1. Introduction :
Typhoid fever, joint pain, and post-traumatic complications in children can create a complex clinical picture, especially when the immune system is compromised. This case study highlights the progression of symptoms in a 10-year-old girl, Veekshitha, who initially experienced typhoid fever and joint stiffness. Her journey from allopathy treatment to naturopathic care illustrates the importance of holistic approaches in pediatric recovery.
2.Patient Information :
Name: Veekshitha
Age: 10 years
Gender: Female
Initially experienced a persistent fever two months ago, which she initially attempted to manage with self-medication. As her condition did not improve, she was taken to an allopathy hospital where blood investigations confirmed a diagnosis of typhoid fever. She was admitted for three days and underwent conventional medical treatment. After a few days ,she consumed cake twice within a short interval (at night and again the next morning), and by evening, she developed sudden stiffness and pain in her hand fingers and foot, which impaired her ability to move her wrists and toes. She also reported pain on touch, while folding her limbs, and even while sitting normally. Despite revisiting the allopathy hospital and receiving medications, her joint pain persisted. Subsequently, she sought treatment at SLNS Nature Cure Hospital, where she was managed through naturopathic interventions, including diet modification and lifestyle changes. The mechanism behind her condition appears to be a post-typhoid autoimmune or inflammatory reaction, possibly reactive arthritis or an immune-mediated joint response triggered by typhoid toxins, compounded by physical trauma and dietary factors (such as processed sugar from the cake), which may have aggravated systemic inflammation. Her case reflects the complex interaction between infection, trauma, dietary triggers, and immune response, and highlights the role of holistic care in managing such multifactorial conditions.
3.Medication History :
S. No. | Medication | AFTER TREATMENT dose | Mechanism of Action |
1 | T. INDAMETHAZONE 75MG (S-O-S) | Tapered | Indomethacin works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins that cause inflammation, pain, and fever. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat conditions like arthritis and gout. |
2 | T. PANTOP 40MG (1-0-0) | Tapered | Pantop 40mg (pantoprazole) works by irreversibly inhibiting the proton pumps (H+/K+ ATPase) in the stomach lining. This reduces gastric acid secretion, helping to treat acid-related disorders like GERD and ulcers. |
3 | S.NAPROXEN 5ML 125 MG | Tapered | S. Naproxen 5ml works by blocking enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) to reduce inflammation, pain, and fever. |
4.Naturopathy And Lifestyle Intervention:
Diet modification: Anti-inflammatory diet, avoidance of processed foods and sugars
Detoxification: Using natural therapies to aid toxin elimination post-typhoid and trauma
Hydrotherapy and Mud therapy: To relieve joint pain and improve circulation.
Yoga and gentle movement therapy: To restore flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Lifestyle corrections: Encouraging regular meal timings, hydration, and physical activity suited to her recovery phase.
5. Results And Followup:
S.No | Biomarker | Before Treatment | After Treatment |
1 | CORTISOL | 3.9 | 5.14 |
2 | VITAMIN B12 | 200 | 255 |
3 | LIPOPROTEIN A | 36.2 | 23.3 |
4 | UREA | 17.4 | 12.37 |
5 | MONOCYTE AC | 0.16 | 0.36 |
Before treatment, the patient’s cortisol level was at 3.9, but after incorporating adaptogenic herbs, it rose to 5.14, indicating a positive shift in adrenal function. Vitamin B12 levels also improved significantly from 200 to 255, supporting better energy metabolism and immune function. Lipoprotein A, a key indicator of cardiovascular risk, decreased from 36.2 to 23.3, suggesting improved heart health. Urea levels, reflecting kidney function, dropped from 17.4 to 12.37, indicating better renal performance. Additionally, the monocyte count, which can reflect immune system activity, increased from 0.16 to 0.36, signifying a stronger immune response. Overall, the treatment brought about substantial improvements in multiple biomarkers, highlighting the effectiveness of a holistic approach to health.
Pain Scale :
Parameter | Before Treatment Scale / Description (0-10) | After Treatment Scale / Description (0-10) |
Pain (NRS or VAS) | 9 | 0 |
Joint Swelling Count | 7 | 0 |
Joint Tenderness Count | 8 | 0 |
Morning Stiffness | 9 | 0 |
6.Discussion:
This case suggests an autoimmune or inflammatory response possibly triggered by residual infection, injury, and dietary sensitivity. The stiffness in the small joints following typhoid and trauma indicates a systemic inflammatory burden.Allopathic treatment helped manage the acute infection but did not fully resolve post-infectious complications. The integration of naturopathy helped address underlying inflammation through a gut-healing and anti-inflammatory approach. The child’s response to diet and lifestyle changes indicates the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in managing pediatric joint issues
7.Conclusion:
Veekshitha’s case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in pediatric care. While allopathy played a crucial role in the acute phase, naturopathic care provided long-term relief and recovery from post-infectious complications. The personalized interventions included tailored diet modifications and lifestyle adjustments that worked harmoniously with her body.
Gradually, she noticed remarkable improvements. The stiffness faded, the pain subsided, and she regained her ability to move her wrists and toes effortlessly. Today, she stands as a testament to the power of holistic healing, relieved of all her chief complaints and embracing life better than before.
Early lifestyle and dietary intervention can be vital in managing chronic symptoms in children and promoting holistic healing.