ITP Ayurvedic Treatment

Platelets/ thrombocytes are responsible for blood clotting. When they are damaged, blood fails to clot and causes bleeding. Thrombocytopenia is the condition of reduced number of platelets in blood. Purpura means the purple discoloration of skin following bruises. The condition was formerly named as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura as the exact cause was unknown. But now it is identified that the disease is an autoimmune condition (platelets are attacked by body’s own immune system), and hence it is renamed as ‘immune thrombocytopenic purpura’. Certain medicines like aspirin can also produce ITP. Major triggering factors are pregnancy, trauma, chronic infections, dehydration etc. It may be acute (lasts for about 6 months) or chronic (lasts for more than 6 months and seen in adults); primary (develops as a single disease) or secondary (developed following other diseases)

ITP Signs and Symptoms

Bleeding (from nose, gums, intestine, in brain or heavy menstruation), platelet count less than 100000, purple discoloration of skin, purple-coloured dots under skin or inside of mouth, easy bruising, etc are the common symptoms/ signs.

ITP Ayurvedic Analysis

Bleeding disorders are explained as ‘raktapitta’ in Ayurveda. It may be urdhwa (bleeding from upper body parts like nose, mouth, ear etc), or adhoga (from lower body- like anus, urethra, vaginal bleeding). Prodromal symptoms are heaviness of head, tastelessness, desire to cold, acid reflux, vomiting, cough, breathing difficulty, giddiness, fatigue, taste of metal/ blood/ fish etc in mouth, pale coloured eyes, etc.

ITP Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

Causes of raktapitta are excess intake of ushna (hot), theekshna (vehement food), katu (pungent), amla (sour), lavana (salty), vidahi (causing burning sensation in stomach during and after digestion) ahara; millets like kodo millet; etc. All these result in vitiation of pitta and rakta, and pitta become similar to rakta in its properties.

Possible Complications of ITP Disease

Major complication is heavy blood loss, but it is rare. After steroid therapy, complications like stomach discomfort, irritability, acne, hypertension, weight gain etc develop. Medications like corticosteroids will cause osteoporosis, cataract, diabetes, loss of muscle mass etc.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Consider other health issues infections, cancer etc before planning treatment.

ITP Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Internal medication are provided along with procedures like virechana, vamana, nasya etc depending on the symptoms, severity, site of bleeding etc.

Diet

Take more whole grains, green vegetables, nuts, sweet fruits, etc. Avoid the consumption of spicy, sour, salty food, very hot items etc.

Exercise

Avoid exercises during the bleeding period.

ITP Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Take healthy nutritious food.
Exercise regularly.
Avoid stress.
Limit the intake of alcohol, spicy food etc.
Quit smoking.
Perform regular body purification therapy.
Take medicines only with the prescription of a physician. Do not continue any medicine for long period without consulting a doctor.
Avoid chances of infections.