Case series on efficacy of Neerkovai Mathirai Pattru (Siddha Drug) in Neerkovai Noi (Sinusitis)

Background: ‘Sinusitis’ is an inflammatory condition involving the four-paired structures surrounding the nasal cavities. The prevalence of sinusitis in India is 12.8%; in which the maxillary sinus is the most common. Henceforth, there is a need to find a safer, cost effective drug which should resolve the disease without surgical correction. Objective: is to validate the clinical efficacy of the classical Siddha formulation Neerkovai Mathirai as external therapy (Pattru) in the management of Neerkovai Noi (Sinusitis). Materials and Methods: Two Patients who reported in the OPD of Siddha regional research institute, Poojapura, with the features of nasal congestion, sneezing and headache were treated with Neerkovai Mathirai after obtaining their informed consent. The screening was done by laboratory investigations like ESR, Blood sugar, Lipid profile, BT, CT, VDRL and IgE level and PNS X-ray. Examinations and investigations revealed the case to be that of “Neerkovai Noi”. The clinical intervention was external application of Neerkovai Mathirai for a period of 7 days and the follow-up procedure for a period of 21 days. Observations and results:The treatment outcome was assessed by ‘Integrated Medicine Outcomes Scale’ (IMOS), a five point verbal rating scale, which showed ‘marked improvement’ and improvement in quality of life was also assessed. Conclusion: The study reveals that Neerkovai Mathirai Pattru is a simple, safe, non-invasive and cost effective external therapy is available in Siddha system for the treatment of Sinusitis (Neerkovai Noi) and its associated clinical manifestations.