AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF JALODAR (ASCITIS) - A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Ascitis is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneum which is most common manifestation of Liver disease. Liver cirrhosis with ascitis is a challenging medical condition as in modern science there is no sure treatment which cures a patient of ascitis totally. The modern treatments only provide symptomatic relief where the recurrence is more common. In such case, Ayurvedic treatment gives good result. Ascitis can be correlated with ‘Jalodar’ according to the signs and symptoms mentioned in Ayurvedic classical texts.

 Udara is mentioned in Ashta mahagada i.e. 8 major illnesses in Ayurveda classics.  Diet and water restriction are the key factors in the management of Ascites. Ayurvedic management with Deepan, Pachan, Nitya Virechan and Dugdhahar helps to break the root of pathology of Ascites.

Case: A 47 year old male patient visited to the outdoor department of Kayachikitsa, with the complaints of abdominal distension, bipedal oedema, icterus, loss of appetite, weakness, itching all over body and exertional dyspnoea. The patient was chronic alcoholic since 8-10 yrs. USG showed moderate hepatomegaly with moderate ascites. He was diagnosed as Jalodara based on clinical signs and symptoms. Patient was advised admission and treated with Shaman Chikitsa (Agnivardhan), Nityavirechan and Dugdhaahar on IPD basis. After treatment there was marked improvement in the signs and symptoms. Also the laboratory reports and USG reports showed significant improvement in the patient. This paper is presented here to share effective management of “Jalodar” and “Yakritdalyodar” with Shaman Chikitsa, Nityavirechan and pathyapathya.