Abstract

Dr. Neetu Rathour*, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Gautam

ABSTRACT

Background: Acute bronchitis is one of the most common respiratory disorders in children and is characterized by cough, expectoration, throat irritation, chest discomfort, and mild breathing difficulty. In Ayurveda, the clinical presentation closely resembles Kasa, a disease involving vitiation of Vata and Kapha Dosha affecting Pranavaha Srotas. Dhanyaka Sita Yoga has been traditionally indicated in Kasa, while Tandulodaka is considered a beneficial Anupana that may enhance therapeutic efficacy. Despite the high prevalence of acute bronchitis in children, safe and effective Ayurvedic therapeutic options require further clinical evaluation. Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of Dhanyaka Sita Yoga administered with and without Tandulodaka Anupana in the management of Kasa (Acute Bronchitis) in children. Materials and Methods: Ethical Clearance and Trial Registration. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC), State Ayurvedic college and Hospital, Lucknow (Letter No. SAC/IEC/2024/231 dated 18.07.2024) and prospectively registered with CTRI (CTRI/2024/05/067708). Written informed consent was obtained from parents/guardians before enrollment. A randomized comparative clinical trial was conducted on 65 pediatric patients diagnosed with Kasa (Acute Bronchitis). After 5 dropouts, 60 patients completed the study and were randomly allocated into two groups of 30 each. Group A received Dhanyaka Sita Yoga, while Group B received Dhanyaka Sita Yoga with Tandulodaka Anupana for 7 days. Clinical assessments were carried out at baseline, Day 3, Day 7, and during follow-up. Subjective symptoms were assessed using predefined grading criteria,and objective parameters included Hemoglobin (Hb), Total Leukocyte Count (TLC), Differential Leukocyte Count, and Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC). Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, Mann–Whitney U Test, and paired t-test wherever applicable. Results: Both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvement in major symptoms of Kasa. Group B showed comparatively higher percentage relief in most parameters including Shushka Kasa (55.17%), Ghan Kapha (58.97%), Swarabheda (55.56%), Hritparshva Shoola (55.56%), Shirashoola (57.14%), Tiktasya (58.62%), Peenasa (59.38%), Aruchi (59.26%), Utklesha (60.00%), and Gaurava (60.00%). However, intergroup comparison revealed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). Significant improvement was also observed in objective parameters including Hb, TLC, lymphocyte count, and AEC in both groups. Complete remission was observed in 3.3% patients in each group, while marked improvement was higher in Group B (36.7%) compared to Group A (20.0%).