Study of temperament in relation to infectious diseases

ABSTRACT

People with phlegmatic or cold and moist temperament have been described to be more susceptible to infectious diseases in Unani literature, mainly because they are considered to possess low level of immunity. In the present study an attempt has been made to establish a relationship between infectious diseases and different types of temperament. Patients showing clinical symptoms of some infection were categorised at two health care centers. The nature of infections was specific and confirmed by culture and sensitivity tests. Those found infected were included in the study and temperament of these patients was confirmed in the light of parameters laid down by Unani physicians. The percentage of patients of each temperament was calculated. More than 43% of patients were found to be phlegmatic [balghami] which was quite high percentage as compared to the patients of Damvi, Safravi and Saudavi temperaments which scored 22%, 21% and 12% respectively. It was concluded that phlegmatic patients possessing moist and cold temperament are more prone to infectious diseases