Infant Diarrhoea and Ayurveda

Diarrhoea is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among infants worldwide. In developing countries, diarrhoeal disease accounts for an estimated 17.5–21% of all deaths in children under the age 5 years, equivalent to 1.5 million deaths per year of all child deaths from diarrhoea. The commonest cause of diarrhoea during infancy is either viral or nonspecific or dentition diarrhoea. Commonly prescribed anti-diarrhoeal consists of potent antibacterial and antiprotozoal which results in mucous colitis, post diarrhoeal urinary tract infection and a long term manifestation of cartilaginous osteoarthropathy. Material & Methods: Infants attending Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Warisaliganj were selected for clinical evaluation were duly examined and evaluated for base line bio parameters. In addition parent or attendants were thoroughly interrogated for clinical presentation, history of treatment and their result. Result: All infants taking HERINA drop shows earliest change in consistency and frequency of stool with complete normalization within 72 hours while others had deterioration of hydration status (39%) and needed intravenous fluid administration with advocation of HERINA drop. Crave for water in infants on HERINA drop ceased within 24 hours though some had within 12 hours while in others persisted for more than a week. 93% infants taking HERINA drop had grade I clinico- pathological cure while others had worsening of hydration state in majority (89%) and needed fluid transfusion and advocation of HERINA drop. Conclusion: HERINA a safe herbo mineral composite proves worth in infantile diarrhoea limiting duration of treatment, loss of fluid and electrolyte and cost of therapy without any untoward effects.