Graft Versus Host Disease

Here you will get an overview of the pathology, the ability to treat diseases with Oriental medicine, and with acupressure therapies along with other therapies combined.

The information is updated gradually and regularly. For reference only, not a substitute for your doctor.

Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is a medical condition that occurs after a transplant, such as a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. It occurs when the transplanted cells recognize the recipient’s body as foreign and begin to attack it. This attack can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and can even be life-threatening.

Causes and Risk Factors

GVHD is caused by the interaction between the donor’s immune system and the recipient’s tissues. The donor’s immune system recognizes the recipient’s tissues as foreign and attacks them. The severity of GVHD depends on several factors, including the type of transplant, the age and health of the donor and recipient, and the degree of tissue matching between the donor and recipient.

There are two types of GVHD: acute and chronic. Acute GVHD occurs within the first 100 days after transplant, while chronic GVHD occurs more than 100 days after transplant.

Risk factors for GVHD include a mismatch between the donor and recipient’s tissues, a higher number of immune cells in the transplant, an older donor, and a recipient who has had previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Symptoms

The symptoms of GVHD can vary depending on the severity of the disease. Symptoms of acute GVHD can include:

Symptoms of chronic GVHD can include:

Prevention and Treatment

Preventing GVHD involves finding a donor whose tissue type closely matches the recipient’s and reducing the number of immune cells in the transplant. Treatment for GVHD depends on the severity of the disease. Mild cases can be treated with topical creams or ointments, while more severe cases may require systemic treatment, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs.

Oriental Medicine

Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure have been used for centuries to treat a range of medical conditions, including GVHD. While there is limited scientific evidence to support their use for GVHD specifically, these therapies may provide relief for some of the symptoms of the disease.

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. Acupressure involves applying pressure to these same points using the fingers or other tools. These therapies may help to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation.

Herbal medicine, such as ginseng and licorice root, may also be used to support the immune system and reduce inflammation.

However, it is important to note that while these therapies may provide some relief, they should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before using any alternative therapies.

Conclusion

GVHD is a serious medical condition that can occur after a transplant. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent GVHD, finding a donor whose tissue type closely matches the recipient’s can help reduce the risk. Treatment for GVHD depends on the severity of the disease and may involve systemic treatment with medications. Alternative therapies, such as Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure, may provide relief for some of the symptoms of the disease, but should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment.

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