Description:
Jwara is a systemic disorder resulting from Agni Mandya (weakened digestive fire), which leads to the accumulation of metabolic toxins, disrupting Tridosha balance, and resulting in fever. It manifests as an increase in body temperature, weakness, chills, body pain, and loss of appetite. The aggravation of different Doshas results in various types of fever, including Vataja Jwara (with body ache and shivering), Pittaja Jwara (with burning sensation and excessive thirst), and Kaphaja Jwara (with heaviness and congestion). Chronic fevers indicate deeper Dhatu involvement, requiring detoxification and digestive correction.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Santapa (Increased Body Heat): High fever with sweating and burning sensation.
- Shirahshoola (Headache): Throbbing headache due to fever-induced dehydration.
- Angamarda (Body Ache): Generalized body pain and stiffness.
- Daurbalya (Fatigue): Weakness and reduced physical endurance.
- Aruchi (Loss of Appetite): Aversion to food due to digestive system sluggishness.
- Trishna (Excessive Thirst): Increased need for hydration due to high fever.
- Nidranasha (Sleep Disturbances): Difficulty sleeping due to fever and discomfort.
Diagnosis:
Body Temperature measurement using a Thermometer.
Risk Factors:
- Lifestyle Factors:
- Excessive physical exertion or fatigue can weaken the immune system.
- Exposure to infectious agents in crowded areas or close contact with sick individuals.
- Lack of rest and sleep compromises immune function.
- Sudden environmental changes (e.g., extreme temperatures) can trigger fever.
- Dietary Factors:
- Contaminated food or water can introduce infections that cause fever.
- Heavy, oily, or spicy foods may provoke fever, especially in individuals with weak digestion.
- Cold or undercooked foods can imbalance internal doshas, leading to fever.
- Medical Conditions:
- Infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal) are the primary cause of fever.
- Chronic diseases like autoimmune disorders or cancer can increase susceptibility to fever.
- Weak immune systems (e.g., due to HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressive treatment) make the body more prone to fever.
- Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatic fever or inflammatory bowel disease can also cause fever.
Complications:
- Organ Damage (Anga Kshaya): Prolonged high fever can lead to damage in organs such as the kidneys or liver due to stress from the fever.
- Dehydration (Trishna Kshaya): Fever increases body temperature and leads to fluid loss, causing dehydration if not properly managed.
- Sepsis (Raktavaha Dushana): If the fever is caused by a bacterial infection, it may progress to sepsis, a life-threatening systemic infection.
- Cognitive Impairment (Buddhi Vikruti): High fevers, especially in children, can lead to confusion, delirium, or seizures.
- Increased Risk of Infection (Vishama Jwara): Persistent fever may indicate an ongoing infection, which can worsen or spread if untreated.
Epidemeology:
- More common in individuals with weakened immune systems or those with underlying infections.
- Can affect people of all ages, with children and the elderly being more vulnerable to complications.
- Fever incidence is higher in developing countries due to infectious diseases like malaria, dengue, and typhoid.
- Approximately 20-40% of adults report having a fever during any given year, though it often resolves on its own or with minor treatment.