Ayurvedic Management of Bhagandara-pidika in a 7-year old boy : A Case Report

An anorectal abscess refers to a localised collection of pus in and around the anorectal region. This results from infection of anal glands (cryptoglandular infection), with more prevalence in males than females, likely due to a combination of hormonal influences and potential anatomical differences. It is an acute, painful condition com- monly encountered in surgical & pediatric practice and has a high recurrence rate. Perianal abscess is the com- monest variant among ano-rectal abscesses, which is superficial and is located around the anal verge. Western medicine deals with it with an incision & drainage procedure, but often fails to prevent the recurrence, which is always a matter of concern to the parents, as far as a child is affected. Ayurveda mentions Bhagandara pidika (Pe- ri-anal abscess) as a condition in which boils appear within a 2-finger area around the anus and are deep-rooted. The symptoms include Ruk, Jwara, Daha, and Kandu, resulting from vitiated Vata, Pitta & Kapha, respectively. The rationale of Ayurveda differs from that of Western medicine, as Ayurveda adopts a holistic approach to the curative & preventive aspects of treatment. This article illustrates the management of Bhagandara-pidika in a 7-year-old boy, with Shodhana (Elimination therapy) & Shamana karmas (Palliative therapy) for future prevention.