SINGLE LINE CASE STUDY ON SHEETAPITTA (Urticaria)

In Ayurveda, Sheetapitta is mentioned as one of the Twak Vikara. Sheetapitta is composed of two words, Sheeta and Pitta, which are contrary to each other in meaning. The word Sheeta indicates Vata and Kapha Dosha and their association with Pitta Dosha. According to Madhav Nidana, Sheetapitta is caused by exposure to a cold breeze, which results in the vitiation of Vata and Kapha Dosha, predominantly in association with Pitta Dosha. Due to the impairment of Doshas, it leads to Rasa and Rakta Dhatu Dushti, then spreads towards the extremities and manifests as maculopapular rash. Sheetapitta, Udarda, and Kotha are three different terminologies mentioned in Samhita, having a few different characteristics and different causative factors. The specific reference for Sheetapitta is not found in Brihtrayee, but these terms are mentioned as Purvarupa Lakshana and Vyadhi. Madhukosa explained that, though the features of Sheetapitta and Udarda are similar to each other, there is a predominance of Vata Dosha in Sheetapitta while Udarda is dominated by Kapha Dosha. The etiological factors responsible for Sheetapitta appear due to the consumption of Asatmya Ahar or various kinds of allergens. In today's advanced lifestyle, improper and unhealthy food habits lead to lower nutritional value in the diet, resulting in Dhatu Daurbalya and impaired immune responses. This causes sensitization towards allergens and produces allergic reactions. Sheetapitta can be correlated with urticaria due to the resemblance of etiological factors and symptomatology. Urticaria affects about 20% of the population at some point in their lifetime. If it continues for more than 6 weeks, then it is said to be chronic urticaria. Upto 45% of the patients with chronic urticaria have an autoimmune cause for their disease. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Shaman Chikitsa in Sheetapitta.