asthma

 

“Asthma” is a chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (airways) that cause swelling and narrowing (constriction) of the airways. The result is difficulty breathing. The bronchial narrowing is usually either totally or at least partially reversible with treatments.

 

Bronchial tubes that are chronically inflamed may become overly sensitive to allergens (specific triggers) or irritants (nonspecific triggers). The airways may become "Twitchy" and remain in a state of heightened sensitivity. This is called "Bronchial Hyper-reactivity" (BHR). It is likely that there is a spectrum of bronchial hyper-reactivity in all individuals. However, it is clear that asthmatics and allergic individuals (without apparent asthma) have a greater degree of bronchial hyper-reactivity than non-asthmatic and non-allergic people. In sensitive individuals, the bronchial tubes are more likely to swell and constrict when exposed to triggers such as allergens, tobacco smoke, or exercise. 

The Symptoms of Asthma vary from person to person and in any individual from time to time. The four major recognized symptoms:

 

• Shortness of breath: especially with exertion or at night.
• Wheezing: a whistling or hissing sound when breathing out.
• Coughing: may be chronic, is usually worse at night and early morning, and may occur after exercise or when exposed to cold, dry air.
• Chest tightness: may occur with or without the above symptoms.

 

The Ayurvedic equivalent for Bronchial Asthma is ‘’TAMAKA SWASA ‘’. Patient suffering with Swasa roga is treated with SNEHANAM (Oleation), SWEDANAM(Suddation), VAMANAM (Induced Emesis/ Vomiting), DHUMAPANAM (MedicatedSmoking), VIRECHANAM(Purgation) etc. along with Shamana Chikitsa using herbal drugs with qualities of Expectorants and Bronchodilation.

 

Ayurveda explainsthe line of treatment as ……“Tamaketu Virechanam”. The best Treatment for Tamaka Swasa is Virechanam (Purgation).

To avoid recurrence of the disease and to impart strength to Pranavaha Srotases (Respiratory System) proper Rejuvenation therapies, Research Medicines, Diet Management and Pranayama (Breathing Exercises) are recommended. 

Provoking or Precipitating factors like URTI, Allergy, Drugs, Food, Exercise, Environment, Psychological factors, Occupation, Smoking etc are to be avoided to be safe away from Asthma.