Successful Management of Acute Urinary Retention due to Burūdat-i-Mathāna (Coldness of the Bladder), through Natūl Therapy: A Case Study

Abstract

Acute urinary retention in children is a rare urological emergency usually related to infection, obstruction, or neurological disorders. In some cases, no structural abnormality is detected. According to the Unani medicine, such functional urinary retention may result from Burūdat-i-Mathāna (coldness of the bladder), leading to reduced Harārat-i-Tabiʿiya and impaired Quwwat-i-Dāfiʿa. A 12-year-old boy presented with acute urinary retention and severe suprapubic pain. Ultrasonography and computed tomography scan revealed no obstructive or neurological pathology. Based on Unani diagnostic principles, the condition was diagnosed as Burūdat-i-Mathāna . Natūl therapy using warm water (40°C–42°C) was administered over the suprapubic region for 15 min. The patient voided urine forcefully within 13 min of the first session, with complete relief of pain. Normal micturition was restored within 48 h without catheterization or pharmacological intervention. This case suggests that Natūl therapy may be a useful noninvasive regimenal approach for functional urinary retention due to Burūdat-i-Mathāna . However, conclusions are limited by the single-case design and further controlled studies are warranted.