A REVIEW OF PITTAJA MUTRAKRICHRA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO LOWER URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS AND ITS PREVENTIVE MEASURES.

About Author

Correspondence Address

Shri Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur
Contact No. : 7972015792 , Email : aishwaryadhote3231@gmail.com

Date of Acceptance : 26 Jun 2025

Date of Publication : 29 Jun 2025

Article ID : SD-IJAY_136

How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2025.3206

Abstract

In Ayurveda, disease nomenclature is based on specific criteria that reflect the underlying pathophysiology and symptomatology. Mutrakrichra is a term used to describe a condition characterised by painful or difficult urination. Among its eight classified types as described in Madhava Nidana, namely Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Sannipataja, Shalyaja, Ashmarija, Shukraja, and Purishaja Mutrakrichra. Pittaja Mutrakrichra is notably associated with burning micturition, yellowish urine, and inflammatory symptoms. These clinical features closely correlate with those of Lower Urinary Tract Infections (LUTIs) as understood in modern medicine [1].

LUTIs are defined as infections caused by microbial proliferation in the urinary tract [2], leading to inflammation of the bladder, urethra, or prostate [3]. The current review attempts to critically analyse Pittaja Mutrakrichra with respect to its Nidana, Samprapti, and Lakshana, drawing parallels with LUTI. Preventive measures in both systems, such as maintaining adequate hydration, frequent bladder emptying, and menstrual hygiene, are emphasised as effective strategies to reduce the incidence of LUTIs.

This integrative approach may help bridge Ayurvedic principles with modern clinical understanding for more comprehensive patient care.

KEY WORDS:-  Pittaja Mutrakrichra, Lower Urinary tract infection, Preventive measures.

Introduction

Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala form the fundamental substratum of the Shareera^[4]. Among these, Mala holds significant importance, as emphasised by the Acharyas, due to its crucial functions and varying states within the body. Mutra, one of the Trimala^[5], plays a vital role in the elimination of Kleda from the body. Moreover, the urge to void urine is categorised under the Adharaniya Vegas^[6], highlighting its physiological and pathological relevance. Mutrakrichra is a well-recognised urinary disorder described extensively in Ayurvedic texts. It is defined as painful and difficult micturition, as reflected in classical references: "Yena Mootrakricchre Mootram Kricchrena Vahati"^[7], "Mootrakrichram Dukhena Mootrapravruttiḥ"^[8], and "Mootrasya Kricchrena Mahata Dhukhena Pravruttiḥ”. Madhava Nidana classifies Mutrakrichra^[9] into eight types: 1. Vataja 2. Pittaja 3. Kaphaja 4. Sannipataja 5. Shalyaja 6. Ashmarija 7. Shukraja 8. Purishaja. The underlying pathology involves Tridosha vitiation, Agni Mandya, and Kha Vaigunya, leading to the production of Ama and urinary tract obstruction or irritation. Clinical features include Sadaha Mutrata, Peeta Mutrata, Sarakta Mutrata, Krichhra and Saruja Mutrata, and Muhur Muhur Mutrata.

Upon analysis, the Ayurvedic condition Pittaja Mutrakrichra can be correlated with Lower Urinary Tract Infection (LUTI) based on its Nidanas, Samprapti, and Lakshanas. The lower urinary tract primarily includes the urinary bladder, urethra, and prostate. This article presents a critical review of Pittaja Mutrakrichra to provide a deeper understanding of its comparison with modern medical concepts of lower urinary tract infection^[10]. Lower urinary tract infection (LUTI) is one of the most common infections affecting humans and is frequently encountered in general medical practice. Globally, it impacts over 150 million individuals each year. LUTIs are significantly more prevalent in females than in males. Studies indicate that approximately 50–80% of women in the general population will experience at least one episode of lower urinary tract infection during their lifetime^[11].

Discussion

Critical appraisal of Pittaja Mutrakrichra v/s Lower UTI 

Comparison on the basis of Nidana

A person's immunological status, the genitourinary tract's integrity, and the pH and concentration of their urine are the main elements that affect the pathophysiology of lower urinary tract infections (LUTIs). Similar to this, the Ayurvedic Nidanas of Mutrakrichra correlate to substances that either change the pH or content of urine or impair immunity, making a person more susceptible to urinary tract issues.

Comparison on the basis of Lakshana

• Kruchrata in Mutravahana is the Pradhana Lakshana common to all types of Mutrakrichra. The associated symptoms vary depending on the predominant dosha involved:
• Vataja Mutrakrichra: Characterized by Ruja
• Pittaja Mutrakrichra: Marked by Daha
• Kaphaja Mutrakrichra: Presents with Gouravata

Several symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Infection (LUTI) closely correspond with the Ayurvedic descriptions of Mutrakrichra:

• Muhurmuhurmutrata, Alpamutrata – Increased frequency and decreased quantity of urination
• Shotha of Basti – Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying due to spasms in the inflamed bladder wall
• Sadahamutrata – Dysuria
• Bastishula, Sarujamutrata – Suprapubic pain

These overlapping features highlight the strong clinical correlation between Mutrakrichra in Ayurveda and Lower Urinary Tract Infection in modern medicine.

