Ayurveda:
Asthma
Definition:
The word asthma has originated from an ancient Greek word meaning panting.
Essentially asthma is a chronic inflammation of the air ways (Bronchi) that result
in obstruction of air flow.
Pathogenesis
There is a decrease in the lumen of the air ways resulting from a two fold
response to the allergens and other irritants.
Primarily in a hyper reactive response, the smooth muscles in the airways constrict
and narrow excessively. Followed by an inflammatory response where the immune system
responds to the allergens by sending white blood cells and other immune factors
to the airways. These inflammatory factors cause a swelling of the airways and also
an increase in the mucus secretion thus causing symptoms like wheezing, cough and
shortness of breath.
Prevalence
Children aged 2-12 years reported higher rates of asthma (15.7%) than adults aged
16 years and over (10.1%). In males, the prevalence of asthma was highest among
children aged 2-12 years; in females, prevalence was highest among young adults
aged 16-24 years. Asthma is also closely linked to allergies. Most, but not all,
people with asthma have allergies. Children with a family history of allergy and
asthma are more likely to have asthma.
Cronic Diseases treated safely:
Treatment
1. Ayurvedic treatment [Chikitsa] does not mean suppressing the main symptoms and creating some new ones as side effects of the main treatment. It is to remove the root cause and give permanent relief.
2.
There are four main classifications of management of disease in Ayurveda: shodan, or cleansing; shaman or palliation; rasayana, or rejuvenation; and satvajaya, or mental hygiene.
3.
The treatment mainly comprises of powders, tablets, decoctions, medicated oils etc. prepared from natural herbs, plants and minerals. Because the medicines are from natural sources and not synthetic, they are accepted and assimilated in the body without creating any side effects and on the other hand, there may be some side benefits.