Abstract

INTEGRATIVE AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF CERVICAL LYMPHADENITIS (APACHI): A CASE STUDY

Dr. Swapan Adhikary, Dr. Tunisha Sahoo, Dr. Sandipan Sengupta, Dr. Sayantan Bera*

Abstract

Introduction: Apachi is a condition mainly described by Acharya Sushruta. It is characterised by firm cystic swelling and commonly correlates with Cervical Lymphadenitis. Acharya Charaka used the term Gandamala rather than Apachi. It is primarily associated with kapha and vata or pitta dosha, mamsa and meda dhatu involvement. To break the disease manifestation, some classical Ayurvedic medicines are used, their safety and efficacy are evaluated as well as an alternative. Case Presentation: A male patient of about 6 years old presented with a glandular swelling associated with fever and mild pain over the right retromandibular fossa for one week. The condition is clinically represented as that of Cervical Lymphadenitis, commonly correlated with ‘Apachi’ as per Ayurvedic literature. Intervention: After proper diagnostic assessments, the patient was given Vidangadi lauha tablet (250 mg BDAC triturated with honey) for 14 days, Gandhaka Rasayan tablet (125 mg BDAC triturated with honey) for 14 days along with Shirishadi Kwath (2 tsf or 10 ml on an empty stomach, BDAC mixed with lukewarm water) for 14 days with specific pathyapathya. Dasanga Lepa was applied once daily to the affected site, or as directed, for a week. Outcome: The patient got significant symptomatic improvements throughout the treatment period. The patient was assessed and the swelling reduced to normal in 10 days. Body temperature came down to normal within the first week and the pain subsided in 4 days. Conclusion: The treatment modality confirms the better efficacy of the drugs used in this condition. Here, the doshik involvement like kapha pradhana tridosha stage, played a major role in the manifestation of disease and its management through simple Ayurvedic medicines, leads to evidence based validation of the study. More these types of clinical studies are needed to focus on Ayurvedic principles with treatment for the betterment of future.

Keywords: Apachi, Gandamala, Lymphadenitis.