Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa, B.A.M.S
Similarities between Shitapitta, Udarda and Kotha
1. Shitapitta, Udarda and Kotha have been defined in the identical chapter. This means that these three are ‘nearly equivalent circumstances’. However we’d get a doubt in order to why they’ve totally different names. It’s because there are small variations amongst these three circumstances despite all of the three having nearly related manifestations.
2. All three circumstances are Tridoshaja – attributable to aggravation of all of the three doshas.
3. All of the three circumstances result in twak dushti i.e. contamination of pores and skin, similar to in Kushta (pores and skin illness, leprosy). That is the rationale (factors 2 and three) the chapter masking shitapitta, udarda and kotha (Madhava Nidana Chapter 50) is defined instantly after Kushta Nidana (Madhava Nidana Chapter 49).
4. All three circumstances not solely have an effect on the pores and skin but in addition unfold inwards into the deeper tissues. So, shitapitta, udarda and kotha aren’t simply pores and skin ailments however are additionally systemic manifestations. We will put it this manner – shitapitta, udarda and kotha would possibly appear to be pores and skin circumstances on the outlook however will step by step encroach to have an effect on and contain the opposite tissues additionally (would possibly change into a systemic illness affecting a number of tissues in later time or when the illness just isn’t handled shortly as soon as they manifest on the pores and skin).
5. All of the three circumstances are attributable to extreme publicity to the chilly breeze.
6. The premonitory signs of all of the three circumstances is similar.
7. Remedy for all of the three circumstances is similar.
Variations between Shitapitta, Udarda and Kotha
1. Dosha relation – Regardless of being attributable to all of the three doshas –
Shitapitta is vata predominant situation.
Udarda is kapha predominant situation.
Kotha is predominantly attributable to aggravated kapha and pitta.
2. Completely different signs for shitapitta haven’t been enumerated. Signs of Udarda have been talked about. Shitapitta is claimed to have related signs as these of udarda. Each are stated to be nearly equivalent circumstances with exception of dosha predominance (as defined above).
3. Udarda is claimed to predominantly happen in Shishira Rtu i.e. late winter season. This can be a season identified for kapha accumulation. Related seasonal hyperlink has not been talked about with different circumstances i.e. shitapitta and kotha. Shitapitta and Udarda are equivalent circumstances however Udarda is claimed to happen in late winter. This implies to inform that Udarda in all probability doesn’t happen in different seasons and likewise that Shitapitta doesn’t happen in late winter and might happen in different seasons, primarily Grishma (summer season season – whereby accumulation of vata takes place) and Varsha Rtu (wet season, monsoon – whereby aggravation of vata happens).
4. Kotha happens as a result of inaccurate (insufficient, improper) administration of emesis remedy or withholding pitta, kapha and meals that are about to be expelled or withholding urge for vomiting. Due to this fact it may happen in any season (unrelated to seasonal modifications). Shitapitta and Udarda aren’t attributable to wrongly administered emesis remedy or withholding pitta, kapha, meals or urge for vomiting. Vasantha Rtu (spring season) is good for administering emesis remedy. That is additionally a season for kapha aggravation. By inference we will hyperlink Vasanta Rtu to Kotha. The opposite causes talked about as causal for Kotha point out that this situation can happen at any time, in any season.
5. Kotha has a subtype referred to as Utkotha whereas different circumstances (shitapitta and udarda) should not have such variants.
6. Kotha is characterised by ‘Niranubandhatva’ i.e. it shortly manifests and shortly disappears i.e. brief lived (Utkotha happens repeatedly and runs a continual course). Niranubandhatva just isn’t defined by way of Shitapitta and Udarda. Because of this Shitapitta and Udarda happen as continual and lengthy standing circumstances if not handled correctly and promptly whereas Kotha is a short lived and brief lived situation. But when Kotha just isn’t handled correctly it may remodel into Utkotha and run an extended course. On this situation, like shitapitta and udarda, kotha too spreads to the deeper tissues. Else Kotha is superficial and momentary pores and skin manifestation.
7. Signs of Shitapitta and Udarda are alike however these of kotha are solely totally different.
| Udarda Signs | Shitapitta Signs | Kotha Signs |
| Kapha predominance + Swelling or elevated patches (rashes) manifesting on the outside (pores and skin), the lesion showing as if stung by a wasp Itching Extreme pricking ache Vomiting Fever Burning sensation Alternatively – raised pink coloured patches depressed on the heart and elevated on the ends, related to itching Seems in late winter | Vata predominance + Identical signs as enlisted below Udarda, no particular seasonal relation or exacerbation as in udarda | Insufficient or improper (inaccurate) administration of emesis remedy Forcibly withholding the urges of pitta, kapha and anna (meals) i.e. stopping them from getting expelled even when they’re able to get expelled  |
