Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: Overview
Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease (KFD) – simply, Kikuchi disease or Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis – is a rare, benign, and self-limiting disorder which characteristically affects the cervical lymph nodes which are found in the neck.
In simple words, KFD is a non-cancerous and non-malignant disease which is marked by the enlargement (lymphadenopathy) and inflammation of lymph nodes (or lymph glands which play a key role in the body's ability to fight infections). In medical terminology, KFD is characterized by regional cervical lymphadenopathy with tenderness. The condition is generally accompanied with mild fever; with nearly 50% patients developing symptoms similar to those associated with flu.
KFD mostly affects young adults aged between 20-30 years. Women are at a comparatively higher risk of developing the disease than men. The occurrence of KFD is not linked to genetic factors; it develops sporadically in affected individuals who do not have any family history of the disease.
KFD can affect people all across the world. However, the occurrence of the disease is much higher among the Asian population – especially Japanese – as compared to other populations. Incidentally, the disease was first described by Dr Masahiro Kikuchi in 1972, followed by an independent description by Y. Fujimoto.
KFD is known by some other names, besides Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis or HNL. The disease is also called:
- Necrotizing Lymphadenitis
- Kikuchi Necrotizing Lymphadenitis
- Phagocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis
- Subacute Necrotizing Lymphadenitis.
The proper diagnosis of KFD is very crucial because this disease can often be mistaken for a serious disorder like malignant lymphoma – specifically cervical adenopathy – due to the similarity of symptoms. Moreover, KFD is also sometimes mistaken for some other conditions such as tuberculosis lymphadenitis, and adenocarcinoma.
Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: Causes
The exact cause behind the occurrence of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is not known. However, doctors believe that the disease usually occurs due to the following reasons:
- A virus or other infectious agent (because KFD symptoms are quite similar to the symptoms of certain viral infections).
- An autoimmune disorder (because of which the body’s natural defense mechanism against ‘foreign’ organisms start attacking the healthy tissue).
One of the several autoimmune diseases with which KFD is generally associated is Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE or lupus) --- a chronic autoimmune condition which affects the joints, skin, kidneys, and other organs.
Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: Symptoms
The most noticeable symptom of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is the swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck. Some other common symptoms of the disease include:
- Mild fever
- Night sweats
- Pain in the joints
- Headache
- Skin rashes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Extreme fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Sore throat
- Enlargement of the liver (in rare cases).
Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: Ayurvedic Treatment
KFD can be effectively managed with the help of Ayurvedic medicines. Planet Ayurveda herbal manufacturing company offers some extremely beneficial herbal remedies for managing the disease in a safe and natural manner. The herbal remedies, prepared under the supervision of Ayurveda experts, include:
Herbal Remedies for Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease
1. Kanchnaar Guggul
These tablets are prepared from a combination of herbs which are known for miscellaneous health benefits. The herbs include Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegate), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Marich (Piper nigrum), and Varuna (Crataeva nurvala).
The use of these tablets is beneficial for patients suffering from KFD because the tablets can maintain healthy cells, support healthy lungs, balance Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas, and treat several disorders such as Cancers/Tumors, Lipoma, Obesity, Liver cysts, Fistula, Hypothyroidism, Skin diseases, Polycystic ovarian syndrome, and Polycystic kidney disease.
Dosage: 2 tablets, twice a day.
2. Boswellia Curcumin
These capsules are prepared by combining two potent anti-inflammatory herbal ingredients --- Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). The Shallaki herb is known for its ability to fight inflammation, and Curcumin is known for its antioxidant properties.
The use of these capsules can be beneficial for KFD patients because the capsules can support the immune system, increase blood supply to joint tissue, maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, support healthy functioning of joints, and improve the biochemical structure of cartilage.
Dosage: 1 capsule, twice a day.
3. Gandhak Rasayan
This herbal formulation – available in tablet form – is prepared from Shuddh Gandhak (Purified Sulphur), and several other natural ingredients which are known for their anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, antipruritic, and anti-inflammatory properties. These components include Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), Shunti (Zingiber officinalis), Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba), Patra (Cinnamomum tamala), Nagakeshara (Mesua ferrea), Sita (Sugar Syrup), and Godugdha (Cow milk).
These tablets are beneficial for KFD patients because of the ability of the herbal components to treat chronic fever, cure fungal infections, manage skin problems, purify the blood, and balance Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas.
Dosage: 1 tablet, twice a day.
4. Septrin Tablets
A number of herbs – known especially for their ability to manage infections and allergies – are combined for the preparation of these tablets. The herbs include Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Haldi (Curcuma longa), Pippali (Piper longum), Marich (Piper nigrum), and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum).
Patients affected by KFD can benefit from the use of these tablets because of the ability of the herbal components to prevent and cure infections, reduce inflammation, treat digestive disorders, boost immunity, manage infections of the respiratory tract, keep the respiratory system healthy, and balance the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas.
Dosage: 2 tablets, twice a day.
5. Manjistha Capsules
Standardized extract of 'Manjistha' herb (Rubia cordifolia) is used for preparing these capsules. The herb is widely known in Ayurveda due to its anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, antispasmodic, immunity-enhancer and blood-purifier properties.
The use of Manjistha capsules can benefit KFD patients because the capsules can eliminate toxins from the body, manage blood disorders, treat skin problems, manage gynecological conditions, support healthy functioning of the urinary system, and pacify Pitta dosha.
Dosage: 1 capsule, twice a day.
Conclusion
Planet Ayurveda's herbal products for managing Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease are 100% vegetarian formulations, prepared from pure and natural herbs. The products do not contain any chemicals, artificial colors, additives, binders, preservatives, or fillers. Although the products are safe to use, it is advised that patients suffering from KFD should use these products in consultation with an experienced Ayurveda practitioner.
FAQs
Q1. Is KFD an inherited disease?
Ans: No. KFD is not believed to be an inherited disease.
Q2. How long does it take for KFD to resolve on its own?
Ans: It takes a period of 1-4 months for KFD to resolve on its own.
Q3. Which autoimmune disorder is KFD commonly associated with?
Ans: KFD is commonly associated with a chronic autoimmune disorder called Lupus or Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE).
Q4. Can KFD recur in patients who have already been treated for the disease?
Ans: Yes, in some extremely rare cases, KFD may recur in patients who have already been treated for the disease.
Q5. In how many cases is the recurrence of KFD reported?
Ans: The recurrence of KFD is generally reported in 3-4% of the cases.
Q6. How can doctors unmistakably identify KFD?
Ans: Doctors can unmistakably identify KFD with the help of biopsy of the tissue in the affected lymph nodes.
Q7. Is KFD a life-threatening or chronic disease?
Ans: No. KFD is not a life-threatening or chronic disease.
Q8. Is there a possibility that KFD is more prevalent than previously recognized?
Ans: Yes. It is possible that KFD is more prevalent than previously recognized because swelling in the glands is quite common and is often ignored.
Q9. Which viruses can possibly cause KFD?
Ans: The viruses which can possibly cause KFD are Epstein-Barr virus, HHV6 virus, HHV8 virus, and parvovirus B19 virus.
Q10. Do KFD patients require regular follow-up for several years after treatment?
Ans: Yes. KFD patients require regular follow-up for several years in order to rule out the potential development of SLE.
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