People are afraid of the Chikungunya outbreak. It is a disease that is spread by mosquitoes. There is a slight difference between the symptoms of chikungunya & dengue. The main features of Chikungunya are joint pain and a rash. Chikungunya is caused by CHIK V RNA virus which spreads through the bite of a mosquito
Chikungunya Symptoms:
Symptoms of Chikungunya include headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and muscle pain during the acute phase. It is unlikely to be life-threatening. The longest period of pain and swelling in the joints is one of the most painful aspects of chikungunya. This is due to the response of the immune system to the parts of the virus that are similar to the joint.
This phenomenon is called the autoimmune response. Older people and those with pre-existing tendencies suffer worse arthritic symptoms than younger patients. The life of hundreds and thousands of people has been affected by Chikungunya and other similar infections, which are a grave cause for concern. Many prostrated people are unable to carry on with their normal activities because of the unbearable joint pain.
Reason of Joint pain in Chikungunya-
Synovial Membrane is a membrane present around joints and it produces fluid to nurture and protect the joint and also facilitates smooth movement. In Chikungunya infection a large number of viruses are accumulated on joints because of the strong love and affection CHIKV RNA has for the synovial Membrane.
They cause an inflammatory reaction to the structure of joints and can result in a variety of conditions. There is the inability to move joints as a result of joints becoming red and swollen. At the start, there are a lot of symptoms such as Fever, body ache, nausea, etc. It takes 5 to 7 days for symptoms to be controlled, but arthritis can last up to six months to 1 year.
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Joint pain (Arthritis) associated with Chikungunya –
A person can be debilitated for a very long period of time after being affected by chikungunya arthritis. Inflammation and pain can be mitigated using allopathic treatment options, which include rest and anti-inflammatory drugs. Convalescence can be extended up to a year or more and persistent joint pain can be treated with pain medication and anti-inflammatory therapy.
Relief from Chikungunya and other forms of post-viral arthritis can be found in Ayurveda. The principle of treatment in acquired infections is of the immune system. The immune response of the body is changed by the drugs and therapies. The immuno-modulation helps to reverse the inflammatory process as well as prevent tissue damage in addition to relief in symptoms. A shortened convalescent period is achieved by this.
Chikungunya – Ayurvedic treatment
Line of treatment
1. Preventive medicines for immunity Improvement. –
Some medicines are best to improve Immunity and during an outbreak of Chikungunya if you consume Ayurvedic Preventive medicines improved immunity prevents the chikungunya or at least reduces its severity.
2. Fever and Body ache treatment-
There are medicines that can be used to bring down muscle pain, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and small red spots in the body.
3. Muscle & Joint pain treatment-
This is the most important step as joint pain can continue up to a year in untreated patients. Muscle and joint pains can be alleviated with Ayurvedic medicine.
4. Rasayana( Rejuvenation) Treatment-
Once the disease is relieved, rejuvenation medicines can be administered. This will restore strength and immunity to the body. Energy is given to the patient by these medicines, so they can get on with their day-to-day activities.
Please consult your Ayurveda doctor before trying any over the counter or market medicines
External application
Ayurvedic Oils and liniments For External Application to relieve joint pain:
It is not possible to apply oils to the joints while you have a disease. liniments can be applied to alleviate pain. Liniments are comprised of oils and volatile principles. They evaporate very quickly after being applied. The liniments can be applied 4 - 5 times a day for a period of 4 - 6 weeks. Some good liniments include Arthorub liniment, Myostaal liniment, Rhukot liniment, and Rumalaya liniment.
Home remedies
A decoction or herbal tea made with Guduchi, ginger, and neem is prepared once or twice a day. Before you try any home remedies or medicines, you should consult with your doctor.
Chikungunya in children
For kids below seven years of age, they will have to strictly follow the advice of the consulting Ayurvedic doctor. Self-medication without consulting a doctor is too risky, especially in children. Once the fever is relieved, if the children are having joint pains, then any of the oils/liniments explained in the article can be used to relieve joint pain.
Dr.Yogesh Chavan is an expert in the treatment of Chikungunya and he has cured many chikungunya patients successfully with Ayurvedic Treatment.
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