Abstract

MUTRAKRICHHRA AND LOWER URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (LUTIS): INTEGRATING CLASSICAL AYURVEDA WITH CONTEMPORARY UROLOGY

Dr. Soumyadatta Samantray*, Dr. Pragya P. Mallik, Dr. Bharatilata Acharya

ABSTRACT

Mutrakrichhra is a prevalent condition in Ayurvedic and community practice, encompassing a range of urinary disorders that correspond to Lower urinary tract infections (LUTIs) in modern medicine. The hallmark symptom, pratyatma lakshana, is “Dukhena mutra pravritti”—painful or difficult micturition. Mutrakrichhra may occur as an independent disease or as a symptom in conditions such as Ashmari, Mutraghata, Mutraja Vriddhi, Arsha, and Gulma. Its pathogenesis involves aggravated pitta dosha, in combination with Vata (particularly Apana Vayu), affecting the basti (urinary bladder) and Mutravaha Srotas, producing clinical features including Daha (burning sensation), ruja (pain), shotha (edema), bastigurutva (heaviness of bladder), Muhurmutrata (frequent urination), peetamutrata (yellow urine), and sarakta mutrata (hematuria). The symptomatology closely parallels LUTIs such as urethritis and cystitis. Nidana factors, including dietary and lifestyle errors, alter urine composition, creating an environment conducive to microbial growth. Classical Ayurvedic management emphasizes Chikitsa and Oushadha Yogas with diuretic and antimicrobial properties to restore doshic balance and relieve symptoms. A critical analysis of Mutrakrichhra underscores its clinical correlation with modern LUTIs, highlighting the relevance of Ayurvedic principles in understanding, preventing, and managing urinary tract disorders.

Keywords: Mutrakrichhra, Lower urinary tract infections, Mutravaha Srotas, Ayurvedic management.