Swayathu(Swellings)

Swayathu means elevation of body tissues which includes cells of skin, organs, muscles, soft tissues etc., which is caused with the vitiation of vatawhich in-turn vitiate kapha-rakta-pitta reaches bahya siras(external channels)  obstructs the flow of kapha-rakta-pitta get accumulated with or beneath the skin results in appearance of elevation called swayadhu(swelling).

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Types: #

Based on the part invoved swellings are grouped as urdhwagata sodha, adha sotha, madyasotha, sarvanga sotha, ekanga sotha.

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Based on causative factors, they are 2 types- nija-agantuja sotha

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Based on parts-Sareera asraya- artha sareera asraya- avayuva asraya sotha.

Causes: #

Over done of purification therapy, because of fevers, fastings, excess intake of hot, sour, heavy foods,  intake of partially coocked foods, excess intake of leafy vegetables, habit of eating mud, excess intake of curd, eating of putrified foods, intake of contra indicated foods,  sedentary life style, not done with purification procedure at right times, injury to marma places, apatya ahara sevana are the causative factors of swellings in the body.also with injury caused because of sticks, stones, weapons, fire, poision, metals also cause swellings.

Porva ropa & roopa (Signs & symptoms): #

Prodromal symptoms include feeling of hot sense in eyes & in the body or with particular part, clear appearance of veins at particular sites.Symptoms includes-  swifting of swelling, sense of hot flushes, thinning of veins with wast exposure, horipilations at the site of swelling, discoloration of skin are promonent symptoms.

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Vatika type of sotha resembles the features of bluish black discolouration of skin with shifting with loss of sensation of pain, concavity of swelling on pressing with reflex action.

• Paithika sotha –soft in touch with foul smelling with discharge in yellowish,reddish or blakish in colour, feeling of sense of fever, giddiness, thirst, with burning sense on touch, redness of eyes.
• Kaphaja sotha- hard to touch with pale in colour, heaviness, excess salivation from mouth, with excess sleepiness, loss of appetite, sense of vomiting, pitting of swelling present, long standing , intense at nights.

Complications: #

Includes Sense of vomiting, Breathlessness, loss of sense of taste, excessive thirst, associated with fever, diarrhea, loss of sense of touch, depletion of body organs or emaciation, weakness.

Line of treatment: #

Langhana-pachana-sodhana-which includes sirovirechana nasya- virechana karma, vamana with sneha dravyas with tikta dravyas, teekshna-ushna veerya dravya prayoga based on dosha predominance is advised. Bandana is advised with abhigathaja sotha based on the part involved.

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Patya-apatya:

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Intake of excess water is restricted in swellings.

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Excess intake of green leafy vegetables is restricted as it is one of the reasons.

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Intake of light easily digestable diet is advised which includes fully boiled foods & soups.

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Strictly contra indicated for abhyanga (external massage). Only sekam (pouring with minimal pressure or spraying) is advised only in few swellings.

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Bathing with drugs- vasa, arka, karanja, nirgundi, gambhari, boiled in water is advised with as hot as body can bear is advised as it produces sweat in the body.

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Application of paste of manjista, kamala, chandana, gulabi, kuruvera mixed with milk for burning sense of swelling.

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Applying Paste of grinded seeds of vibhitaki with water is advised in all types of swellings.

Medicines: #

Triphala churna, Yastimadhu churna, avipattikara churnam, dadimadi gritam, triphala gritam, citrakadi gritam, punarnavarista, triphaladyarista, dasamoolarista, kumaryasava, chandanasava, lohasava,  punarnavadi guggulu, yogaraja guggulu, gokshuradi guggulu, triphala guggulu, lakshadi guggulu, trayodasan ga guggulu, punarnavadi mandoor vati, sankha vati, arogyavardhini vati,saptam rut aloha vati, chandraprabhavati,maha vatavidwamsini ras, ekangaveera ras.

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Note: As it involves whole body or major organs only seek Doctor’s advice for best results.

Modern view #

of swelling (edema):Swelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a rapid increase in weight over a short period of time.

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Swelling can occur all over the body (generalized ) or only in one part of the body(localized).

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Slight swelling (edema) of the lower legs is common in warm summer months,, especially if a person has been standing or walking a lot.

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Types:

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Edema is of two types- pitting edema & non-pitting edema.

• Pitting edema leaves a dent in the skin after pressing area with finger for about 5 seconds. The dent will slowly fill back in.
• Non-pitting edema doesnot leave this type of dent when pressing on the  swollen area.

Causes:

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Acute glomerulonephritis, bruns,sun burns, chronic renal disease, heart failure, liver failure, poor nutrition, pregnancy, hyponatrimia, use of certain drugs like cortico steroids, beta blockers.Stricted salt diet is advised as primary line of management followed by use of diuretics, posture maintenance