Abstract

AYURVEDIC AND MODERN APPROACH TO MUTRAKRICCHA (URINE TRACT INFECTION) ALONG WITH HETU

*Vivek P. Dudhe and Dr. Umesh N. Patil

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Abstract

The term Mutrakrichha is categorized under disorders of the Mutravaha Srotas and is primarily associated with shoola (pain) and kricchrata (difficulty in urination). References to this condition are found in almost all major Ayurvedic classics. Acharya Charaka has classified Mutrakrichha into eight distinct types. In this condition, vitiated Pitta Dosha in association with Vata—especially Apana Vayu—affects the Basti (urinary bladder) and Mutravaha Srotas, leading to difficulty in micturition accompanied by symptoms such as peeta mutrata (yellowish urine), sarakta mutrata (blood-tinged urine), sadaha mutrata (burning micturition), saruja mutrata (painful urination), and muhur-muhur mutrata (frequent urge to pass urine). From a modern perspective, these features closely resemble urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly those affecting the lower tract such as urethritis and cystitis. Mutrakrichha is characterized by the passage of urine in small quantities, often accompanied by pain, burning, or stinging sensations. Considering its clinical relevance, the present article aims to explore both Ayurvedic and modern viewpoints of Mutrakrichha along with its etiological factors (Hetu).

Keywords: Mutrakrichha, Shool, Peeta Mutrata, Sarakta Mutrata, Sadaha Mutrata, Urniary Tract Infection, Dysuria.