Churg-Strauss syndrome, also known as Allergic Angiitis and Allergic Granulomatosis, is a disorder caused due to inflammation in the blood vessels, leading to reduced blood supply to organs and tissues, thereby causing a dysfunction of the organs or permanent damage. Asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, skin rash, fever, gastrointestinal bleeding, joint pains and swelling, pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, and bleeding anywhere in the body, are common symptoms of this condition. A dysfunctional immune system and the use of certain medicines can cause this condition. Long term complications include peripheral nerve damage, scarring of the skin and heart and kidney disease.
The Ayurvedic treatment of this condition is aimed at reversing the basic pathology of the disease, treating the presenting symptoms and preventing complications. Medicines like Arogya-Vardhini, Mahamanjishthadi-Qadha, Saarivasav, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Kamdudha-Ras, Sutshekhar-Ras, Triphala-Guggulu and Punarnavadi-Guggulu are used to reduce inflammation in the treaties. Herbal medicines like Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Musta (Cyperus rotundus) , Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Yashtimadhuk (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Mandukparni (Centella asiatica) can also be used for this purpose. These medicines reduce the swelling and inflammation in the arteries and so reopen the arterial lumen, so that vital blood supply can reach the end-organs in sufficient quantity.
Medicines like Laxadi-Guggulu, Sphatik Bhasma (Purified Alum), Naagkeshar (Messua ferrea) and Vasa (Adhatoda vasika) can be used to prevent bleeding in any part of the body. These medicines heal the damaged capillary walls, and also act on the blood tissue, thereby preventing further bleeding. Maha-Vat-Vidhvans-Ras, Vat-Gajankush-Ras, Ekang-Veer-Ras, Bruhat-Vat-Chintamani, Vish-Tinduk-Vati and Maha-Rasnadi-Guggulu can be used to treat pain and numbness in the hands and feet . Tribhuvan-Kirti-Ras, Sitopaladi-Churna, Shwas-Kuthar-Ras and herbal medicines like Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Som (Ephedra vulgaris), Pippali (Piper longum) and Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa) can be treated to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis. Medicines like Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Punarnavadi-Qadha, Arjunarishta, Laxadi-Guggulu, and Drakshasav can be used to prevent complications of the heart. Likewise, medicines like Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Gomutra-Haritaki, Saarivasav, Gokshuradi-Guggulu and Chandraprabha-Vati can be used to prevent complications of the kidneys.
In addition, it is important to treat the dysfunctional immune system in order to reduce or reverse the inflammatory reaction in the body tisues. Medicines like Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba), Yashtimadhuk, Saariva, Manjishtha, Suvarna-Bhasma, Abhrak-Bhasma, Laghu-Malini-Vasant and Suvarna-Malini-Vasant can be used for this purpose.
Ayurvedic herbal medicines can help to control or treat Churg-Strauss syndrome. It is important to note that people affected with this condition and who are on high doses of steroids should not discontinue the medications all of a sudden. It is also important to adopt a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly and stop smoking.