Abstract

A BIRD EYE VIEW ON VATASTHEELA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO BPH

Dr. Rahul Gupta* and Dr. Shilpa Gupta

Abstract

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the fourth most commonly diagnosed disease in elderly males aged ≥50 years with histological prevalence figures that vary in age groups. 10-30% for men between in the age group of 50-60 years, increases upto 25-45% in the age group of 70-80 years in India. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a slow progressive disease. It is associated with lower urinary tract symptoms divided in two categories i.e obstructive symptoms (hesitancy, a weak and interrupted urinary stream, straining, a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying) and irritative symptoms (urgency, frequency, nocturia) depending on the pathology. Vatastheela is a disease of Mutravaha srotas. Vatastheela is one of the thirteen types of Mutarghata. Vata produces a glandular firm swelling like an Astheela which enlarges upward (all around) and obstruct the external orifice (prostatic urethra). The condition is known as Vatastheela. Vatastheela closely resembles Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia of modern medicine in its signs and symptoms. Treatment for BPH in modern medicine provides only symptomatic relief. Surgical cure is excision of prostate through TURP. Treatment in Ayurveda may prove more effective with less complication for conservative management of Vatasthila.

Keywords: Vatastheela is a disease of Mutravaha srotas.