Alternative Treatment of Reiter’s Syndrome – Reactive Arthritis

Abstract

It is a painful inflammatory condition of joints due to an underlying infection in the body.  It was first described by Hans Reiter. It is equally common in both males and females but more common in sexually active males. A person with reactive arthritis mostly complains of difficulty in watching, urinating and walking. A person with HLA-B27 is more prone to this disease and there are very few people who come in contact with bacteria that get reactive arthritis. In this article, we will study about this in detail!

Introduction

Reiter’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. It occurs in response to an infection. It is called reactive arthritis because it occurs in response to a preexisting infection in the body (Gastrointestinal infection, genitourinary infection). It is characterised by a triad of Urethritis, Conjunctivitis and joint arthritis. It is seen in 1/3 of patients with Reactive Arthritis. The person faces difficulty in urinating, watching and walking. Inflammation in the urethra makes urination painful and conjunctivitis is not due to infection in the eyes but due to an autoimmune condition. Usually, the knees and joints of the ankles are affected. In reactive arthritis, antibodies cross over and attack normal body cells. It has a 50% recurrence rate. Reactive arthritis can be mistaken for gout, psoriatic arthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. So, it is very important to diagnose it properly and begin the management of the underlying infection along with Reactive Arthritis.

CAUSES

1. Gastrointestinal infections (Salmonella, E.coli, Shigella)
2. Genitourinary infections (Chlamydia)

SIGNS

1. Swollen joints/ Asymmetrical oligoarthritis (especially knees and ankles)
2. Sausage digits / Dactylitis (Sausages like swelling of fingers and toes)
3. Conjunctivitis (Swelling, Redness with discharge from eyes)
4. Sores at the glans penis (Painless)
5. Enthesitis (Inflammation at the point where the tendon attaches to bone)
6. Pain in  joints
7. Urethritis
8. Diarrhoea (Symptom before reactive arthritis)
9. Mouth ulcers
10. Heel pain due to enthesitis
11. Weight loss
12. Fever

DIAGNOSIS

1. Physical examination
2. Rheumatoid factor
3. X-rays
4. Arthrocentesis
5. Stool culture
6. Urethral swabs
7. Blood test

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

According to the Ayurvedic Point of view, Agantuj karan (exogenous causes like bacteria), leads to an imbalance in doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), agni (digestive fire) and causes ailments in the body. When these doshas get accumulated (Sthan sanshraya) in the eyes causes conjunctivitis, in the urethra leads to urethritis and in joints leads to arthritis. Tender and swollen joints, fever, weight loss, conjunctivitis, urethritis, mouth ulcers, penile sores, and pain during movement and urination are some of the symptoms of reactive arthritis.

TREATMENT

Management for Reactive Arthritis involves balancing all three doshas, agni and treating the underlying cause of the disease.

1. Use of Chitrakadi vati, Lavan bhaskar churna, and Hing (Asafoetida) powder in order to remove ama from the body.
2. Yogas (Formulation) like Yograja Guggul, Sanjivani vati, Giloy ghan vati, Erandpak, and Dashang lepa can be used to manage inflammation and pain in joints.
3. Triphala eye wash for conjunctivitis
4. Yogas like Chandraprabha vati, and Punarnavadi Kwath help in managing Urethritis.
5. Chopchini powder(Smilax china) can be given if the infection has spread through sexual contact.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR REITER’S SYNDROME BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda provides the best combination of effective herbal remedies for the management of Reactive Arthritis. For natural and herbal treatment always look for natural products which contain pure extracts and are formulated under GMP guidelines. Planet Ayurveda products are scientific and certified. They are free from any chemicals, additives, and preservatives. Planet Ayurveda products are formulated by MD Doctors and are 100% natural, pure, and free from side effects. Planet Ayurveda offers the following herbal remedies for the management of Reactive Arthritis.

1. Boswellia Curcumin
2. Amalaki Rasayan
3. Yograj Guggul
4. Aamvatantak Churna
5. Ashwagandha Ghan Vati
6. Orthovita oil

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Boswellia Curcumin

It is a herbal formulation that contains Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). Shallaki balances Kapha and Pitta dosha. It is helpful in treating conjunctivitis, urethritis. Shallaki is indicated in fever, oral disorders, and diarrhoea. Turmeric balances all three doshas. Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It subsides conjunctivitis, Urethritis, Dactylitis, and Arthritis. Both Shallaki and Curcumin help in vranadoshaharan (cleanses wounds) and treat sores present in the glans penis.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily, after meals with plain water.

2. Amalaki Rasayan

Amalaki Rasayan is a classical herbal formulation that contains Amalaki (Emblica officinalis). Amla is tridosha shamak (balances all three doshas). It balances vata and reduces pain and stiffness in joints. Amla is considered Chakshushya (Good for eye health) therefore it helps in managing conjunctivitis. It also reduces inflammation and mouth ulcers. According to  Acharya Charak,  Amalaki rasayan is Jwarghana so it is helpful in managing fever associated with Reactive Arthritis.

Dosage: 1-2 Capsules twice daily, with plain water, after meal

3. Yograj Guggul

Yograj Guggul is an ayurvedic formulation that contains Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and many other herbs. Guggul is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It balances all three doshas. Yograj guggul is helpful in vata imbalances therefore it subsides the pain and stiffness of joints seen in arthritis. It is mainly used for the management of arthritis.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

4. Aamvatantak Churna

Aamvatantak churna is an ayurvedic formulation in powder form that contains Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Methi (Trigonella foenum graecum), Suranjaan (Colchicum autumnale), Haridra (Turmeric) and various other herbs. This powder contains Ashwagandha which balances Vata and Kapha and helps in tissue repair. It also helps in managing pain due to arthritis, urethritis. It increases digestive fire and removes Ama (Toxins). Amvatantka churan also reduces tenderness and inflammation of joints.

Dosage: ½ to 1 teaspoonful twice daily, after meals with plain water or Aloe vera juice or Kumari Saar.

5. Ashwagandha Ghan Vati

Ashwagandha Vati is a herbal formulation that contains Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha balances Vata and Kapha. It helps in reducing wear and tear of joints caused by Arthritis. It is a great rejuvenator that helps in tissue repair. Ashwagandha also reduces pain and tenderness associated with arthritis. Ashwagandha ghan vati promotes bone health and also promotes athletic performance. Along with it, Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen that is known to reduce stress.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water

6. Orthovita Oil

Orthovita oil is a miraculous oil that is a mix of Shul Gajendra oil, Gandhapura oil, Turpentine oil, Saindhavadi Taila, Prasarini oil and camphor. It has the benefits of all 5 oils. It balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It helps in managing inflammation of joints, reduces pain, improves joint mobility and provides strength to joints.

Dosage: Local application on joints once or twice daily.

CONCLUSION

Reiter’s Syndrome is a painful inflammatory condition that affects the eyes, urinary tract, joints along with the skin. It is due to previously present infection in the body. One should not neglect the underlying infection that resulted in Reactive Arthritis. Through the holistic approach of Ayurveda reactive arthritis can be managed properly.