European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Sthivana’(expectoration) is the product that comes out after cough. It is also called as ‘Nishthvana’(sputum). It is the secretion of lungs that is mala roopi kapha¹ which may contain some amount of Shonit (blood), Pitta (bile), or Puya (pus).² Sthivana comes out after Kasa (cough) which gives a hint regarding vikriti of Udan Vayu in Kantha pradesha producing ‘khass’ sound or shabda³.  Kasa is one of the most common Pranavaha strotodushti vikara (disorder of Respiratory System) observed clinically and nishthivana can be seen as a prominent feature. As Pranavaha strotodushti (hampered Respiratory System function) conveys diseases affecting the Prana(life), this has to be considered as vyadhi of prime importance.
In Ayurveda classics we find very few references regarding Sthivana pareeksha (sputum examination) with special reference to sputum.  So here an attempt is made to compile different characters of sthivana (expectoration) mentioned haphazardly in different diseases mentioned in our samhitas. Also an attempt is made to compare types of sthivana with characters of sputum mentioned in modern science so that early diagnosis of disease can be done and also treatment can be planned in a better way.