Ayurvedic management of Karnastrava - A Case Study

Introduction: According to Acharya Sushruta, Karnasrava is a disease characterized by the discharge from the Karna (ear) and is caused mostly by Vata Dosha Avarana. Acute Suppurative Otitis Media is an inflammatory illness that affects the mucous membrane of the middle ear cleft and is characterized by purulent ear discharge, swelling, pain, and tympanic membrane perforation. Main clinical finding: Patient presented presenting with complaints of discharge from right ear in the last 15 days, pain from right ear in the last 15 days, itching from right ear in the last 12 days. Diagnosis: In this case, a 53-year-old male patient had been experiencing symptoms of discharge, in his left ear for 15 days. On ear examination patient presented with central perforation in anteroinferior quadrant of right ear tympanic membrane, mucopurulent discharge and erythema seen in external auditory canal. Interventions: Karnadhoopana with Nimbharidradi Varti, and an Ayurvedic medication (Sitopaladi Churna, Tankana Bhashma, Trikatu Churna, Musta Churna, Gandhakrasayan) were used in this study for 21 days. Discussion: The major goal of treatment should be to clear the Eustachian tube blockage, ventilate the middle ear cleft, and manage the secretions, systemic therapy through the oral route was also administrated. The Karnadhoopana with oral medications not only dries up the Srava, but also makes it difficult for bacteria to flourish, also acts anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial. Conclusion: Hence it can be said that Ayurvedic medicine and procedures can be useful in the management of Karnasrava (A.S.O.M.)