‘’A REVIEW OF PITTAJA MUTRAKRICHRA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO LOWER URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS AND ITS PREVENTIVE MEASURES’’

In Ayurveda, disease nomenclature is based on specific criteria that reflect the underlying pathophysiology and symptomatology. Mutrakrichra is a term used to describe a condition characterised by painful or difficult urination. Among its eight classified types as described in Madhava Nidana, namely Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Sannipataja, Shalyaja, Ashmarija, Shukraja, and Purishaja Mutrakrichra. Pittaja Mutrakrichra is notably associated with burning micturition, yellowish urine, and inflammatory symptoms. These clinical features closely correlate with those of Lower Urinary Tract Infections (LUTIs) as understood in modern medicine [1]. LUTIs are defined as infections caused by microbial proliferation in the urinary tract [2], leading to inflammation of the bladder, urethra, or prostate [3]. The current review attempts to critically analyse Pittaja Mutrakrichra with respect to its Nidana, Samprapti, and Lakshana, drawing parallels with LUTI. Preventive measures in both systems, such as maintaining adequate hydration, frequent bladder emptying, and menstrual hygiene, are emphasised as effective strategies to reduce the incidence of LUTIs. This integrative approach may help bridge Ayurvedic principles with modern clinical understanding for more comprehensive patient care.