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

5. Digestion Support

These are the polyherbal capsules composed of herbs like Amla, Haritaki, Bahera, Saunf, Pippali, Dhaniya, and Jeerak. These capsules help in maintaining good digestion naturally and help in treating any complaint arising of bad digestion.

Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

6. Acidoplan Syrup

Acidoplan syrup is an amazing antacid that too a natural one. It is made up of herbs like Patola, Sajjikshar, Ghrit Kumari, Triphala, Saunf, Kokum etc. Acidoplan Syrup helps in treating acidity and burning sensation in the chest and abdomen. It clears the gas and helps in treating loss of appetite and vomiting.

Dosage– Take 2 teaspoonful twice daily after meals with plain water.

CONCLUSION

Retroperitoneal Disorder is a rare condition that can be managed and treated with the help of herbal medicines naturally. As the herbs present in these medicines will not only treat the presenting complaints but will also help in treating the cause of disease as well.