Clinical Understanding of Failure to Thrive in Ayurveda - A Critical Analysis

Vinod Kumar Swami

Abstract: Taking care of Kumara Bharana and Poshana, as well as nutrition of the child are the main objectives of Kaumarabhritya. This can be achieved only after ensuring proper nutrition, parental care, love, affection, opportunities, social exposure, reinforcing and environmental factors. Congenital abnormalities, chromosomal disorder, endocrinal disorder, physical and psychological disabilities are also important for child growth. Failure to achieve the same may result in failure to thrive (FTT). When parameters of assessment of growth and development of the child are below the expected level with continuous deterioration of health status of the child, associated with failure and regression of developmental mile stones is called as Failure to thrive. Clinical presentations, mimicking the same is mentioned in Kashyapa Samhita can be seen on critical analysis of disease Phakka which has been the unique contribution of the Acharya Kashyapa. Disease Phakka has been misinterpreted in many ways in the past, by comparing it with a single disease of the contemporary medical sciences. But, Phakka reflects a symptomatic clinical presentation which can be seen in various disorders ultimately ending up as a failure to thrive.

Keywords: Bharana, Poshana, Phakka, Nutrition, FTT