Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. It is a respiratory tract disorder where there is obstruction in easy flow of air in the lungs. In Asthma, the airways get narrow ,swell with increased mucus lead to difficulty in breathing .Asthma interferes with daily life and sometimes may be life threatening . In Ayurveda , this problem can be correlated with Swas Roga which is a disease of Pranavaha srotas. In this problem Vata and kapha doshas are involved leading to problem of breathlessness.
Causes of Asthma
As per modern View, causes are:
- Genetic Factor
- Physical exertion
- Exposure to Allergens,fumes, gases, dust particles,smoke, perfumes, mosquito repellant etc.
- Environment change
- Trauma
As per Ayurveda , Causes are:
- Exposure to Raja (dust),Dhoom(Fumes and smoke),Vata(Breeze)
- Living in Sheeta sthana( cold places)
- Excessive consumption of sheeta or Ati hima ambu(cold or chilled)
- Excessive Vyaayaam( physical exercise ) ,Graamya dharma(sexual activities), adhwa(walking)
- Excessive consumption of rooksha anna(dry food),Vishama ashana(incompitable food)
- Aama pradosha due to indigestion (excessive accumulation of ama )
- Aanaha ( flatulence)
- Excessive rokshaya(dryness ) in body
- Ati-aptarpanaat (excessive fasting )
- Dourbalya (long standing debility)
- Marma ghata (injury to vital areas of the body)
- Excessive consumption of masha (black gram)
- Excess intake of vistambhi aahara,vidaahi aahara,guru aahara,jala aahara,aanupa aahara,Abhishyandi aahara
- Excess intake of dadhi(curd)
- Ama ksheera (consumption of unprocessed food )
- Kantha-Ura pratighata (Trauma)
Pathogenesis of Asthma as per Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda , due to causative factors as mentioned above ,there is aggravation of kapha dosha leading to avarodha in pranvaha strotas (blockage of channels of respiratory system) leads to Vata Dosha obstruction (obstruction to airflow ).This blocked Vata dosha moves in reverse direction & increases dryness in smooth passage . The disturbed pathway causes the difficulties in breathing.
Asthma
Sign & Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
Types of Asthma
As per modern aspect , can be considered of two types:
- Atopic / Extrinsic – caused by the exposure to allergens like pollen,mites,smoke,dust etc.
- Non atopic/ Intrinsic – usually caused by infection in the respiratory tract .
As per Ayurveda ,there are 5 types :
- Maha Swas
- Urdhava Swas
- Chinna Swas
- Tamak Swas
- Kshudra Swas
Diagnosis
Asthma can be diagnosed after taking entire medical history ,physical examination followed by lung function tests like Spirometry , Chest X-Ray ,blood tests.
Conclusion
Asthma attack can be controlled by avoiding the causative factors in our diet which act as aggravating or triggering factor for this problem.Along with that there is need to do regular breathing exercises & intake of some ayurvedic preparation to balance the aggravated doshas & to regulate immune system.
For any respiratory problem,Just consult with our Senior Ayurvedic doctors. To Get an appointment , call us at +91 8256003636
