What causes herxheimer reaction?

Description. This systemic reaction, also known as the Herxheimer’s reaction, was classically described in the treatment of syphilis. It is believed to be caused by the release of endotoxin-like substances when large numbers of Treponema pallidum are killed by antibiotics.

What do you do during a herxheimer reaction?

How to Handle Herxheimer Reactions

• Resting. Take it easy during the detox to reserve your body’s energy for the detox process.
• Sauna. Spend time in a dry sauna or infrared sauna.
• Epsom salt bath. An Epsom salt bath introduces sulfates through your skin that help clear toxins.
• Dry brushing.

How long does Herxing last?

They should only last for 1-2 weeks, at the most. Managing the symptoms can help make the microbiome transition more tolerable but it’s always good to check with your healthcare practitioner.

How long is herxheimer reaction?

The timing of the reaction after treatment in syphilis is to start at 4 hours, peak at 8 hours, and subside by 16 hours,1 whereas in RF it starts at 1–2 hours, peaks at 4 hours, and subsides by 8 hours.

How do you stop a herxheimer reaction?

To prevent the Herxheimer reaction, a doctor may suggest starting on a low dose of antifungal medications and probiotics and then slowly increasing it over time. Any symptoms that may arise will be treated accordingly, generally with over-the-counter medications.

Is the herxheimer reaction real?

Jarisch Herxheimer reaction (JHR) is a transient clinical phenomenon that occurs in patients infected by spirochetes who undergo antibiotic treatment. The reaction occurs within 24 hours of antibiotic treatment of spirochete infections, including syphilis, leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and relapsing fever.

Is Herxing a good thing?

The onset of a Herxheimer reaction is somewhat diagnostic of a spirochetal infection. So, if you’re being treated for Lyme based on a clinical diagnosis, the herx can actually be a good sign that you are killing the right bacteria.

Is herxheimer reaction real?

Does herxheimer reaction cause inflammation?

The Herxheimer reaction has shown an increase in inflammatory cytokines during the period of exacerbation, including tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6 and interleukin-8.

Is the Herxheimer effect real?

Is HERX reaction harmful?

Jarisch–Herxheimer reactions can be life-threatening as they can cause a significant drop in blood pressure and cause acute end-organ injury, eventually leading to multi-organ failure.