KARNA SHOPHA

KARNA SHOPHA

• Karna Shopha refers to the inflammatory swelling of the ear.

• It is considered an Urdhwajatrugata Roga (disease of the region above the clavicle) as per Ayurveda.

• It is a Shotha Prakara (type of inflammation) involving the Karna Pradesh (auricular area).

• It can be correlated with perichondritis of pinna, furunculosis, or cellulitis of auricle in modern science, depending on the presentation.

ETIOLOGY (NIDANA)

• Exposure to cold wind, dust, or trauma to ear.

• Insertion of foreign objects into the ear canal.

• Untreated Karna Roga (ear diseases) like Karna Kandu (itching) or Karna Srava (ear discharge).

• Systemic causes such as Kaphavata Prakopa, infections, or boils.

• General Shotha Nidanas as given in Ayurveda also apply.

Relevant Reference:

शीतस्पर्शनजं रात्रौ प्रवातं जलसेवनात्।
अलसस्य प्रपन्नं स्यात् श्लेष्मवातान्वितं शिरः॥
— अष्टाङ्गहृदयम्, शिरोरोगनिदानम्

SAMPRAPTI (PATHOGENESIS)

• The Vata and Kapha doshas get vitiated due to the above-mentioned causative factors.

• These doshas localize in the Karna Pradesh and cause Shotha (swelling), Shoola (pain), and Sopha (inflammation).

• Accumulation of Ama and Rakta Dushti may be associated in chronic or severe conditions.

• Shotha Samprapti applies here, as described in classics.

Relevant Samprapti Sloka:

दोषा विकृतसङ्घाताः स्रोतांस्यभिहता यदा।
संचारमणवोऽप्येते स्थिता देशे तदा गदाः॥
— चरक संहिता, सूत्रस्थान 18/44

LAKSHANAS (CLINICAL FEATURES)

• Pain in the ear (Karna Shoola)

• Swelling (Shotha) of the auricle or surrounding tissue

• Redness (Raga) and warmth over the region

• Tenderness on touch

• Suppuration in advanced cases

• Restricted movement of auricle

• Possible fever in systemic involvement

Relevant Lakshana Sloka:

रक्तसङ्घातसन्तप्तं शोफिनं स्रंसते मुखात्।
वेदना स्पर्शसह्यत्वं लक्षणं शोफलक्षणम्॥
— सुश्रुत संहिता, शारीरस्थान

TYPES (AS PER DOSHIC INVOLVEMENT)

• Vataja Karna Shopha – Severe pain, minimal swelling, blackish discoloration

• Pittaja Karna Shopha – Burning sensation, redness, pus formation

• Kaphaja Karna Shopha – Heaviness, pale or whitish swelling, itching

CHIKITSA (TREATMENT)

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

• Sthanika Chikitsa (Local Treatment)

  • Lepa (medicated paste) of Shotha-hara herbs

  • Seka (pouring warm decoctions)

  • Parisheka with Dashamoola Kwatha

  • Pradeha with Nirgundi or Eranda leaves paste

  • Abhyanga (massage) with Saindhava Taila or Nirgundi Taila

  • Swedana (fomentation) to relieve pain and stiffness

• Shamana Chikitsa (Palliative treatment)

  • Khadirarishta, Punarnavasava, Dashamoolarishta for reducing inflammation

  • Guggulu preparations like Kaishore Guggulu, Triphala Guggulu if suppuration occurs

  • Tikta-Kashaya pradhana dravyas to balance Pitta and Rakta Dushti

• Shodhana Chikitsa (Purificatory therapy)

  • Virechana for Pittaja Karna Shopha

  • Raktamokshana (bloodletting) in case of excessive Rakta Dushti

  • Nasya Karma using Vata-pacifying oils like Anu Taila

Relevant Chikitsa Sloka:

शोधनं शोणितस्याथ स्वेदः स्नेहस्य सेवनम्।
लेपः शीतलतोयेन व्रणेष्वगदकं हितम्॥
— सुश्रुत संहिता, चिकित्सास्थान

MODERN CORRELATION

• Common ENT Conditions Resembling Karna Shopha:

  • Perichondritis: Infection of the pinna's perichondrium due to trauma, piercing, or otitis externa.

  • Furunculosis: Boil in external auditory canal caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

  • Cellulitis: Bacterial infection of the skin/subcutaneous tissue of auricle, usually due to Streptococcus.

• Signs and Symptoms (Modern View)

  • Red, swollen ear

  • Severe localized pain

  • Possible purulent discharge

  • Fever and malaise in systemic cases

• Investigations

  • CBC, ESR – for systemic inflammation

  • Culture of discharge (if pus present)

  • Otoscopic examination

• Modern Treatment

  • Systemic antibiotics (Amoxicillin-clavulanate, Cefuroxime, Clindamycin)

  • Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs

  • Local warm compress

  • Incision and drainage in case of abscess

  • Avoid trauma or manipulation of ear

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Avoid inserting foreign objects into the ear

• Maintain proper ear hygiene

• Prompt treatment of otitis externa and other ear infections

• Avoid exposure to cold wind or water when infected

PROGNOSIS (SAPARYAYA)

• Sukha Sadhya if treated in early stages

• Kricchra Sadhya if suppuration occurs

• May lead to complications like deformity of auricle or chronic ear infections if neglected