Consultation
Asthma
Breath Healthy With Ayurveda
DEFINITION | CAUSES | SYMPTOMS | TREATMENTS | TESTIMONIALS | FAQ’S
Asthma
Asthma is a disorder of the lungs, in which an individual’s airways become inflamed, narrow, swelled, and produce extra mucus, which makes breathing difficult. According to Ayurveda, Asthma is termed”Swasa Roga.”It is a respiratory disorder caused by an imbalance of the Vata dosha (air element) and Kapha dosha (water and earth element) in the body.Asthma is caused by the accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body, which disrupts the balance of the doshas and blocks the flow of prana (life force) in the respiratory system. Ayurvedic Treatment for Asthma plays a vital role in the healing process of asthma. ‘Pranavaha Sroto Vikara’ is the term used for asthma in Ayurvedic text that causes regular breathing difficulties.
Allergic
Asthma
It is a breathing condition where the airways get tightened because of an allergic reaction. It happens because of various common factors like pollen, mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, and cockroach debris. This type of asthma is fairly seen in children and adults.
Non-allergic Asthma
Non-allergic asthma is a condition that tends to affect a significant portion of individuals after they reach middle age. It does not take place due to an allergic reaction but by factors such a cold air, infections, or stress.
Cough Variant Asthma
The specific feature is a dry, non productive cough. There can be no traditional asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath or wheezing. The only symptom which persists is a continued cough.
Occupational Asthma
It is caused directly by the work an individual does. Occupational asthma can be caused by several things. For example, if you work in a flour mill or bakery your symptoms can flare up. Additional it occurs due to the nature of the job and exposure to chemicals or irritants in the workplace, such as dust, fumes, or gases.
Childhood
Asthma
The lungs and airway become easily inflamed when exposed to certain triggers (flare-ups). Such triggers include catching a cold and inhaling pollen. Childhood asthma can be a cause that interfers with the sports, play, studies, school, and sleep schedules of children.
Adult-onset Asthma
When asthma symptoms appear and are diagnosed in adults older than 20 years of age, it is usually known as adult-onset asthma. It is different from childhood Asthma, which starts in early childhood. Adult-onset asthma can occur in people who had never experienced asthma symptoms before or in those who had asthma as children but had a period of remission.
Exercise-Induced Asthma
The medical term for this condition is exercise-induced bronchoconstruction. when the airways squeeze or narrow during intense physical activity. It causes shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and other symptoms during or after exercise. It occurs frequently in dry and cold air. Eventually, the airway narrows for 5 to 20 minutes after beginning of physical activity, making it difficult to breath.
Night time (Noctrunal) Asthma
In the night, asthma symptoms are much higher during sleep because asthma is powerfully influenced by the sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythms). Your asthma symptoms of coughing, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing are common and dangerous, particularly at night.
Causes of Asthma
- Poor digestion-Poor digestion is one of the primary causes of asthma. It leads to the formation of toxins (ama) in the body, which, ultimately aggravates the Kapha Dosha and leads to asthma.
- Excessive consumption of cold and heavy foods-Foods that are cold, heavy, and oily, like dairy products, fried foods, and ice cream, can aggravate the Kapha Dosha which leads to difficulty in breathing.
- Exposure to allergens-Allergens in the atmosphere such as dust, pollen, and animal dander, can aggravate the Kapha Dosha.
- Emotional stress-It is also an important factor that can lead to anxiety and it is hazardous for health.
- Improper lifestyle habits-Lack of exercise and improper irregular sleeping patterns and consumption of alcohol, smoking, and other drugs, can contribute to the development of asthma.
Symptoms of Asthma
The main symptoms of asthma in adults is difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath. The individual feels as if his chest is tight, and he is unable to take deep breaths.
- Wheezing is a whistling sound that is heard when an individual exhales. It is caused by the narrowing of the airways.
- A persistent cough that worsens at night is one of the symptoms of asthma. The cough might be dry or with phlegm.
- An individual can feel a tightness or pressure in the chest, making it difficult to breathe.
