Literature Review of Suram(Fever) in Siddha Medicine

Background:Siddha Medicine is one of the Indigenous medical systems, which says that there are 4448 diseases affecting humans. Suram (fever) is considered as one of the diseases in Siddha Medicine whereas Western Medicine considers it as a sign and symptom of many diseases. Aim: Literary review on Suram to understand the synonyms, causes, pathology and types which have been mentioned in Siddha literatures. Materials & Methods: Literatures pertaining to Suram were reviewed from library of Unit of Siddha Medicine, University of Jaffna and main library of Jaffna municipal council. Thirteen books were identified and collected for this study. Observations: Out of 13 literatures 7 (53.84 %) have mentioned about the causes of Suram. All 13 literatures have mentioned the types of Suram which was categorized based on Doshas. 45 causes were identified and categorized based on the affecting Tridatus (Vatha, Pitha and Kapha) through unhealthy diet and habits. 182 types of Suram were identified, among which 64 types (35%) fall under the category of mixed types that means these were categorized based on the affected Doshas, Dhatus and clinical features. Vata and Vata Kapha Suram are mentioned in 77% of literature and 71% of the cause has been mentioned as the reason for vitiated Vathadosha. Conclusion: The literary survey reveals, unhealthy food and habits (71%) as the main cause for Vatha and Vathakapha Suram.