Gastroenteritis (Visūcika)

विविधैर्वेदनोद्भेदैर्वाय्वादिभृशकोपतः ।
सूचीभिरिव गात्राणि विध्यतीति विषूचिका ।।

Gastroenteritis-Visūcika

Gastroenteritis means inflammation of the stomach and bowel, and results in vomiting and/or diarrhoea. In children, gastroenteritis is usually caused by an infection – most often with a virus, but it can also be caused by bacteria or parasites.It is frequently termed “stomach flu” or “gastric flu” because the most frequent cause of gastroenteritis is viral. As the disease severity depends on the degree of fluid loss, accurately assessing dehydration status remains a crucial step in preventing mortality.

On the basis of chief sign and symptoms present in Gastroenteritis i.e. Vomiting and Diarrhea, it can be correlate with Visūcika, a disease describes elaborately in all the Ayurvedic texts. Visuchika is described both as a disease and as a symptom in Ayurveda. The expulsion of undigested food either through upper or lower channels of the alimentary canal is known as Visuchika.

Dr. Gupta’s IAFA has a separate pediatric wing which provides with improve patient outcomes and provide better value, pediatric care in Ayurveda, providing seamless diagnostics and solutions.

Symptoms of Gastroenteritis

In children, symptoms of gastroenteritis include:

Mild diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Cramps
Vomiting
Irritability (fussiness)
Poor appetite
Some children also have a low-grade fever or complain of a headache.

Ayurvedic reference of Gastroenteritis-Visūcika

Causes of Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach and small and largeintestines. It is usually caused by infection with a microorganism but can also be caused by ingestion ofchemical toxins or drugs.

“At Dr. Gupta’s IAFA we are providing very effective treatment for Gastroenteritis in children based on the classical principle of Ayurveda and our research. Institute of Applied Food Allergy® ensures that our health care system better meets the needs of all about your child’s health”.

Making health care better. Together.!!!Dr. Gupta’sIAFA for your child’s future

-Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFAⓇ

Diet in Gastroenteritis

Do’s (Pathya) in Gastroenteritis

Allow your child to rest.
When your child’s vomiting stops, begin to offer small amounts of an oral rehydration solution.
Gradually introduce bland, easy-to-digest foods, such as toast, rice, bananas and potatoes.
If you’re breast-feeding, let your baby nurse. If your baby is bottle-fed, offer a small amount of an oral rehydration solution or regular formula.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, after changing diapers and after caring for a child with diarrhoea.

Don’ts (Apathya) in Gastroenteritis

Avoid giving your child full-fat dairy products, such as whole milk and ice cream, and sugary foods, such as sodas and candy. These can make diarrhea worse
Never drink unpasteurized milk or untreated water
Avoid consuming solid foods
Prefer staying away from canned and street food

Yoga Therapy for Gastroenteritis

The deep breathing techniques and postures in yoga can be useful in gastroenteritis.

Postures include,

Parighasana
ArdhaMatsyendrasana
Ananda Balasana

Pranayama include,

Kapalbhati
Nadishodhana Pranayama
Bhastrika Pranayama

Ayurvedic Treatment for Gastroenteritis

Since Visuchika is a Amaprodosaja (diseases occur due to the accumulation of metabolic toxin) disease Langhana/Apatarpana (Lightening therapy/ reducing therapy) is suitable line of treatment but should be used vigilantly after judging patients power (bala). Amapachana (capable to digest the metabolic toxin), Agnideepana (that which increases digestive fire) drugs are the important therapeutic agents indicated in Visuchika

Internal Medicines for Gastroenteritis

SanjiviniVati
LahsunadiVati in Nimbuswarasa.
PudinaArka.
MahasankhaVati
A decoction of Nagara, Kutaja, Bilva, Sunthi, Ativisha can be used for Amapachana.

Dadimastakachurna
Mahatiktakam Kashaya
Dadimadighrtam
Mahatiktakamghrtam
Kutaja- Bilvapanaka or Bilvavleha

Purificatory Therapies for Gastroenteritis

Vamana
Virechana

AsthapanaVasthi

External Therapies

Swedana (sudation)
Phalavarthi (Rectal Suppositories)

Single herbs used in for Gastroenteritis

Indrayava (Holarrhenaantidysenterica)
Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum)
Guduchi (Tinosporacordifolia)
Patha (Cissampelospareita)

Musta (Cyperusrotundus)
Bilva (Aegle marmelos)
RaktaChandana (Pterocarpussantalinus)

Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What isGastroenteritis?

Answer: Gastroenteritis is an infection of the gut (intestines). It causes diarrhoea and may also cause symptoms such as being sick (vomiting) and tummy (abdominal) pain.

Question: What are the causes ofGastroenteritis?

Answer: The most common causes of gastroenteritis in children are viruses, bacteria (food poisoning), and intestinal parasites.

Question: What is the Ayurvedic treatment forGastroenteritis?

Answer: Ayurvedic treatment include Purificatory measures which purifies the gut of the child and expels the toxins. It also improves the digestive power and thus helps in improving digestion and metabolizing the undigested elements.