Pittaja Karnashoola as an Ayurveda Equivalent of Otitis Externa: A Comprehensive Review of Pathogenesis and Management

Shrotrendriya is one of the five sensory systems, with Karna as its chief organ.Ayurveda identifies 28 distinct disorders of the ear (Karnarogas), among which Karnashoola is classified as a Kashta Sadhya condition due to its severity and complex symptomatology.Acharya Vagbhata specifically describes Pittaja Karnashoola, characterized by Teevra Shoola (acute pain), Daha (burning sensation), Raaga (erythema), Shotha (edema), Jvara (fever), and Peeta-Lasika Srava (yellow purulent discharge).These clinical features correspond closely with Otitis Externa (OE), an inflammatory disorder of the external auditory canal (EAC) commonly caused by microbial infection.Given the striking similarity in clinical presentation and pathogenesis, OE can be effectively understood within the framework of Pittaja Karnashoola.As a result, the classical Ayurveda management protocol including Pitta-Shamana and Raktha Prasadana Chikitsa, Sneha Virechana, Nasya, Karnapoorana and other external therapies can be reasonably applied for the management of OE.This review critically evaluates the understanding of Pittaja Karnashoola and aims to establish OE as its equivalent, thereby demonstrates its applicability in management with same therapeutic protocol.