Angioedema (Advanced Stage of Sitapitha)

शीतमारुतसंस्पर्शातप्रदुष्टौकफमारुतौ l
पित्तेनसहसंभूयबहिरन्तर्विसर्पत: l l

Ayurvedic Treatment of Angioedema - Causes, Symptoms

Angioedema refers to the swelling (edema) of the region below the skin. It occurs rapidly, usually as an allergic reaction. Sometimes angioedema may occur as hereditary. Angioedema occurs mainly at regions with loose tissues like the face, throat, limbs, and genitals. The swelling affects deeper layers of skin like the subcutaneous layer, mucosa layer, submucosa layer, etc.

In Ayurveda, the condition can be considered as the advanced stage of Sitapitha. Dr. Gupta’s IAFA is well equipped for the successful ayurvedic treatment of angioedema.

Causes of Angioedema

The major causes of Angioedema are mentioned below:

Insect bites
Certain medications
Contact with plant latex
Genetic reasons
Pregnancy
Use of contraceptive pills
Some infection
Trauma
Unidentifiable reasons

In Ayurveda, the reasons for Angioedema are explained as exposure to the cold wind that results in aggravation of all the three doshas in the body.

Ayurvedic Reference of Angioedema (Advanced Stage of Sitapitha)

Symptoms of Angioedema

The signs and symptoms of Angioedema occur quickly and may last for about 3 days. Major manifestations include:

Rashes
Swelling
Itching
Increased warmth

Sometimes painful
May affect vision
Breathing discomfort if airways are affected
Anaphylaxis in case of severe attack

The symptoms of angioedema as explained by Ayurveda include severe pain, swelling, itching, rashes, etc.

Types of Angioedema

Based on causative factors there are four types of Angioedema.

Allergic Angioedema – This is the most common type of Angioedema caused by an allergic reaction to any food, pollen grains, toxins, animal skin, etc. It occurs rapidly and may lead to an anaphylactic situation.
Idiopathic Angioedema – In this type of Angioedema, the exact cause will be unclear.
Drug-induced Angioedema – Use of certain medications like Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme used in the treatment of high blood pressure, painkillers like ibuprofen, etc. can result in angioedema.
Hereditary Angioedema – In this type, many of the family members may have the same condition. In such people, the symptoms will come and go over time.

“Dr. Gupta’s IAFA is well equipped for the accurate management of Angioedema through Ayurveda. Institute of Applied Food Allergy® is the leading institution that provides genuine Ayurvedic treatment for various allergy-related manifestations”.

Reach IAFA; IAFA assures you a healthy life!!!

– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®

Diet in Angioedema

Do’s (Pathya) in Angioedema

Maintain good cleanliness.
Sufficient sleep at night.
Drink the required amount of water.
Light and easily digestible food.
Include fruits and vegetables in the diet.
Prefer warm and freshly prepared food.

Don’ts (Apathya) in Angioedema

Spicy food
Non-vegetarian food especially eggs
Oily food
Restaurant and fast food
Chemical-based creams and lotion
Exposure to allergen
Close contact with pets
Day sleep
Use of medicines without doctor’s prescription.

Yoga and Pranayama in Angioedema

Yogasanas help to increase the strength of the body and also mind. Following asanas (postures) will be beneficial in reducing the intensity of allergic conditions like angioedema:

Surya Namaskar
Shashankasana
Vakrasana
Uttanpadasana
Janusirsasana
Pavanamuktasana

Pranayama helps to clear the channels through which body tissues are traveling. It helps to maintain the equilibrium of body functions. It also helps to relieve the stress caused by the disease.

Ayurvedic Treatment in Angioedema

Ayurveda assures effective ayurvedic treatment for Angioedema. The treatment protocol includes internal medicines, external procedures, and also purification therapies.

Internal Medicines

Internal medicines are advised according to the stage of the disease and condition of the patient. Following internal medicines can be administered as per the condition:

Manjishtadi Kashayam
Patoladi Kashayam
Nimbadi Kashayam
Guluchyadi Kashayam

Gandhaka Rasayana
Mahatiktaka Ghrita
Dasamoolahareethaki Lehyam
Avipathi Churnam

External Medicines

Following medicines can be applied externally based on the manifestations.

Nimbadi Churna
Nalpamaradi Kera Thailam
Rasothamadi Lepam

Lodhradi Gana Churna

Guluchyadi Kashayam

Treatment Procedures

Following treatment procedures can be adopted according to the condition of the disease:

Lepana (Application of medicated paste)
Kashaya Dhara (Pouring medicated decoction)

Takradhara (Pouring medicated buttermilk)

Purification Therapy

Following purification methods can be done as required:

Vamana (Emesis)
Virechana (Purgation)

Raktamoksha (Blood-letting)

Single Herbs for Angioedema

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Chandana (Santalum album)
Kumari (Aloe vera)

Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides)
Haridra (Curcuma longa)

References

Shloka No. 1, Sitapithaudardakothanidana, Madhava Nidana by Madhavacharya.
Shukla and Ravi Dutt Tripathi, Agnivesh, Charak Samhita, Chakrapani Commentary, Sutrasthana, Chapter 25, shloka 465, Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan 2010.
Tripathi Brahmanand ed. Astang Hridaya, Delhi, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan, 2009, p.154.
Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Aspects of Allergies and Fungal Infections, Edition 2021, Allergic Bronchitis Chapter No. 45, Page No. 283-288.

Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is Angioedema?

Answer: Angioedema is the swelling that occurs below the skin usually caused by an allergy.

Question: What are the symptoms of Angioedema?

Answer: Angioedema is mainly manifested as swelling, pain, itching, and rashes on the skin and underlying parts.

Question: Does Ayurveda have complete cure for Angioedema?

Answer: Yes, Ayurveda assures a complete cure of Angioedema through internal medicines, external procedures, and purification therapies.

Question: How Ayurveda treats Angioedema?

Answer: Ayurvedic treatment of Angioedema includes improving digestion, controlling hyperacidity, body purification and detoxification procedures are the necessary steps.

Question: What is the cause of Angioedema according to Ayurveda?

Answer: According to Ayurveda, vitiation of all the three doshas and exposure to cold wind are the reasons that are explained.

Question: What is Angioedema according to Ayurveda?

Answer: In Ayurveda, Angioedema can be corelated to the advanced stage of Sheetpitta (Urticaria). The patients are treated on the line of Sheetpitta Vyaadhi Chikitsa.