Comparison on the basis of Samprapti

The pathogenesis of Mutrakrichra begins with the vitiation of Vatadi Doshas, primarily Samana and Apana Vayu, which circulate throughout the body in search of Khavaigunya. They localise in the Basti and Mootramarga.

Step 1: The lower vagina and periurethral region become heavily colonised by uropathogens.

Step 2: Vitiated Doshas cause Sankocha, Samrodha, and Kshoba in the urinary tract as pathogens ascend via the urethra to the bladder.

Step 3: Within the bladder, pathogens establish and multiply, leading to Krichrata in Mootrapravrutti, resulting in Mutrakrichra.

Chikitsa (Management)

Shamana chikitsa: It includes Mutra-vishodhaniya, mutra-virechaniya,

Shodhana chikitsa: It includes Mutral dravyas & uttara vasti. These increases frequency and quantity of Mutra which helps to flush out various infective agents.

Bahirparimarjana chikitsa: These are the medicines used locally (externally) in the form of fomentation, showers, potalis and ointment etc.

Specific Management (Pittaja Mutrakrichra chikitsa)

Bahirparimarjana chikitsa :Sheeta Parisheka, Avagahana in cold water pralepana with chandan and karpur.

Antahparimarjana chikitsa: Treatment is given as per dominance of vitiation of doshas.

Shodhana: Virechana with tikta evam madhur kashaya, Uttara vasti.If kapha is predominant then vamana, if pitta is predominant thenvirechana and if vata is predominant then vasti karma should be perormed.

Shamana: Shatavaryadi kwatha (Ch.), Haritakyadi kwatha, Trinapanchmula kwatha (Y.R.), Trinapanchamula churna(Su.),ervaru beeja,yashtimadhu, devdaru with tandul dhavan Pashanbhedadi yoga, Brihatyadi kwatha, Gudadugdha yoga, dhatryadi yoga.

Pathya: Purana shali, yava, kshara,takra, dugdha, dadhi, jangal mamsa, mudga yusha,, trapusha, nadeya jala, sharkara, kushmanda, patola patra, ardraka, gokshura, puga,

narikela, laghu ela, karpura.

Apathya:Tambula, matsaya, lavana, pinyaka, hingu, tila, sarshapa, masha, karira, tikshna, vidahi, ruksha, amla dravya, virudhashana, vishamashana, Yana gamana, vega dharana.

 Preventive measures

• Ayurvedic Approach: Nidana Parivarjana (eliminating causative factors) is key—avoid oily, spicy foods and unhealthy habits. Include Vitamin C-rich foods and probiotics like yogurt and fermented items to support urinary health.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids and empty the bladder completely and frequently to flush out bacteria.
• Menstrual Hygiene: Maintain cleanliness by regularly changing sanitary pads or tampons to prevent bacterial growth.
• Sex-Associated UTI: Women prone to UTIs after intercourse should urinate before and after sexual activity. A single post-coital antibiotic dose may help.
• Postmenopausal Women: Those with recurrent UTIs benefit from vaginal estrogen therapy (cream or ring), reducing infection frequency.
• Catheter-Associated UTI (CAUTI): Limit catheter uses to essential cases, remove promptly when no longer needed, and consider antimicrobial catheters for high-risk patients.
• In Men: Use of condom catheters is recommended where appropriate²⁴.

Conclusion

The comparative analysis of Pittaja Mutrakrichra and Lower Urinary Tract Infection (LUTI) reveals a significant overlap in clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and etiological factors between the two systems of medicine. Ayurveda attributes the condition to vitiation of Doshas, especially Pitta, leading to Daha and Kruchrata in Mutrapravrutti, while modern medicine links LUTI to microbial invasion and inflammatory response in the urinary tract.

Understanding Mutrakrichra through the lens of contemporary pathophysiology enhances the integrative approach to diagnosis and treatment. This alignment highlights the timeless relevance of Ayurvedic principles in explaining and managing urological disorders, supporting a holistic and individualized treatment strategy that combines both traditional wisdom and modern clinical insights.

References

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2- Sharma Priyavat, Charak Samhita Uttarardh, Varanasi:Chaukhamba Orientalia, Edition-2008, Chikitsasthan, ch-23, verse-14, page 365.

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18 -Tiwari pv Kashyap Samhita Varanasi chaukhambha vishvabharti edition 2008 khil sthana ch. 16 verse 9 page 630.