Ayurvedic management of hydatid cyst of lungs: A case report

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), which is present in all parts of the world, is caused by the bacterium Echinococcus granulosus. One of the most serious parasitic infectious diseases affecting both humans and animals, CE causes hydatid cysts that can lodge in various host organs, including the liver, lungs, heart, and brain, which can be fatal. Treatment options for cystic echinococcosis are active anthelmintics, surgery, and percutaneous aspiration. Numerous scolicidal chemical agents are in practice, but due to increased drug resistance and adverse reactions associated with drugs, usage is limited. Finding alternative therapies with the least or no side effects to manage the condition is the need of the hour. Here, we report a case of an asymptomatic hydatid lung cyst that was managed using Ayurvedic treatment principles. A 57-year-old businessman, asymptomatic, came with a diagnosis of Hydatid lung disease confirmed by CT scan. Surgery was advised, but the patient approached for Ayurveda treatment. The case was treated with oral medicines like Arogyavardhini gutika, Goarka, Kanchanara guggulu, Vidangasava, Kapalabhati pranayama for a period of 8 months. Complete resolution of the cyst was seen, which was evident by a CT scan. Promising results were seen in the present case, but further research in this area is required to produce evidence-based results.