Asthma

defination

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Asthma causes recurring periods of wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. The coughing often occurs at night or early in the morning.

sympotms

Asthma symptoms range from minor to severe and vary from person to person. You may have infrequent asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times — such as when exercising — or have symptoms all the time.

  •  Asthma signs and symptoms include:
  •  Shortness of breath
  •  Chest tightness or pain
  •  Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
  •  A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling (wheezing is a common sign of asthma in children)
  •  Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu

Signs that your asthma is probably worsening include:
Asthma signs and symptoms those are more frequent and bothersome Increasing difficulty breathing (measurable with a peak flow meter, a device used to check how well your lungs are working) The need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often

For some people, asthma symptoms flare up in certain situations:
Exercise-induced asthma, which may be worse when the air is cold and dry Occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes, gases or dust Allergy-induced asthma, triggered by particular allergens, such as pet dander, cockroaches or pollen.


In today's stressful modern urbanized living, incidence of Asthma is considerably increasing. The rapid industrialization, excessive crowding, Increasing pollution are some of the factors responsible for this increase in incidence of Bronchial Asthma.

Every now and then we come across patients of Asthma seeking Ayurvedic treatment and advice. This is because of the versatile approach of Ayurveda to root cause of the problem and its belief in preventing the disease rather than treating it. In Ayurveda, Asthma is known as 'Swas Roga'.


Pathogenesis

The vitiated 'Pranvayu' combines with deranged 'Kapha dosha' in the lungs causing obstruction in the 'Pranavaha srotasa'(Respiratory passage). This results in gasping and laboured breathing. This condition is known as 'Swas Roga'.

Types of Asthma: Five types of 'Swas Roga' are described in Ayurvedic texts

  •  Maha-shwas
  •  Urdhva-shwas
  •  Chinna-shwas
  •  Tamak-shwas
  •  Kshudra-shwas

Causes:

It isn't clear why some people get asthma and others don't, but it's probably due to a combination of environmental and genetic (inherited) factors.


asthama triggers

Exposure to various substances that trigger allergies (allergens) and irritants can trigger signs and symptoms of asthma.

Asthma triggers are different from person to person and can include:

  •  Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, mold, cockroaches and dust mites
  •  Allergic reactions to some foods, such as peanuts or shellfish
  •  Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
  •  Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
  •  Cold air
  •  Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke
  •  Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve)
  •  Strong emotions and stress
  •  Sulfites and preservatives added to some types of foods and beverages
  •  Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into your throat
  •  Menstrual cycle in some women

cause of asthama

  •  Factors related to diet:
    Excessive indulgence in lablab beans ,black grams, raw milk, soar curd, excess salt, flesh of aquatic and wet land animals.
    Excessive use of 'Ruksha'(dry) and 'Guru'(heavy) diet, excessive use of cold water and cold drinks. Excessive use of 'Abhishandi'(Kapha producing) diet, Excessive use of not easily digestible and irritant food.
  •  Factors related to work:
    Excessive exposure to dust and smoke. Excessive wind, cold, cold bath or excessive heat and sun bath. Exhaustive exercise, walking, excessive sexual activities.
    Suppression of natural urges.
  •  Other Factors:
    Trauma to vital organs viz. - chest, throat Asthma may be as a sequaelae in other diseases like - Fever, Long standing common cold, Tuberculosis , Anaemia, Heart disease, Poisoning etc.
    Modern medicine understands the physiological changes involved in bronchial constriction and fluid retention in lung tissue that create asthma symptoms.

@ Dr.Garje Ayurved Panchakarma Clinic expands this understanding by:

  •  Describing the mental, physical and behavioural factors that contribute to bronchial constriction and fluid retention.
  •  Providing natural methods to help prevent and reverse these changes.

According to modern medicine the physiological changes at the basis of asthma are:

  •  hyperactive bronchial constrictor response to a stimulus that creates bronchospasm and constriction of airways.
  •  An inflammatory reaction that leads to build-up of mucous and liquids in lung tissue.
  •  Various material and structural changes in airway passages.

Following types of imbalances are major contributing factors to the physiology of asthma.

  •  Poor digestion leading to the build-up of toxins and impurities in lung and airway tissues
  •  Imbalance and deterioration of nervous system strength and stability
  •  Accumulation of physical and mental stress
  •  Decrease in the body's natural balancing and self-repair ability

@ Dr.Garje Ayurved Panchakarma Clinic’s Treatment Approach to Asthma:

  •  Diet, Nutrition and Digestion
  •  Stress Management and Improved Mental and Emotional Function
  •  Lifestyle and Daily Routine


Preventive Panchakarma therapies for ASTHAMA Patients

Asthma patient should be take Panchakarma therapies in according Rutus like in every year

VASANT Rutu - Feb To March - VAMAN Therapy
VARSHA Rutu- July To Aug - YogBasti Therapy
SHARAD Rutu - Oct To Nov - Virechan Therapy

Rasayan -chikitsa is advocated for'Pranvaha shrotasa'(Respiratory system).

For example -Vardhaman pippali rasayana, Agastiprash






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