Chyluria

Definition:

Chyluria is a morbid condition in which the urine contains chyle or fatty matter, giving it a milky appearance.

Causes:

Filariasis: This is the most frequent cause of chyluria. Filariasis is endemic in some areas, mainly in the Asian continent. Repeated filarial attacks lead to obstruction of lymph flow. This leads to dilatation of the lymphatics and later they rupture into urinary system leading to milky urine.

Non-parasitical causes of chyluria: Tumors, abscesses, trauma, tuberculosis, congenital, etc.

Chyluria

Symptoms:

Milky appearance of the urine is the striking sign of Chyluria. Prolonged chyluria results in loss of weight and subcutaneous fat, hypoprotenemia, lymphopenia and anemia.

Diagnosis:

Lymphography  (imaging procedure) demonstrates the site, the caliber and the number of the fistulous communications.

Suggestion about homeopathic chyluria treatment:

Homeopathy can have a definite role to play in the chyluria treatment, due to parasitic origin, trauma, abscesses, tuberculosis, etc. In these cases Homeopathy can help to reduce the swelling of the lymphedematous limb as well control its progress. Homeopathy can also help in preventing superadded infection of the lymphedematous limb. Congenital cases in which structural abnormalities of the lymphatics are evident may not be helped much with medical treatment. Chyluria due to tumors may also have to be treated surgically and Homeopathy may have only a supportive role to play in such cases. A fair trail with homeopathy is suggested for all cases especially those that have not responded well to conventional treatment.

Tips for supportive management of Chyluria:

  • Dietary modification: A diet excluding fat, supplemented by medium chain triglycerides (MCT) and high protein content.
  • Management of swollen lymphedematous limb:
    1. Bed rest and high amount of fluid intake.
    2. Elevation of affected limb
    3. Application of elastic bandage

Comments are closed.