Reducing the burden of Portal Hypertension with Ayurveda Two factors can increase blood pressure in blood vessels of the portal: Increase the volume of circulating blood in the vessels, and increased resistance to blood flow through the liver. Portal hypertension leads to the development of new veins (called collateral vessels) directly connecting the blood vessels of the portal circulation, bypassing the liver. Because of this bypass, substances (such as self-toxins) that are normally removed from the blood by the liver may pass into the general circulation. If substances that are normally removed by the liver pass into the bloodstream and reach the brain, they can cause drowsiness or confusion (hepatic encephalopathy).
Portal hypertension often causes the spleen to enlarge, because the pressure interferes with blood circulation of the spleen in blood vessels of the portal. The pressure in the blood vessels can cause portal containing protein (ascites) fluid from the surface of the liver and intestine could leak into the abdominal cavity. This condition is called ascites. Because most people with portal hypertension also have a severe liver dysfunction, they may have symptoms of liver failure, as a tendency to bleed.
Diagnosis: an ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) should be used.
Treatment: There is no cure for modern medicine to address the serious dysfunctions of the liver. To reduce the risk of esophageal variceal bleeding, the doctor may try to reduce the pressure in the portal vein. One way is to drugs such as propranolol or nadolol. Trans-jugular intrahepatic shunt (TIPS) may be considered as rescue management for refractory ascites secondary to portal hypertension, but caution regarding the presence and / or development of ectopic peritoneal haematopoesis or other must be taken.
In the modern science of the disease is incurable, so that in Ayurveda, we have had some success in many cases. It takes a long time to do the normal liver, but the recovery is seen within 6-8 weeks. Jalodar Rasayana is effective in relieving retention, portal hypertension due to chronic liver and spleen. The active ingredients are Yakrit-pleehari Lauha 65 mg, 65 mg Ashwakanchuki, Punarnava (B. diffusa), extension 200 mg Kutki (kurroa kurrooa) Ext 100 mg treated in the cow urine distillate.
Warning: Ayurvedic medicines are known to contain arsenic and concentrations up to toxic levels have been reported in certain formulations. Ayurvedic medicines should be consumed under strict guidance and supervision of qualified practitioners to prevent complications.
Posted on February 11, 2010.
