Abstract

*Dr. Sonal D. Wankhede (Kamble) and Dr. Nitesh K. Kamble

ABSTRACT

Paediatric Gastro-intestinal Disorders, are now-a-days gaining clinical and social importance because of its being the principle cause of morbidity and mortality of children in the developing world.[2] In 1982, on the basis of a review of the active surveillance data from the studies conducted, in 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s; it was estimated that, 4.6 million children suffered from Gastro-Intestinal disorders.[2,3] In 1992,a review stated that; in 1980, diarrhoeal mortality has declined to approximately 3.3 million annually. Both the reviews estimated that children in the developing world experienced between 2-3 episodes of GI Disorders. Thus there is a great need of looking into the causes and management of these GI Disorders in order to reduce its morbidity and mortality rates respectively. In Ayurveda, out of the major eight branches, Kaumarbhritya is one of the branch wherein basic concepts of child care commencing from the foetal period to early adulthood are precisely described. Inability of children to express themselves effectively and variations in most of the clinical presentations are the major issues suffered by the clinician in early diagnosis of children. Hence, a lot of children are deprived of proper and timely diagnosis. As stated above, Gastro-enteral disorders named as Agni-Dushti Janya Vikaar in Ayurveda are the most prone disorders in kids due to a number of reasons such as faulty dietary habits, worms, irregular diet, skipping meals and so on. Also, Ayurveda being the ancient Indian science of medicine and herbs, describes various classical fundamental (basic) herbs & formulations , almost some of them are used as kitchen ingredients (in forms of spices, condiments, household items, etc.) but are quite beneficial and capable to cure and prevent diseases at the primary level. Such Ayurvedic formulations in the form of household care are used to cure and prevent peadiatric GI Disorders at the primary level. The whole-sole purpose of this article is to promote and provide the use of such feasible and natural home-based ayurvedic preparations in reducing the morbidity rates of paediatric GI Disorders, which will be definitely a promising step towards public health of children in the near future.