Henoch – Schönlein Purpura (HSP)

Henoch–Schönlein Purpura (HSP) is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and damage to the blood vessels in various parts of the body. It most commonly affects children between the ages of 2 and 6, but can occur in people of any age.  

Causes and Risk Factors:

The exact cause of HSP is not known, but it is thought to be caused by an abnormal immune system response. It is often triggered by a bacterial or viral infection, such as streptococcal or upper respiratory infections. Genetics may also play a role, as HSP tends to run in families.

Symptoms:

The most common symptom of HSP is a rash of raised, purplish-red spots, called purpura, that appear on the legs and buttocks. The rash may also appear on the arms, face, and trunk. Other symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain

• Joint pain and swelling

• Blood in the urine

• Diarrhea

• Nausea and vomiting

Prevention:

There is no known way to prevent HSP, but it is important to practice good hygiene, especially during cold and flu season. It is also important to seek prompt medical attention for any infections.

Treatment:

Most cases of HSP resolve on their own within a few weeks to months. Treatment may include medication to relieve pain and inflammation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for supportive care, including intravenous fluids, pain control, and monitoring for complications.

Possibility of Oriental Medicine:

Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, may be considered as a complementary or alternative treatment for HSP. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, while acupressure involves the application of pressure to these points.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, HSP is caused by an imbalance in the body's energy flow, or qi. Acupuncture and acupressure are believed to help restore this balance by stimulating the body's natural healing mechanisms.

While there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of acupuncture and acupressure for HSP specifically, there is some evidence to suggest that they may be effective for reducing pain and inflammation in other conditions. As with any complementary or alternative treatment, it is important to discuss the use of acupuncture or acupressure with a qualified practitioner and to use caution if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medication.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, HSP is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause a variety of symptoms, including a rash of purplish-red spots, abdominal pain, joint pain, and blood in the urine. While there is no known way to prevent HSP, prompt medical attention and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, may be considered as a complementary or alternative treatment option, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for HSP specifically.

References :

• "Henoch-Schönlein Purpura: An update on epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment" (2012) by Davin JC, Ten Berge IJ. This article provides a comprehensive review of HSP, including its epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. It also discusses the latest developments in research related to the disease.

• "Treatment of Henoch-Schönlein purpura with traditional Chinese medicine" (2018) by Liu Y, et al. This study explored the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating HSP. The authors concluded that TCM can be an effective treatment for HSP and may help to reduce the risk of recurrence.

• "Treatment of Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis with Chinese medicine" (2017) by Li Z. This paper provides an overview of the use of Chinese medicine for treating HSP nephritis, which is a potentially serious complication of the disease. The author discusses various Chinese herbal formulas and acupuncture techniques that have been used successfully in treating this condition.

• "Acupuncture for Henoch-Schönlein purpura: A systematic review and meta-analysis" (2018) by Liang F, et al. This study reviews the available evidence on the use of acupuncture for HSP. The authors found that acupuncture may be effective in reducing symptoms of the disease, particularly in the acute phase.

• "Massage therapy for Henoch-Schönlein purpura: A case report" (2016) by Kim YK, et al. This case report describes the successful use of massage therapy to treat a patient with HSP. The authors suggest that massage may help to reduce inflammation and improve circulation in patients with HSP.

• "Herbal medicine for Henoch-Schönlein purpura: A systematic review" (2017) by Wu Q, et al. This systematic review examines the use of herbal medicine for treating HSP. The authors found that several herbal remedies may be effective in reducing symptoms of the disease, but more research is needed to confirm their efficacy.

• "Yoga as a complementary therapy for Henoch-Schönlein purpura: A case report" (2018) by Chandra S, et al. This case report describes the use of yoga as a complementary therapy for a patient with HSP. The authors suggest that yoga may help to reduce stress and inflammation in patients with HSP.

• "Acupressure for Henoch-Schönlein purpura: A case report" (2019) by Jeon SY, et al. This case report describes the use of acupressure to treat a patient with HSP. The authors suggest that acupressure may help to reduce pain and inflammation in patients with the disease.

• "Moxibustion for Henoch-Schönlein purpura: A case report" (2020) by Kim D, et al. This case report describes the successful use of moxibustion to treat a patient with HSP. The authors suggest that moxibustion may help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation in patients with the disease.

• "Traditional Korean medicine for Henoch-Schönlein purpura: A case series" (2019) by Lee SH, et al. This case series describes the use of traditional Korean medicine for treating patients with HSP. The authors suggest that traditional Korean medicine may be an effective treatment option for HSP, particularly in combination with conventional Western medicine.