Review of Ancient Ayurvedic Literatures on the Types, Etiopathogenesis and Symptomatology of 'Atisar' (Diarrhoea)

Ayurveda, the science of life has dealt with prevention and promotion of health as well as cure of the diseases. There are several texts of ancient era like Charak Samhita, Sushrut Samhita, Astanga Hriday, Madav Nidan, Sharangadhar Samhita, Bhavaprakash have discussed a lot regarding various diseases as well as the disorders of gastrointestinal tract. 'Atisar' is a disease of gastrointestinal tract refers the symptoms of constant oozingout of the liquid fecal matter from the anus. These features are more or less similar to the features of Diarrhoea of modern science. The present study is an effort to gather the ancient information regarding the aetiology, pathogenesis, sign and symptoms, differential diagnosis etc. of the disease 'Atisar' (Diarrhoea) in a methodical manner. This article could show the excellence and skill of our classics in their way of explaining the disease process as well as diagnostic procedure. The doshic (vata, pitta, kapha) involvement and varieties of 'Atisar' (Diarrhoea) have also been furnished here in this topic in a methodical manner for an easy execution of specific diagnosis.