Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) Its Treatment with Ayurveda

Abstract

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a bacterial infection that can spread to humans from infected ticks. It is one of the most serious infectious diseases and is caused by the organism Rickettsia rickettsii. The bacteria is transmitted to humans through a bite from American dog tick or wood tick. The ticks usually become infected after feeding on infected deer, birds or mice. The Rocky Mountain fever got its name from its geographical site as it is commonly found in the southeastern part of the United States. In this article we will discuss Rocky Mountain spotted fever and its Ayurvedic management.

Introduction

Rocky Mountain spotted fever also starts from a rash like many other tick borne fevers but in this case the first rash appears after two to five days after the onset of fever. The younger patients develop rash earlier than the older patients and generally the rash begins as the small, flat, pink and non-itchy spots or macules. These generally start from the wrist, forearms or ankles. The spots usually turn pale when pressure is applied over them and then eventually become raised on the skin. In 80% of people the rash involves the palms and soles of hands and feet. Rest 20% of the people may never develop the rash over palms and soles of hands and feet.

Signs and Symptoms

The spotted fever is really difficult to diagnose in the early stages as it is similar to many other tick borne infections. The exact symptoms appear after the incubation period of one to two weeks after the tick bite. The early clinical presentation of this condition is highly non-specific and depicts a variety of infectious and non-infectious conditions. The initial symptoms are as following:

• Fever of high grade
• High body temperature with chills
• Severe headache which can persist for hours
• Nausea and vomiting
• Reduced appetite
• Confusion

Later Signs and Symptoms

• Maculopapular Rash, which is non itchy in nature, is the typical association with Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These rashes appear two to three after the initial symptoms appear. They first appear on the wrist or forearm or ankles and then spread in both directions, in downward directions that is to palms of hands and soles of feet. Then they spread to the arms, legs and torso.
• Petechial rash, these rashes are small red or purple spots on skin or even on conjunctiva which are due to the minor bleeding from capillaries.   
• Abdominal pain which can persist for hours.
• Joint pain due to weakness and infection in the body
• Some neurological symptoms like forgetfulness, confusion, inability to make quick decisions etc. 

 The classical finding of the disease includes fever, rash and history of tick bite. The rashes generally have a centripetal or inward pattern of spread which means they begin at extremities and then courses towards the trunk.

Transmission

The transmission of this bacterial infection takes place from infected ticks in the United States including American dog tick, rocky mountain wood tick and in parts of the southwestern United States and Mexico it is brown dog tick which is responsible for transmission.

Diagnosis and Testing

Though the signs and symptoms of this condition are similar to many other conditions too but still presence of the rash is its typical symptom which can be used as an diagnostic criteria.

Blood tests are performed too which are specific for diagnosing Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

History of tick bite or travelling to an area where tick bite is common is also a criteria that can be kept under consideration for diagnosing this condition.

Treatment

Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be life threatening and result in death too. Early treatment of this condition includes administration of antibiotics. The most commonly used antibiotic in this condition is doxycycline. For other symptoms various other drugs are also prescribed depending on the presenting signs.

Preventive Measures 

• Avoiding travelling to areas with ticks.
• If travelling to such areas, wear clothes that cover your entire body.
• Don’t take your pets along with you on hiking to grassy, bushy or wooden areas; it increases the risk of coming in contact with the ticks.

Ayurvedic Aspect of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain spotted fever, understood from an Ayurvedic point of view then lyme disease is caused by some angantuja karanas (bacterial factors) which are further responsible for dosha vitiation and this dosha vitiation is responsible for various symptoms that appear. Like vitiation of pitta causes fever, skin rashes, digestive symptoms etc. The symptoms can be managed using potent herbs like haridra (Curcuma longa), Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) and many others which can enhance the body’s immunity to fight bacterial manifestation as well as manages the symptoms very well.

Herbal Formulations For Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a leading Ayurvedic firm which deals with the manufacturing of herbal formulations. These formulations are prepared using potent herbs which are really effective in managing many conditions related to lower strength of the immune system and disturbances with its working due to bacterial manifestation. The formulations prepared by Planet Ayurveda do not contain any kind of adulterants, dyes, additives, fillers etc. These medications are really potent to manage various conditions arising due to infection causing agents especially conditions like lyme disease and are very fruitful hence giving positive noticeable results. The medication or formulations offered by Planet Ayurveda for the management of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) are as follows:

1. Giloy Capsules
2. Boswellia Curcumin
3. Dashmoola Capsules
4. Manjishtha Capsules
5. Wormistop Capsules

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Giloy Capsules

Giloy capsules are prepared with standardised extract of guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia). These capsules are really very helpful as an immune system modulator. Guduchi is a synonym of giloy which means it protects the body and improves various metabolism working in it. Giloy basically has an anti-inflammatory. It is a marvellous herb or can be called as a magical herb of Ayurveda which also helps in increasing, maintaining and boosting immunity of one’s body.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

2. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia Curcumin is filled with anti-inflammatory properties as it contains two very effective herbs which are Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). These both are really good as the best agents for reducing inflammatory conditions. Both of them are helpful in inflammation of the muscles, bones and tendons. They work by improving circulation and also contain analgesic properties that help in treating pain in the affected area.

Dosage: Two capsules twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

3. Dashmoola capsules

The Dashmoola Capsules have a group of ten herbs that are really good and effective in pacification of vata dosha. These herbs are like bilwa (Aegle marmelos), shyonak (Oroxylum indicum), patla (Stereospermum suaveolens), agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis), gambhari (Gmelina arborea) and few others. The capsules are pure vegetarian and have very good results in chronic inflammatory conditions as well. It is very efficient in resolving chronic fever, digestion related symptoms like flatulence, bloating and hiccups. The capsules are potent anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator and antitussive agents.

Dosage: One capsule twice a daily after meals

4. Manjishtha Capsules

Manjishtha Capsules are made using standardised extract of Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia). It enhances the blood circulation and also improves the quality of blood by removing toxins from it. It has an antioxidant property and supports a healthy immune system.

Dose: Two capsules twice a day after meals.

5. Wormistop Capsules

Wormistop Capsules has constituents like palash (Butea monosperma), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), snoth (Zingiber officinale) and vidang (Piper retrofractum). As the product name suggests it is very effective in removing parasites from the intestine and eradicates around 80-90% of worms from the human intestine but in this condition they also help in fighting fever. It also improves digestion and soothes the mucosa of the intestine.

Dose: Two capsules twice a day after meals.

Conclusion

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is very common in the southeast part of the United States and for treatment people seek help from Ayurveda. Ayurveda has many hidden secrets and is always open to the world for managing and treating various types of disorders. The herbal preparations which are being mentioned above are totally potent in managing conditions like this. As mentioned before these formulations are totally herbal and do not have any adulterants or preservatives. The formulation has really wonderful results and can be used in any age group even in lactating and pregnant women too. In case of any queries kindly visit WWW.PlanetAyurveda.Com