Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a health problem that affects a person’s nerves. It is an autoimmune condition that causes weakness and reduced sensations in the legs and arms. Experts say CIDP occurs when the myelin sheath—a fat-based protective covering on one’s nerves—gets damaged. There are various treatment options and home remedies for people with this complication. However, one should note that they cannot prevent or reverse CIDP; they can only manage it.

Treatment options
The treatments doctors recommend for this health problem are usually effective. Some studies show that about 80% of people respond positively to therapy. Because CIDP is an autoimmune disorder, experts may use prescriptions to suppress a person’s immune response. The healthcare expert may also customize a treatment plan specific to the individual and monitor their progress in detail. There are many common treatment options for the disorder, which we shall discuss below:

• Prescriptions
  Various prescriptions help reduce inflammation and other symptoms of this disorder. Sometimes, experts may also ask patients to use treatments that suppress their immune system. People should understand that these options may lead to serious side effects and, hence, use them for a little while only.
• Plasma exchange
  Experts use a machine to separate the plasma from the patient’s blood in this process. A device then treats the plasma and returns it back to the body. The treatment helps filter out the antibodies in the plasma that are attacking the patient’s nerves. The method is useful but might not work if performed again and again without breaks. One might need to wait for a while between plasma exchange sessions. This way, the treatment will be spread over a couple of months or years.
• Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG)
  Experts introduce immunoglobulin into a person’s body via an intravenous (IV) method. This solution has proteins that the immune system usually creates naturally to eliminate foreign harmful organisms. The immunoglobulins are collected from several healthy donors and could help reduce the immune system’s attack on the nerves. Individuals may receive high doses of IVIG at the beginning and may require continued intermittent treatments every few months or years.
• Stem cell transplant
  This is not a common treatment option, but experts might sometimes recommend it. The doctor collects healthy stem cells from another individual and transfers them to the patient’s body. Doing so improves their immune system and curbs the symptoms.

Experts are continuously trying to develop new treatments for CIDP. One may be eligible to participate in trials for the same. People can speak to their healthcare provider to understand if they meet the criteria for these trials.

Home remedies
treatments alone may not always be sufficient for managing CIDP. So, healthcare experts sometimes suggest home remedies in addition to treatments. These alternative methods could help one cope with and manage their illness and live a wholesome life:

• Exercise
  An expert may recommend exercise to reduce fatigue and increase endurance. The type of exercise may differ based on the severity of one’s symptoms. One could participate in routines like walking for a few minutes each day and swimming. Experts may also recommend at-home exercise programs provided by a physical therapist. The process may help improve a person’s muscle strength, mobility, and function. An expert may even suggest low-impact routines like yoga and tai-chi to help people cope with their condition.
• Mobility devices
  Many CIDP patients develop long-term and permanent weakness in the legs. Such individuals might benefit from using a walker, rollator, cane, or other mobility devices to get around. Apart from offering support, these devices may help improve one’s mobility over time and ensure safety while performing daily activities.
• Warm baths
  This is one of the most common at-home remedies that experts ask CIDP patients to try. A warm bath shoots the body and increases blood circulation. Better blood flow, in turn, controls pain linked to nerve damage.
• Eating healthy meals
  Research tells us there is a link between eating healthy meals and reduced symptoms of CIDP. Therefore, experts ask patients to eat fruits and vegetables. They also ask patients to avoid anything unhealthy, such as fried or processed foods, because it could worsen CIDP. Changes in a meal regime are usually recommended in combination with other treatments to manage or reduce the symptoms.
• Meditation
  An individual may also benefit from meditation if they are living with CIDP. Meditation may help lower stress in people with neurological complications, improve coping skills, and reduce the intensity of pain. The mind-body approach is a common noninvasive method to help one get better control over the condition.
• Support groups
  People with permanent physical limitations may often find it difficult to keep up with daily lifestyle routines. This may take a toll on their mental wellbeing. One could always speak to a specialist who could help them address these mental health issues. An individual could also join a support group in their area where they could discuss their complications and learn more about how to deal with any obstacles.