IgA VASCULITIS

IgA vasculitis, formerly called Henoch-Schönlein purpura or HSP, is a disease that causes the antibody immunoglobulin A to collect in small blood vessels, which then become inflamed and leak blood. Nearly all people with IgA vasculitis develop a red or purple rash NIH external link. Some people with IgA vasculitis also develop problems with their gastrointestinal (GI) tract, joints, and kidneys because of inflamed blood vessels in the intestines, joints, and kidneys. In rare cases, the lungs, nervous system, or other organs may be affected.

SYMPTOMS  

The symptoms of IgA vasculitis include

• Leaking blood vessels cause a rash that looks like red or purple bruises or small red dots. The rash usually appears on the legs and buttocks, but may also appear on the arms, torso, and face. The rash is raised and does not disappear or turn pale when pressed. The rash is not painful and does not itch.
• GI tract problems. Abdominal pain can range from mild to severe, with nausea or vomiting. Blood may appear in the stool, although the bleeding is usually not severe. In rare cases, more serious problems can occur such as intussusception—a condition in which a section of the bowel folds into itself like a telescope, causing the bowel to become blocked.
• Joint pain and swelling.Pain and swelling often occur in the knees and ankles, and sometimes occur in the elbows, wrists, and small joints of the fingers.
• Kidney problems.Hematuria—blood in the urine—is a common sign that IgA vasculitis has affected the kidneys. Proteinuria—large amounts of protein, including albumin, in the urine—and development of high blood pressure are signs of more severe kidney problems.
• Other symptoms.In some cases, boys with IgA vasculitis develop swelling of the testicles. Symptoms affecting the central nervous system, such as seizures, and lungs, such as pneumonia NIH external link, have been seen in rare cases.

Rash, abdominal pain, and joint pain and swelling are often the first symptoms to appear, and they can occur in any order. Symptoms involving the kidneys rarely develop first.

CAUSES  

IgA vasculitis occurs when your body’s immune system attacks its own cells and organs. Researchers don’t know what causes this unusual immune system response. However, many people have an infection of the upper respiratory tract—the nose, nasal cavity NIH external link, pharynx, and larynx NIH external link—before developing IgA vasculitis. IgA vasculitis has also been linked with

• bacteria and viruses
• foods
• immunizations
• insect bites
• medicines

Certain genes may increase the risk for IgA vasculitis.

Homeopathy has a good scope in treating Vasculitis as it addresses the underlying abnormal immune system. Vasculitis being an auto immune disease can be treated effectively with a correctly chosen, deep acting, constitutional homeopathic medicine. Incorporating a holistic approach will boost the immune system, thereby controlling the underlying disease process and hence alleviating the symptoms of Vasculitis.

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE FOR VASCULITIS:

Lycopodium: For persons intellectually keen, but physically weak; upper part of body emaciated, lower part semi-dropsical; predisposed to lung and hepatic affections; especially the extremes of life, children and old people. Deep-seated, progressive, chronic diseases. Pains: aching-pressure, drawing; chiefly right sided, < four to eight P.M. Affects right side, or pain goes from right to left; throat, chest, abdomen, liver, ovaries.

Rhus tox: Adapted to persons of a rheumatic diathesis; bad effects of getting wet, especially after being overheated. Ailments: from spraining or straining a single part, muscle or tendon (Cal., Nux); overlifting, particularly from stretching high up to reach things; lying on damp ground; too much summer bathing in lake or river. Affects the fibrous tissue, especially; the right side more than the left.

Sulphur: Adapted to persons of a scrofulous diathesis, subject to venous congestion; especially of portal system. Persons of nervous temperament, quick motioned, quick tempered, plethoric, skin excessively sensitive to atmospheric change. For lean, stoop-shouldered persons who walk and sit stooping; walk stooping like old men. Standing is the worst position for Sulphur patients; they cannot stand; every standing position is uncomfortable. Dirty, filthy people, prone to skin affections (Psor.). Aversion to being washed; always < after a bath. Too lazy to rouse himself; too unhappy to live.

Psorinum: Especially adapted to the psoric constitution. In chronic cases when well selected remedies fail to relieve or permanently improve (in acute diseases, Sulph.); when Sulphur seems indicated by fails to act. Lack of reaction after severe acute diseases. Appetite will not return.

Causticum: Adapted to persons with dark hair and rigid fibre; weakly, psoric, with excessively yellow, sallow complexion; subject to affections of respiratory and urinary tracts. Children with dark hair and eyes, delicate, sensitive, skin prone to intertigo during dentition, or convulsions with eruption of teeth. Disturbed functional activity of brain and spinal cord, from exhausting disease or severe mental shock, resulting in paralysis. Rawness or soreness: of scalp, throat, respiratory tract, rectum, anus, urethra, vagina, uterus