Amavat in pediatric age group (multidisciplinary Ayurvedic approach): a single case study

Abstract

Amavata is a chronic, progressive and crippling disorder caused due to generation of ama and its association with vitiated vata dosha and deposition in shleshma sthana (joints). Clinically resembling with Rheumatoid Arthirtis, it poses a challenge for the physician owing to its chronicity, morbidity and complications. The treasure of Ayurveda therapeutics has laid out detailed treatment line for amavata. A 13years old male patient reported to this hospital with pain and stiffness of metacarpophalangeal joints of right hand followed by pain in corresponding joints of other hand 1 year back. This was succeeded by pain and mild swelling on bilateral wrist, ankle and elbow joints. Based on clinical examination and blood investigations, diagnosis of amavata was made and Ayurvedic treatment protocol was advised with baluka sweda (sudation) as external application, rasnasaptak kashayam and dashmoolharitaki avaleha for oral intake for 30 days. The patient was asked for follow up every 15 days up to total of 45 days. Assessment was done subjectively based on clinical symptoms and blood investigations as objective parameters. There was substantially significant improvement and the patient felt relieved of the pain and inflammation of the joints after the treatment. This case study reveals the potential of Ayurvedic treatment protocol in management of amavata and may form a basis for further detailed study of the subject.