- Asthma can cause fatigue and weakness due to the increased effort required to breathe.
- Asthma attacks can cause anxiety and restlessness in an individual, making it difficult for them to stay calm.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Asthma
Ayurvedic treatment for asthma strengthens the lungs. Ayurvedic herbs have miraculous power to heal the symptoms of Asthma with ease.
- Panchakarma Therapy: Panchakarma therapies that can be useful in managing and healing asthma are Vamana(Vomiting procedure), Virechana (purgation therapy), Nasya (Administration of medicated oils through the nose), Abhyanga (Massage of the body), Swedana (Herbal fomentation).
- Natural herbs: Ayurvedic treatment for asthma use natural herbs, and medicated oils, to manage the symptoms of asthma.
- Lifestyle changes: Dietary regimes and lifestyle changes, such as yoga and meditation, and Pranayama(breathing exercises), can improve the overall health and well-being of the person. These lifestyle changes can also help in reducing stress, which is a common flare-up of asthma.
- Holistic approach: Ayurveda follows the holistic approach that focuses on balancing the body, mind, and soul, and helps reduce the frequency and severity of asthmatic attacks.
- Stops recurrence: Ayurveda aims to treat the root cause of the disease, which can provide long-term benefits as well as stops the recurrence of asthma.
- Significantly, Ayurveda has the treasure of natural herbs, yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises (Pranayama), to manage and prevent the recurrence of asthma symptoms.
FAQ's
Ayurvedic treatment for asthma aims to treat the root cause of the disease and prevent the recurrence of asthma attacks. It is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle, changes in diet, and exercise regularly for the permanent cure of Asthma. Additionally, consulting an Ayurvedic expert practitioner will eventually help in getting rid of Asthma permanently.
You can make a decoction (Kadha) of Ginger, Basil, Cloves, and Cinnamon and consume it lukewarmly twice a day.
- Honey tea: Honey tea can be made by mixing about 2 teaspoons of honey with warm water or tea.
- Saltwater gargles: Saltwater helps in reducing mucus and phlegm from your throat.
- Steam inhalation: Steam helps in clearing mucus or phlegm from the nasal passage and out of your lungs.
There are several reasons that lead to asthma. It is usually caused by a mixture of hereditary factors i.e.- inherit from birth and some environmental factors. Certain allergens from houses, dust, mites, and pets are the common causes. Other allergens, such as pollen can also cause Asthma.
Alcoholic drinks containing higher amounts of histamine and sulfites should be avoided at a high priority. Apart from this, beverages like coffee and tea should also be avoided.
The most useful breathing exercises (Pranayama) are as follows: Nadi Shodhana, which is also known as Anuloma Viloma. It clears up the blocked energy channels in your body and helps it heal. In addition, Bhastrika pranayama is done with Kapal Bhati to cleanse the airways of the body. These three breathing exercises are best for the patients who are suffering from asthma.
Drinking warm drinks gives benefits for conditions like Asthma. Such as drinking herbal tea or decoction (Kadha) made up of herbs such as ginger, licorice, and basil has soothing properties and can promote respiratory health.
Cold juices, cold drinks, and cold shakes should be excluded from the diet as they can aggravate the symptoms of Asthma.
Yes, to some people, asthma triggers more in cold weather conditions due to seasonal changes. For such patients, it is mandatory to carry your medicines with you, especially in changing weather and environmental conditions.
An asthma attack can last for several continuous hours if not treated timely. Acute asthma attacks last for a few minutes but a chronic attack takes several hours and proper medication is required. Medical treatment is mandatory in the case of shortness of breath.
Asthma can cause hazardous damage to your lungs if not treated early and in the right way. The finest Ayurvedic treatment for Asthma can protect you timely and early. The inflammation in the airways can cause damage to the bronchial tubes and the lungs over time, leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Repeated episodes of asthma attacks can cause scarring and thickening of the airway walls, which can permanently reduce the airway diameter and obstruct the airflow. This condition is known as airway remodeling, and it can lead to irreversible damage to the lungs.