A Granuloma is a small area of inflammation within the body which arises when the immune system blocks off certain things it can’t destroy, like foreign objects or bacteria. This is similar to your body building a "wall" of protection against anything it sees as being a threat.
Granulomas might develop in the lungs, skin, liver, and kidneys. They are usually caused by infections such as tuberculosis or conditions that induce chronic inflammation. There are two kinds of Granulomas: Caseating Granulomas contain dead cells, while Noncaseating Granulomas do not. Doctors determine what caused the Granuloma based on the type.
In many cases, Granulomas cause no symptoms and are found only during routine scans. In case they do happen, they might include a chronic cough, fever, shortness of breath or lumps on the skin. Granulomas are not usually cancerous but may reflect underlying health problems.
Granulomas form when your immune system can not clear something harmful, such as bacteria or foreign particles. Instead of clearing it, your body surrounds the invader with a small, protective collection of cells called a Granuloma. The formation of Granulomas could be brought on by several factors and identifying the main cause is essential to proper line of treatment.
Common causes of Granulomas are:
Infections: Granuloma may form from bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections. The most prevalent cause is tuberculosis; other infections like histoplasmosis and leprosy may also cause Granulomas.
Foreign objects: If foreign materials enter the body such as splinters, surgical sutures or even some medications, Granulomas may form as the immune system tries to isolate the foreign object.
Inflammatory diseases: Conditions such as Crohn's disease and Sarcoidosis can cause chronic inflammation and Noncaseating Granulomas.
Autoimmune disorders: Occasionally the immune system overreacts and attacks the body's own tissues, forming Granulomas while doing that. Sarcoidosis is one instance of an autoimmune condition leading to Granulomas.
Chronic irritation: Prolonged irritation from substances like environmental toxins or tobacco smoke may cause Granulomas, particularly in the lungs.
Granulomas can develop without presenting symptoms and are not easily detected until imaging tests are used. But where the Granuloma develops within the body, you might experience a number of different symptoms and signs. They usually correspond to the underlying condition that caused the Granuloma. Following are symptoms and signs of Granulomas:
Granulomas that form on or just below the skin may be hard lumps. They may be pink, red or purple and are sometimes tender or painful to the touch.
Granulomas of the lungs related to tuberculosis or chronic inflammation may persist and cause persistent coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing.
Occasionally, Granulomas cause the lymph nodes (small, bean-shaped structures which fight infection) to swell if the Granuloma is associated with an infection.
When Granulomas are brought on by infections like tuberculosis, you might also have general signs such as fever, chills, and sweating at nighttime.
Chronic infections or inflammatory conditions that cause Granuloma formation may make you feel extremely tired or exhausted.
If Granulomas form in or around the eyes, you may experience redness, pain, and disturbed vision.
Other conditions which trigger Granulomas, like Sarcoidosis, cause pain and swelling of the joints which trigger discomfort and stiffness.
Jiva offers holistic treatment for Granuloma through evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatments included detailed preliminary analysis and focus on targeting the very root causes of the disease. Rather than just symptomatic relief, Jiva’s advanced Ayurveda treatments ensure holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
Personalised Ayurvedic Medicines: Scientifically formulated medcinal blends, tagetting restoration of balance among the doshas and also aiding with the root cause treatment.
Yoga, Meditation, and other Mind Wellbeing Practices: Calming exercises focused on boosting mental well-being and overall health.
Time-tested Authentic Ayurvedic Therapies: Detox and rejuvenating therapies like Panchakarma, Shirodhara, Abhyanga etc are incorporated in the treatment plans to cleanse the body, offer deep relaxation and relief from chronic pain.
Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments: Expert guidance on making changes to your lifestyle and diet for proper nutrition and faster healing.
Ayurvedic medicines for Granuloma focus on balancing the body’s energies and facilitating the healing processes by targetting the root cause. Most Ayurvedic medicinal herbs for Granuloma comprise of natural immune-boosters and those with anti-inflammatory qualities. Some of the common medicinal Ayurvedic herbs are listed below:
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Guduchi has anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, which reduces swelling and supports immunity.
Boswellia (Boswellia serrata): Boswellia (Indian frankincense) is anti-inflammatory and helps to shrink Granulomas.
Arogyavardhini Vati: In this classical Ayurvedic formulation, Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa) and Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) are used for treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions and good health.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Turmeric is a curcumin-rich herb that reduces swelling and pain. It is taken internally as a supplement or in cooking.
Neem (Azadirachta indica): Neem has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action and is used for skin related Granulomas and blood purification.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): As an adaptogen, Ashwagandha relieves stress and also helps reduce inflammation in Granulomas.
Yes, some Granulomas resolve by themselves if they are from a mild infection. But Granuloma caused by chronic conditions or foreign objects may remain and require medical or natural treatment.
No, a Granuloma is not a tumour. It is a group of immune cells formed to keep dangerous things away from the body, whereas a tumour is an abnormal cell development. Granulomas are usually non cancerous.
Granulomas themselves spread like an infection although the underlying cause of them, such as sarcoidosis or tuberculosis, may spread to several locations in the body causing more Granulomas.
Physicians diagnose Granulomas based on imaging results like X-rays, CT or even biopsy results. These tests help diagnose Granulomas and also determine the cause.
Stress management, eating right, giving up smoking and less exposure to environmental toxins may reduce inflammation and prevent Granulomas from forming or worsening.
Yes, Ayurvedic treatments are usually safe. However, you must see an Ayurvedic physician so your therapy is adapted to your situation and body type.
Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger can reduce inflammation and growth of Granulomas.
Herbal remedies in Ayurveda like turmeric, neem and Triphala reduce inflammation, cleanse the body & help the immune system to treat Granulomas naturally.
Yes, some Granulomas recur if the underlying condition (chronic infection or inflammatory disease) continues. Recurrence may require continued treatment or lifestyle changes.
Not always. Several Granulomas are the result of infections like tuberculosis and others by non-infectious causes like foreign substances or sarcoidosis within the body.
The time for treatment of Granulomas with Ayurveda varies as per cause and severity. Treatments may include permanent nutritional modifications, lifestyle changes or herbal medicines.