During treatment, a situation may occur in the body in which previously accumulated toxins are released into the bloodstream, causing various ailments. It has been scientifically proven that this happens, for example, during antibiotic therapy for certain diseases, when toxins enter the body from eliminated bacteria. The symptoms that accompany this are called the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. The terms Herxheimer reaction, Łukasiewicz-Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction or simply Herx are also used interchangeably.
Generally available sources indicate that the Herxheimer reaction most often involves bacteria in the form of spirochetes and is associated with the treatment of, among others, syphilis, relapsing fever, leptospirosis, brucellosis, Lyme disease, typhoid fever, anthrax, Whipple’s disease, Q fever, trichinosis, leprosy, tuberculosis, chlamydia and leishmaniasis. In some diseases, the reaction has been observed as early as an hour after antibiotic administration, in other cases the reaction may be more prolonged.
According to Wikipedia, symptoms of the Herxheimer reaction may include: increased body temperature, headaches, chills, muscle pain, pain in the musculoskeletal system, itching of the skin, skin rashes, nausea and vomiting.
According to naturopaths, the Herxheimer reaction may concern not only antibiotic treatment, but also the use of natural remedies and dietary supplements, including curcumin in large doses, which cause a strong stimulation of the immune system.
The occurrence of Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions often leads to their misdiagnosis as undesirable side effects or as an allergic reaction to the agent used. The occurrence of such symptoms is an indication for the diagnosis of other diseases that have not been detected before.
