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Bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. It is considered a complex condition with both genetic and environmental factors playing a role in its development. A variety of cells, such as eosinophils, T lymphocytes, mast cells, neutrophils, and dendritic cells (DCs), are involved. Asthma is an episodic disease with  acute exacerbation  and  inter  spread  with  symptom  free periods. Asthma is clinically  classified  according  to  the frequency of symptoms, forced expiratory volume in one  second  and  peak  expiratory  flow  rate. Asthma may also be classified as atopic (extrinsic) or non-atopic (intrinsic), based on whether symptoms are precipitated by allergens atopic or  non-atopic.

The features of bronchial asthma is quite comparable with the disease “tamak-swasa” described in Ayurveda. In fact, swasa is a major clinical condition according to Ayurveda that includes classes & sub-classes in it, carries symptoms can closely resembles with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Ayurveda describes etiology & pathogenesis of all classes of swasa including tamak-swasa (bronchial asthma). In bronchial asthma, dosha imbalance is caused by simultaneous aggravation of kapha & vata. Simultaneous aggravation of vata & kapha may be due to some specific causative factors which are described in Ayurveda texts are exposure to dust, smoke & wind constitute airborne pollen, residing in cold place, stress induced by exercise (particularly in cold climate) or by sexual intercourse, habitual intake of some edible oils, constipation associated with flatulence, dryness particularly lower respiratory & upper gastro intestinal tract region due to non-unctuous food, excess fasting or excess intake of food & agitated digestion resulted from it.

Ayurveda offers additional therapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment of bronchial asthma. These include Sodhana Chikitsa, which involves purification processes aimed at eliminating vitiated doshas, and Samana processes, which pacify doshas gradually to relieve the disease, especially when Sodhana processes are not feasible. Diet plays a crucial role in asthma therapy, with recommendations tailored to individual dosha aggravation and constitution (prakriti). Identifying specific allergens responsible for recurrent exacerbations and avoiding exposure to them, known as satmyasevan, is also emphasized as part of the therapy. The effectiveness of treatment depends significantly on the timing of intervention relative to the onset of symptoms. It's also suggested that complete and lasting cure is possible under specific conditions related to the patient, prescribed medicines, and nursing care. Herbs that have proven efficacy in treating bronchial asthma are Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Haridra (curcuma longa), Tulasi (ocimum sanctum), Vyagri (Solanum indicum) etc.