Natural Treatment of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease is a rare and non-malignant disorder that affects the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small oval structures that filter the lymph fluid and fight infections.

Kikuchi Fujimoto disease occurs in association with systemic lupus erythematosus. It is characterized as a rare non-cancerous enlargement of the lymph nodes. There is an inflammation of the lymph nodes in this disorder. The lymph nodes on the sides of the neck and near the salivary glands are often affected.

It is an extremely rare disease having a worldwide distribution with a higher prevalence among Japanese and Asiatic individuals. The affected patients are usually younger adults under the age of 30 years.

The lymph node size has been found to range normally from 0.5 to 4 cm, but in this condition, it may reach up to 5 to 6 cm.

What are the Causes of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease?

The exact cause of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease is not known but according to some researchers, it is caused due to the infection or considered as an auto-immune disorder. It is caused as a result of one or more harmful agents that trigger the auto-immune process. These can be chemicals, and neoplastic (related to abnormal tissue growth) agents or some infections.

In some cases, it has been reported as a cause of prolonged fever of unknown origin.

What are the Symptoms of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease?

The primary symptom of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease is the inflammation of lymph nodes. The lesions or tissue anomalies cause the lymph nodes to enlarge which is known as lymphadenopathy. The lymph nodes on one or both the sides of the neck are affected.

• The lymph nodes are generally 2-3 cm in diameter and are usually painless and hard.
• A red rash may appear in some individuals.
• Some individuals may develop flu-like symptoms or fever.

Less Frequent Symptoms of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease Include

• Nausea
• Weight Loss
• Vomiting
• Sore Throat

How Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease is Diagnosed?

Due to the vague symptoms of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease, it is difficult to diagnose it. It is mistakenly diagnosed as lymphoma or systemic lupus erythematosus. The patients suspected of having Kikuchi Fujimoto Disease often have to undergo fine-needle aspiration before an excisional biopsy is performed for the proper diagnosis.

• But, unlike lymphoma and lupus, Kikuchi disease is not chronic or life-threatening in nature.
• The differentiation of Kikuchi Disease from SLE can sometimes be problematic because both these disorders can show similar clinical and histological features.
• It is difficult to diagnose as an ultrasound; CT scan or MRI cannot confirm the presence of enlarged lymph nodes.

What is the Treatment of Kikuchi Disease?

There is no effective treatment for the disease. Generally, it clears up on its own within 1-6 months.

• The treatment of Kikuchi disease generally aims at providing symptomatic relief. The symptoms such as fever, lymph node tenderness, flu are treated by Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
• The patients with severe or persistent symptoms are treated with high doses of glucocorticoids but they cause adverse side effects as well.
• The patients who are diagnosed with Kikuchi Fujimoto disease should be followed-up for several years because there is a possibility of developing systemic lupus erythematosus.

What is the Ayurvedic Perspective of Kikuchi Fujimoto Disease?

According to Ayurveda, Kikuchi Fujimoto Disease is caused due to the build-up of endotoxins and blockage of channels and vitiation of Kapha Dosha.

Ayurveda helps in Kikuchi Fujimoto Disease by correcting the altered immunity.

What is the Treatment of Kikuchi Fujimoto Disease by Planet Ayurveda?

Planet Ayurveda offers various Herbal Remedies for the treatment of Kikuchi disease which are safe, natural and free from side effects.

These Herbal Remedies are

1. Ashwagandha Capsules
2. Kanchnaar Guggul
3. Curcumin Capsules

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

These capsules are prepared using the standardized extract of the herb Withania Somnifera. This herb is best known for correcting depleted immunity. Moreover, this herb also possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial properties which help to provide relief in flu and fever symptoms associated with Kikuchi disease and these capsules work on the root cause of the disorder by correcting the immunity.

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Kanchnaar Guggul

Kanchnaar Guggul is an Ayurvedic preparation which is quite effective in the treatment of glandular swelling, lymph nodes swelling, abnormal growths in the body, polyps, etc. The major ingredient of Kanchnaar Guggul is the bark of Bahunina variegata (Kanchnaar). The bark of this tree has astringent, anti-oxidant and anthelmintic properties which help in flushing out toxins from the lymphatic system. These tablets are considered as one of the safe and effective remedies for shrinking all the abnormal growths without causing any side effects.

Ingredients of Kanchnaar Guggul are

Sr. No.	Common Name	Botanical Name	Parts
1.	Kanchnaar Bark	Bauhinia variegata	40
2.	Amalaki	Emblica officinalis	8
3.	Haritaki	Terminalia chebula	8
4.	Bibhitaki	Terminalia bellerica	8
5.	Ginger	Zingiber officinale	4
6.	Black Pepper	Piper nigrum	4
7.	Pippali	Piper longum	4
8.	Varuna	Crateva religiosa	4

Dose: 1-2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Curcumin Capsules

Curcumin is one of the most common and ancient herbs used in Ayurvedic system of medicine. Planet Ayurveda’s Curcumin Capsules are prepared from the standardized extract of the herb Curcuma longa (Turmeric).

Due to its rich medicinal properties, it is very effective in the treatment of impaired immunity. This herb can be used in the treatment of flu and fever associated with Kikuchi Disease. These capsules work on the root cause of the disorder by correcting the immunity of an individual. Due to the rich detoxifying properties of curcumin, this herb is used to remove toxins from the body.

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

These herbal remedies are safe to use as compared to modern medicines such as analgesics, antipyretics, NSAIDs and corticosteroids which are generally prescribed for the treatment of Kikuchi disease. Herbal remedies by Planet Ayurveda provide relief by eliminating the root cause of the disorder.