Treatment for Strongyloides Infection in Ayurveda with Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Strongyloidiasis is an infection caused due to the strongyloides stercoralis. The strongyloides stercoralis is a parasitic roundworm that lives in the body of different species from where they obtain nutrients. The infected organism is called a host and the infecting agent is called a parasite. These kinds of roundworms are usually found in the warm and hot climate like in tropical and subtropical countries. Such kinds of infections do not cause any symptoms usually but can be prevented using proper hygiene methods. In this article our main focus will be on the causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment  along with the Ayurvedic point of view.

Introduction

An estimated 30-100 people are infected from this infection worldwide on an annual basis. Infection is of acquired type and contamination generally takes place from skin to skin contact during agricultural, domestic and recreational activities. In children such infections are generally the result of poor hygiene which makes children more vulnerable to such infections. Strongyloidiasis generally remains undiagnosed because it is habitual of causing noticeable symptoms. Without effective treatment the infection is having the capacity to persist for life. This can lead to immunodeficiency and cause life threatening conditions in some cases.     

An estimated 30-100 people are infected from this infection worldwide on an annual basis. Infection is of acquired type and contamination generally takes place from skin to skin contact during agricultural, domestic and recreational activities. In children such infections are generally the result of poor hygiene which makes children more vulnerable to such infections. Strongyloidiasis generally remains undiagnosed because it is habitual of causing noticeable symptoms. Without effective treatment the infection is having the capacity to persist for life. This can lead to immunodeficiency and cause life threatening conditions in some cases.        

Causes

The most common cause for Strongyloides infection is coming in contact with the contaminated soil which is very general in the areas with hot temperature. This infection follows the life cycle of a worm. The worm’s life cycle is explained as follows:

The tiny worms penetrate the skin and enter your bloodstream. Then these worms pass through the right side of the heart and then to the lungs. Then through the windpipe these worms reach the mouth and we unknowingly swallow them because they do not cause any sensation. Then they travel to the stomach and then to the small intestine where they lay eggs and a colony of parasites are built. These larvae can infect your body by penetrating the skin around your anus and also can penetrate your intestine without getting out with the feces. These worms are capable of reproducing in the soil without a host.

Symptoms 

Around 50% of the strongyloidiasis causes no symptoms but in remaining 50% cases following symptoms can be observed:

1. Diarrhea or alternating diarrhea with constipation
2. Upper abdominal pain and burning sensation
3. Cough of unknown cause
4. Rashes on skin and also around the anus
5. Red hives near the anus
6. Nausea associated with vomiting
7. Unexplained weight loss
8. Malnutrition
9. Anemia
10. Palpitations and anxiety can also be noticed

These symptoms generally appear after two weeks a person is infected.

Risk Factors for Strongyloidiasis

The risk factors include travelling history to tropical subtropical or temperate countries. Residing in rural areas having not so good hygienic facilities, farmers who are regularly in contact with soil, lack of good hygiene around you or by you, weak immune system like in HIV, Cancer etc.

Diagnosis

1. Duodenal aspiration: fluid is aspirated from duodenal and is examined for the presence of strongyloides stercoralis.
2. Sputum culture: to analyze the presence of strongyloides stercoralis in fluid of your lungs.
3. Stool sample testing for ova and parasites presence.
4. Complete blood count for any associated condition.
5. Blood antigen test

Treatment

The main purpose in this case is to eliminate the worms. Medications like ivermectin that contains stromectol is a powerful  antiparasitic medication that is capable of killing worms in your small intestine. Modern physicians also prescribe you with an albendazole course for 10 days.

In ayurveda this condition is understood under krimi roga. Krimi roga are three types of purishaj, raktaj and kaphaj krimi. This condition typically comes under pureeshaj krimi. The treatment for such parasitic infections in ayurveda is virechana and administration of some herbal formulations like vidanga aarishta, tulsi swaras, krimi kuthar rasa and many more.

Planet Ayurveda  

Planet Ayurveda is a herbal medication manufacturing company that deals with production of herbal formulations. These formulations are very effective and some of them can also be used in the management of Strongyloides infection. The products offered areas follows:

1. Wormistop Capsules
2. Mahashankh Vati
3. Sanjivani Vati
4. Digestoplan Syrup

Products Description

1. Wormistop Capsules

These Capsules are manufactured using standardized extract of four herbs palaash (Butea monosperma), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), vidanga (Piper retrofractum) and sonth (Zingiber officinale). These all herbs work in a very wonderful way and eliminate the worms from the intestine and provide a very soothing effect.

Dosage: Two capsules twice a day after meals.

2. Mahashankh Vati

It is the best herbal formula that helps in the enhancement of digestion and also relieves symptoms like bloating and indigestion. This formulation is also mentioned in classics and contains piper longum, chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), danti (Baliospermum montanum) and many more. This helps in naturally dealing with indigestion, loss of appetite, hyper acidity and other digestion related problems.

Dosage: Two tablets twice a day after meals.

3. Sanjivani Vati

Sanjivani vati is popularly known to infuse life. It is best for ama digestion and also helps in burning the accumulated toxins. This is also a classical formulation and contains many herbs like sonth (Zingiber officinale), vidanga (Piper retrofractum), giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), triphala etc. These all combinedly strengthens the immune system and hampers the recurrence of any disease. These herbs when ingested and passed through the intestine creates an environment that is not suitable for the survival of worms and hence kills them.

Dosage: Two tablets twice a day after meals.

4. Digesto Plan Syrup

This is a very effective decoction that helps in increasing digestion, helps in getting rid of bloating, acidity, irregular bowel movements, indigestion etc. This syrup contains sonth (Zingiber officinale), amalaki (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), saunf (Foeniculum vulgare) and many others. These all herbs have a very great effect on your digestive system and are also very beneficial in gastritis, abdominal pain and cramps.

Dosage: Two teaspoons daily twice after meals.

Conclusion

The formulation offered by planet ayurveda do not cause any side effects and are very beneficial in managing conditions like Strongyloides infection. The products do not cause any side effects and are totally safe even for the use of children (after expert recommendations only). For any query kindly visit www.planetayurveda.com