Reiter’s Syndrome (Reactive Arthritis) Treatment in Ayurveda

Abstract

Joints are one of the main parts of our body. Joints help in the locomotion and makes us move from one place to another. Arthritis is a common problem these days. Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints and results in severe pain and reduced range of motion. In this text, we shall discuss a type of arthritis which is generally known as reactive arthritis. The condition is also referred to as reiter’s syndrome. In the text later, we shall have a look at the Reactive arthritis in detail and its management in the contemporary medicinal system and in the traditional Indian medicinal system of Ayurveda as well. Let’s get started !!

Introduction

Reiter’s syndrome is also known as reactive arthritis. It is a type of inflammatory arthritis that usually develops due to response to an infection present in different parts of the body. The pattern of the condition of reactive arthritis consists of inflammation of the fewer than five joints which usually include the sacroiliac joint or knee joint. The condition is HLA-B27 linked and RF seronegative. The common systems involved include the urinary system, the eye and the hands and feet. The condition is generally seen in the age between 20 to 40 years and is more commonly occurring in men than women. White people are more affected than black. Now let’s have a look at the causes, clinical features, investigation, management of the Reiter’s Syndrome.

Causes of Reiter’s Syndrome

Reiter’s syndrome is related with the HLA-B27 gene on the chromosome 6 and by the presence of enthesitis as the essential pathological lesion and is set off by a prior infection. Microorganisms such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia, Campylobacter etc. 

Reactive arthritis commonly occurs after one to three weeks of an infection.

Signs and Symptoms

The following conditions can arise with Reiter’s syndrome:

• The main symptoms (classical triad) consists of conjunctivitis, nongonococcal urethritis and asymmetric oligoarthritis.
• Burning sensation in the urine, pain while micturition (dysuria), increased urine frequency.
• Prostatitis
• Salpingitis, cervicitis and vulvovaginitis
• Plantar fasciitis, balanitis circinata
• Keratoderma blennorrhagicum on the feet sole
• Redness of eye, pain in the eye, irritation or vision can be blurred.
• Dactylitis (Sausage digit)
• Mucocutaneous lesions may be present
• Some of the patient may see serious gastrointestinal discomfort
• Cardiac manifestations includes pericarditis and aortic regurgitation

Investigations

• Urethral, cervical and throat swab culture
• Stool and urine culture
• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• Gene marker HLA-B27 (Around 75 percent of reactive arthritis have this gene)

Management

• Antibiotics to treat infectious sources.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain management
• Steroids
• Sulfasalazine
• Immunosuppressants

Ayurvedic Aspect And Management of Reiter’s Syndrome

Ayurveda is a life science and originated in India and has been serving mankind from ancient ages with use of the natural substances. The concepts and principles of Ayurveda still stand valid. Ayurveda focuses and manages the condition according to the constitution of the body (the prakriti). Furthermore, Ayurveda focuses on diet and lifestyle management in order to treat a condition. According to Ayurveda, three doshas, vata, pitta and kapha are the basics of a human being. When all of these are in the normal range the person is regarded as ‘healthy’ whereas any derangement or vitiation of any or both or all leads to pronunciated as ‘diseased’.

Reiter’s Syndrome in Ayurveda can be well correlated with the aagantuj vyadhi that leads to pitta aggravation. Further it results in inflammation of the joints and causes other diseases that also derange other dosha and the symptoms develop accordingly. 

Therefore, the management of the condition thus varies from dosha to dosha involved. The management also takes the fighting the infection into consideration. Various medicines are available that help in overcoming the condition of Reiter’s Syndrome. These include yograj guggul, giloy ghan vati, aamvatari ras, yogendra ras, rasraj ras, sanjivani vati,, anritadi guggul, vatari guggul, dashmmolarishta, erandpak, ashwagandharisht, dashang lepa, guduchi ghrit, ashwagandha rasayan, amrit bhallatak etc. All these and other medicines are helpful in the management of Reiter’s Syndrome.

Herbal Remedies for Reiter’s Syndrome by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is an Ayuvedic company with ISO 9001:2015, U.S FDA, GMP certifications. The motto of the Planet Ayurveda is to spread the knowledge of Ayurveda all over the globe. Planet Ayurveda is also a manufacturing unit of ayurvedic medicines. The products are manufactured by maintaining proper hygiene and standards. The products are manufactured on the lines of ayurvedic texts and ayurvedic formulary and pharmacopoeia. The products of Planet Ayurveda are pure and free of adulteration. Planet Ayurveda does not use artificial sweet enhancers, colours, chemicals or preservatives in the products. Products are available in different forms such as vati (tablet), capsules, churna (powders) etc. The products are gluten free and halal certified. Planet Ayurveda presents its products that are effective enough to manage Reiter’s Syndrome very well.

