Abstract

COMPOSITE DIETARY MANAGEMENT WITH AGNI CHIKITSA IN MALNOURISHED CHILD-CASE STUDY

Dr. Sayali P. Dhodapkar* and Dr. Anil B. Kale

ABSTRACT

Malnutrition is prevalent in India and account for approximately 35% deaths in children under five years of age. Such children very often suffer from complications of malnutrition such as diarrhea, acute respiratory infections, malaria and skin infections if not managed well. Skin changes occur especially in kwashiorkor which consists of hypo or hyper pigmentation, desquamation, ulcerations and exudative lesions. In this case study an 8 year old child presented with complications of severe to acute malnutrition (SAM) as severe ulcerations of feet with generalized edema & itching. The SAM management protocol consists of initial management of acute consequences and later part includes dietary management with starter diet (F-75) & catch up diet (F-100). But usually fewer efforts are taken to build proper appetite to help body systems to digest heavy carbohydrates and protein containing feeds. Such undigested material is called as Aama leading to Ajeerna. The case was managed with a composite dietary plan based on Agni chikitsa to digest Aama along with regular wound care. It showed significant reduction in edema, increase in appetite, better tolerance of protein rich food and partial healing of skin lesions over a period of 15 days.

Keywords: Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), complications of Severe Acute Malnutrition, Agni chikitsa.