Ayurvedic Management of Otomycosis - A Case Study

Abstract

Introduction: Otomycosis is a type of otitis externa occurring due to fungal infection  characterized by intense itching, pain in the ear, watery discharge and ear blockage. It  is frequently seen in hot and humid climate of tropical and subtropical countries. In  general population, the prevalence of otomycosis is 5.2% all over world and in India  9%. Further 5-25% otitis externa is due to otomycosis. The 90% of fungal infection  involves Aspergillus Niger and rest Candida Albicans species. Treatment includes  Aural Toileting, administration of antifungal agents or antibiotic steroid ear drops.  These drugs have common side effects like burning sensation, irritation, swelling of the  ear. Based on signs and symptoms it can be correlated to karnakandu. Karnakandu is  caused by vitiation of either Kapha dosha alone or combined with Vata dosha and it is  characterized by itching sensation and inflammation in the ear canal. Treatment  includes Nadisveda, Vamana, Murdhavirechana, Dhoomapana and Sarva kapha  nashaka chikitsa. Materials And Methods: A 45 year male patient visited our OPD with complaining of  itching, aural blockage and pain in the ear since 15 days. He was treated with  karnapramarjana followed by antifungal arka ear drops 2 drops TID and Tablet  Nimbadi Guggulu 1 TID for 7 days. Conclusion: Patient got complete relief form all signs and symptoms. Thus it can be  concluded that, Antifungal Arka Ear drops can be advised for successful treatment in  patients of Karnakandu (Otomycosis) as it is cost effective, ease of administration and  given better efficacy in treatment.