Following is the list of products that are helpful in managing Reiter’s Syndrome

1. Boswellia Curcumin
2. Amalaki Rasayan
3. Yograj Guggul
4. Aamvatantak Churna
5. Ashwagandhaghan Vati
6. Orthovita Oil

Products Description

1. BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN

Boswellia Curcumin is a product of Planet Ayurveda and is a must remedy in inflammatory and painful conditions. The formulation is filled with the goodness of two herbs namely shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and haridra (Curcuma longa). Both the herbs are known to have analgesic, wound healing, antimicrobial, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. With these properties Boswellia Curcumin helps in fighting the infection source and help in all the associated symptoms that are arised due to Reiter’s Syndrome.

Dosage : One capsule twice a day.

2. AMALAKI RASAYAN

Amalaki Rasayan is a product of Planet Ayurveda in capsule form. It contains the pure and standard extract of the fruit amla (Emblica officinalis). Amla has a number of health benefits as its name says it is ‘rasayan’. Rasayan means something that rejuvenates the body cells and boosts immunity. Amalaki is known to be filled with antioxidants that prevent the degradation of the joints and promotes the healthy movement of the same. It also increases the range of motion that is impacted by Reiter’s Syndrome. Furthermore, with its anti inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial and antiviral actions, it is a needful formulation in the management of the condition reactive arthritis.

Dosage : One capsule twice a day.

3. YOGRAJ GUGGUL

Yograj Guggul is a classical ayurvedic medicine that is used extensively in the musculoskeletal system. Yograj Guugul is made up of herbs guggul (Commiphora mukul), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), amalaki (Emblica officinalis), vidang (Embelia ribes), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), ela (Elettaria cardamomum), shunthi (Zingiber officinale) etc. Yograj Guggul is one the finest anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial medicine. It helps in the alleviation of pain, inflammation and bacterial or other microbial infestation very well. Therefore, Yograj Guggul comes out to be a must remedy in the management of Reiter’s Syndrome.

Dosage : Two tablets twice a day.

4. AAMVATANTAK CHURNA

Aamvatantak Churna is a patent formulation of Planet Ayurveda which is a perfect solution for the musculoskeletal system’s disorders. Aamvatantak Churna is a blend of various herbs such as suranjaan (Colchicum autumnale), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), haridra (Curcuma longa), sonth (Zingiber officinale), methi (Trigonella foenumgraecum) and gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus). As condition of Rheumatoid arthritis which is often known as aamavata and Reactive Arthritis are linked then the aamvatatantak churna which is a perfect remedy for rheumatoid arthritis definitely work amazingly in reactive arthritis or reiter’s syndrome and other arthritic condition. It alleviates the joint inflammation and pain associated with it. Therefore, Aamvatantak churna is of great benefit in the management of Reiter’s Syndrome.

Dosage : One tsp twice daily with warm water

5. ASHWAGANDHAGHAN VATI

Ashwagandhaghan Vati is a classical ayurvedic formulation which is made up of standard extract of the herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha is known to have antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, antihelminthic etc properties. Furthermore, it pacifies the vata and kapha doshas. It acts as a potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic. With these amazing properties, Ashwagandhaghan vati is very good for managing the condition Reiter’s Syndrome.

Dosage : Two tablets twice a day.

6. ORTHOVITA OIL

Orthovita oil is an oil formulation of Planet Ayurveda which is very good for joint strengthening and reducing the pain of the musculoskeletal system or joints.  Orthovita oil is a preparation that is a blend of various classical ayurvedic oils such as gandhapura oil, shul gajendra oil, prasarini oil, saindhavadi oil etc. The oil is antiinflammatory and analgesic and provides relief from Reactive Arthritis instantly.

Dosage : Local application over the affected joints.

Conclusion

Reactive arthritis is a condition that is arised due to previously present infectious sources in the body. The main symptoms include its classical triad which involves conjunctivitis, nongonococcal urethritis and asymmetric oligoarthritis. There are many other symptoms that may appear in this condition. Coming to the management of the condition, in the contemporary medicinal system the management is solely based on the symptoms and the medicines can develop another problem due to side effects. Whereas the Ayurvedic medicines derived from nature are best in the management. There are no side effects and all the properties of medicines that are required to achieve health are available in the forms of herbs that nature has provided us with. Therefore, Ayurveda should be chosen over synthetic medicines. Above mentioned medicines are of great benefit in the management of Reiter’s Syndrome or Reactive Arthritis.