Author(s):

Srivastava Niraj and Saxena Varsha

Abstract: Diarrhea is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age in developing countries. More than 2 million deaths are estimated to result each year as a consequence of diarrheal disease in under-fives, 80% of these deaths occur in the first 2 years of life due to complication of diarrhea. Diarrhea is usually defined as passage of 3 or more loose or watery stools in 24 hour period, a loose stool being one that would take shape of a container. Prolongation of acute diarrhea for more than 14 days associated with weight loss is termed as persistent diarrhea (PD) and most important cause of persistent diarrhea is persistent infection with one or more enteric pathogens. Chronic diarrhea is defined as diarrhea at least 2 weeks duration or 3 attack of diarrhea during last 3 month. Chronic diarrhea is non-infectious and usually associated with celiac disease, tropical sprue, cystic fibrosis and metabolic disorder. Evaluation of persistent and chronic diarrhea in patients is done by clinical history with physical examination, sweat chloride test, endoscopic studies and hormonal studies. In Ayurveda Diarrhea is described with the name of “Atisara”. Atisara term is made up of two terms “Ati” (excessive) and “sara” (passing of liquid matter through anus). It means excessive flow of watery stool through anus. Sushruta samhita stated that passing of watery stools in increased quantity is a characteristic feature of Atisara. Treatment of diarrhea in children is planned after seeing the sama and nirama avastha of the dosha. In Amavastha mainly Deepana, Pachana, Langhana are advised and in Niramavastha, Stambhana drugs are advised. In Ayurveda some traditional formulations and some single drug remedies have beneficial effects in chronic and persistent diarrhea.

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