Ayurvedic Management of Chronic Pancreatitis in Adolescent Girl: A Case Report

Background- Chronic pancreatitis is the primary life-threatening nutritional & metabolic condition of gastrointestinal system that becomes a significant threat to the children's growth and induces educational loss due to recurrent hospitalization. Its mortality rate in childhood is up to 10 %. Malnutrition is one of the primary causes of pancreatitis in children. Modern science provides various types of medical and surgical therapies for Chronic pancreatitis, but it is realized that more research is needed for its management satisfactorily.

Aim - To study the efficacy of Ayurvedic management of chronic pancreatitis induced due to Malnutrition in an adolescent girl.

Material & Methods- It is a single case study of 12 years old teenage girl who was presented herself predominantly with pain in the epi-gastric region (recurrent attacks-especially after intake of the fatty or heavy meal), tenderness in the epi-gastric area, loss of appetite, fever on and off, general malaise, loss of weight, constipation (intermittent), anxious & uncomfortable mental irritation since one & half month. After taking conservative treatment from modern science for one & a half months, she did not get satisfactory relief & therefore; she was advised to under ERCP. However, the patient & her relative was not willing to undergo the same, that’s they approached Panchakarma OPD. After examination, she was advised for Shodhana(Panchtikta & Guduchyadi Niruha Vasti) & Shaman Chikitsa(Amruttotara Kashayam, Arogyavardhini Vati, Kumariasava; Dhanvantara Kashayam, Avipattikar Churna), Panchatikta Ghrita with Vasant Kusumakar Rasa- 10tab+Guduchi Satva- 20gm + Shatavari Churna- 15gm+ Ashwagandha Choorna-15 gm with honey.

Observation & Results- After 16 months of regular treatment, the patient has become entirely symptom-free & to date, there was no need for hospitalization. There was no educational loss due to ill-health.

Discussion:-Utilizing the basic concepts of Ayurveda(Nidanpanchaka), Jirna Jwarahara, Yakrutottejak, Pramehaghna, or pancreatic-protective, Mrudu Virechak, Bruhana (Shamana & Bruhana Snehapana), Rasayana Chikitsa was planned in this case which showed the promising result.

Conclusion- Ayurvedic management with Shodhana & Shamana Chikitsa based on the fundamentals of Ayurveda is effective in Chronic pancreatitis induced due to Malnutrition in children, which may become a ray of hope for pediatric patients.