Abstract

Dr. Anurag Tripathi* and Dr. Ramesh Kumar Gautam**

ABSTRACT

Diarrhoea is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age in developing countries, resulting in over 2 million deaths annually, with 80% of these deaths occurring in the first two years of life due to complications from diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is defined as the passage of three or more loose or watery stools in a 24-hour period. Prolonged acute diarrhoea lasting more than 14 days, associated with weight loss, is termed persistent diarrhoea (PD), primarily caused by persistent infection with one or more entericpathogens. Chronic diarrhoea, defined as diarrhoea lasting at least two weeks orthree attacks within three months, is non-infectious and often associated with celiac disease, tropical sprue, cystic fibrosis, and metabolic disorders. Evaluation of persistent and chronic diarrhoea involves clinical history, physical examination, sweat chloride tests, endoscopic studies, and hormonal studies. In Ayurveda, diarrhoea is described as "Atisara," characterized by excessive flow of watery stool through the anus. Treatment in children is planned based on the sama and nirama avastha of the dosha, with Deepana, Pachana, and Langhana advised in Amavastha and Stambhana drugs in Niramavastha. Traditional Ayurvedic formulations and single-drug remedies have shown beneficial effectsin chronic and persistent diarrhoea.