Authors :
Ahmad Zeeshan; Mohammad Shamsul Huda; Irfan Ahmad; Arshad Kafi; Mohd Bilal
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 1 - January
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/5xynn966
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/yc492b7s
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jan310
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Background:
Ḥummā al-Yawm (Ephemeral Fever) is a well-recognized febrile entity in Unani medicine, characterized by its short
duration and distinct etiopathogenesis. Classical physicians such as Hippocrates, Ibn Sīnā, and later Unani scholars
provided detailed descriptions of its causes, clinical features, and differentiation from putrid fevers. Unani physicians
described Ḥummā al-Yawm as a non-putrid, transient fever arising chiefly from sukhūnat (transient heat) acting on the
Rūḥ (pneuma). Its causes include environmental heat, physical exertion, emotional perturbations, dietary factors, and
closure of skin pores resulting in retention of vapours.
Objective:
To present a concise overview of the historical background, etiological factors, and pathophysiological mechanisms of
Ḥummā al-Yawm and its types as described in Unani literature.
Methods:
A comprehensive review of classical Unani literature and contemporary translations was conducted, specifically
examining the etiological factors, pathological mechanisms, and clinical presentations of Ḥummā al-Yawm (Ephemeral
Fever).
Conclusion:
Ḥummā al-Yawm represents a distinct febrile condition in Unani medicine with a clear theoretical framework.
Understanding its classical concepts aids in accurate differentiation from other fevers and provides insight into traditional
fever pathophysiology.
Keywords :
Ḥummā, Ḥummā al-Yawm, Fever, Ephemeral Fever, Mahiyatul Amrāḍ, ‘Ilm al-Amrāḍ, Unani Medicine.
References :
- Khan MA. Akseere Aazam (Al Akseer). (Urdu Translation by Mohd Kabeeruddin). New Delhi: Idara Kitabul Shifa; 2011. p. 850-858
- Kabiruddin M. Hummiyat-e-Qanoon Vol I [or II] [Urdu translation]. New Delhi: Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India; 2009.p.25-63.
- Huda, MS., Ahmad, I., Kafi, A. & Fatima, SZ.(2025). Unveiling the sources and references (Marajey Wa Masadir) of Ilmul Amraz: a perspective from Unani medicine. Int J Pharmacognosy 12(3): 185-95. doi link: http://dx.doi.org/10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.IJP.12(3).185-195.
- El-Radhi AS, Carroll J, Klein N. History of fever. In: El-Radhi AS, Carroll J, Klein N, editors. Clinical Manual of Fever in Children. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer; 2009.
- Mackowiak PA. Concepts of fever. Arch Intern Med. 1998;158(17):1870–1881.
- Hippocrates. Prognostics. In: Chadwick J, Mann WN, editors. The Medical Works of Hippocrates: Epidemics Book I. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific Publications; 1950.
- Celsus AC. De medicina. Spencer WG, translator. Cambridge (MA): Harvard University Press; 1971.
- Gensini GF, Conti AA. The evolution of the concept of fever in the history of medicine: from pathological picture per se to clinical epiphenomenon (and vice versa). J Infect. 2004;49(2):85–87.
- von Staden H. Herophilus: The Art of Medicine in Early Alexandria. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 1989.
- Tabari RS. Firdaus al-Hikmat fi’l-Tibb. New Delhi: Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM); 2010.p.577-580.
- Ibne Sina. Al Qanoon fi al-Tib. Nigarshat, Temple Road, Lahore; 1992. Vol 4. p. 21–24.
- Samarqandi N, Kirmani NBA. Sharah Asbaab. (Translated by Kabeeruddin HM). New Delhi: Idara Kitaushshifa; 2011. vol 3rd & 4th p. 394-400.)
- Chandpuri K. Moojaz al Qanoon. New Delhi: Qaumi Council Baraye Farogh Urdu Zabaan; 1998 , pp 412
- Qamri HMA. Ghina Muna. New Delhi: CCRUM; 2008. p. 525-529.
- Huda MS, Fatima SZ, Ahmad I, Kafi A, Zeeshan A. An integrative perspective on urine analysis: from humoural theory to biomarkers. Int J Res Med Sci [Internet]. 2025 Dec. 30 [cited 2026 Jan. 5];14(1):366-72. Available from: https://www.msjonline.org/index.php/ijrms/article/view/16153
Background:
Ḥummā al-Yawm (Ephemeral Fever) is a well-recognized febrile entity in Unani medicine, characterized by its short
duration and distinct etiopathogenesis. Classical physicians such as Hippocrates, Ibn Sīnā, and later Unani scholars
provided detailed descriptions of its causes, clinical features, and differentiation from putrid fevers. Unani physicians
described Ḥummā al-Yawm as a non-putrid, transient fever arising chiefly from sukhūnat (transient heat) acting on the
Rūḥ (pneuma). Its causes include environmental heat, physical exertion, emotional perturbations, dietary factors, and
closure of skin pores resulting in retention of vapours.
Objective:
To present a concise overview of the historical background, etiological factors, and pathophysiological mechanisms of
Ḥummā al-Yawm and its types as described in Unani literature.
Methods:
A comprehensive review of classical Unani literature and contemporary translations was conducted, specifically
examining the etiological factors, pathological mechanisms, and clinical presentations of Ḥummā al-Yawm (Ephemeral
Fever).
Conclusion:
Ḥummā al-Yawm represents a distinct febrile condition in Unani medicine with a clear theoretical framework.
Understanding its classical concepts aids in accurate differentiation from other fevers and provides insight into traditional
fever pathophysiology.
Keywords :
Ḥummā, Ḥummā al-Yawm, Fever, Ephemeral Fever, Mahiyatul Amrāḍ, ‘Ilm al-Amrāḍ, Unani Medicine.