Asthma: The Ayurvedic Concept

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Table of Contents

    Introduction

    The fundamental cause of asthma is the bronchospasm, which depends upon the blockage of the respiratory system for inhaling and exhaling. The bronchi are connected especially with the lower lobes of the lungs, if are blocked, the upper lobes of the lungs, by nature, become more active. In this condition, enough oxygen can not be supplied through the passages of the respiratory system which in fact, causes breathlessness to activate the lungs for enough oxygen supply. 

    The Ayurvedic words Vata and Kapha are the keynotes to designate the physical condition of asthma. The word, Vata is the significance of spasm, and the word, Kapha indicates the blockage whatever may be the cause of it. Bronchial edema; congestion; mucous exudation; partial failure of the respiratory function; exhaustion; inflammation etc in general, results in blockage in the passage of the respiratory system for inhaling and exhaling. 

    Asthma is classified into three categories: General Asthma, Malignant Deep Asthma, and Allergic Asthma. Malignant Deep Asthma has three different conditions related to failure of the kidney function; failure of the respiratory function; and failure of the exhaling function. Allergic asthma also has two different natures: one is common in the winter season and another in the summer season. 

    General asthma is called “Ksudraswasa”. It is concerned with exhaustion whatever may be the cause of it. In general, it appears as a symptom of related diseases. 

    The malignant deep asthma-related failure of the kidney is called “Mahaswasa”. It is common in old age and causes death. 

    The malignant deep asthma related to the failure of the respiratory function is called “Chinnaswasa”. It is common in old age or complicated situations of patients and causes death.

    The malignant deep asthma related to the failure of the exhaling function is called “Urdhwaswasa”. It is common in old age or complicated situations of patients and causes death. 

    Allergic asthma, which is common in the winter season, is called “Tamakaswasa”. It is related to cold atmosphere, cold water, cool breeze, and mucous exudation whatever may be the cause of it. 

    Allergic asthma, which is common in the summer season or rainy season, is called “Santamaka Swasa”. “Pratamaka Swasa”, is related to dust, fungus indigestion, and neurasthenia. 

    Common cold, flu, or congestion whatever may be the cause of it, is the general aggravating condition of asthma. Ayurveda points out the unseen problems of neurasthenia e.g. the reversed function of the respiratory system alimentary system or urinary system is the main cause of chronic allergic asthma. 

    Difficulty for breathing, especially in exertion is the main symptom of general asthma. While having rest, causes no more problems. Difficulty in breathing with deep wheezing, loss of sense, and anuria with constipation are the main symptoms of malignant deep asthma concerned with the failure of the kidneys. It is not curable. Difficulty in breathing with periodical collapse, perspiration, red eyes, and tympanitis are the main symptoms of malignant deep asthma concerned with the failure of the respiratory function. It is not curable. Difficulty in breathing with suffocation is the main symptom of malignant deep asthma related to the failure of the exhaling function. It is also not curable. Difficulty breathing with the common cold, wheezing, and coughs are the main symptoms of allergic asthma related to winter, the attack of it is common at night. In this case, the patient feels better with expectoration, hot drinks, and a sitting position. Difficulty in breathing with fever dry chest and inflammation are the main symptoms of allergic asthma related to the hot season. The attack of it is also common during the night. In this case, the patient feels better with a cooling atmosphere. 

    The general treatment of allergic asthma is based on the combination of drugs, which opens the blockage of the respiratory system, subdue the attack of spasms, strengthen the function of the pulmonary nervous system (Vata) and artery system (Kapha), and correct the unseen problems of neurasthenia. 

    The drug that opens the blockage depends upon the conditions e.g. drug for swelling; for inflammation; for congestion; for exudation etc. 

    The drug, which subdues spasms, contains some particular ingredients identified as antiasthma. 

    The drug, which strengthens the functions of the pulmonary nervous system and artery system, contains some general tonic. It is very important in the treatment of chronic asthma. 

    The drug, which corrects the unseen problems of neurasthenia depends upon the conditions e.g. drug for a regular bowel movement (laxatives); a drug for cleaning the function of the urinary system (diuretic); a drug for the proper function of the respiratory system (expectorants), etc. In general, the drug, which is identified as a nerve tonic, is against the problems of neurasthenia. 

    Causes of Asthma

    The bronchospasm or periodical reversed function of the respiratory system is the fundamental cause of asthma and the cause of the bronchiospasm is the airway obstruction. The bronchi are particularly connected with the lower lobes of the lungs, if are blocked, the upper lobes of the lungs, by nature, become more active. This is the morbid condition of the reversed function of the respiratory system. In this condition, enough oxygen can not be supplied through the air passages of the respiratory system. That, in fact, causes breathlessness to activate the lungs for enough oxygen supply, which is very important for the proper functions of the heart and brain. 

    The Ayurvedic words, Vata and Kapha are the keynotes to designate the physical conditions of asthma. The word, Vata is significant for spasm which is concerned with frequent impulses of the respiratory nervous system, and the word, Kapha is significant for blockage or airway obstruction which depends upon the conditions of bronchial edema or swelling; congestion; mucous exudation; partly failure of the respiratory function; exhaustion; accumulation of air; inflammation; shrinking condition of the lungs etc. 

    The main cause of general asthma is a weak heart concerned with other diseases e.g. bronchitis, fever, bleeding diseases, obesity; urinary diseases; hepatomegaly; general edema; peritonitis; general debility, etc. 

    The particular causes of malignant deep asthma can be varied e.g. failure of the respiration function; failure of the kidney’s function; failure of the exhaling function etc. These causes often are associated with old age. It is well investigated that the person who has well expanded chest (that in general is common to the person who exercises) in old age or in some other condition if the chest is declined; can have the problem of deep asthma. The condition of a declining chest depends upon loss of weight; overindulgence in sex; neurasthenia; depression; heavy labor; general debility etc. 

    The particular causes of allergic asthma can be divided into two groups: one group is concerned with cold and another group is concerned with heat. The cause concerned with cold includes a cold drink or ice cream etc.; a cold atmosphere of winter or snowy land; the effect of rain or cold water; excessive or daily indulgence in sweet sour or salty foods, greasy foods, milk products except cheese; sleeping during the day; strong anti-pyretic drugs, etc. The cause concerned with heat includes pollen, grain dust, organic or inorganic dust’s slow poisonous effect; smoking or smoking cigarette; fungus or mold; withholding the natural urges of stool, urine, or gas, etc; effect of heat; anger; excessive or daily indulgence in sour, salty or pungent foods; vinegar; hot drink; awakening at night; effect of summer or rainy season, etc. 

    The causes of allergic asthma which are related to cold, result in bronchial edema or swelling, mucous exudation, and congestion. In this condition, blockage is the main problem which is identified as a Kaphadosa, the Ayurvedic term to designate the abnormal exudation that causes blockage. Other causes of allergic asthma, which are related to heat result in inflammation, heat, and congestion. In this condition heat is the main problem, which is identified as a Pittadosa, the Ayurvedic word to designate the dilatation or the veins, which cause heat. 

    Allergic asthma whatever may be the kind of it, in general, gets worse in the condition of a common cold, flu, or congestion and the effect of the darkness of night which results in slow activities of the mind.

    Symptoms of Asthma

    Difficulty in breathing or breathlessness is the general symptom of Asthma. Uneasiness in the heart, abnormal colic pain, tympanitis or bloated stomach, bad taste in the mouth, and slight headache especially affecting the temples are the primitive symptoms of asthma that indicate the attack of asthma. 

    Difficulty in breathing, especially in the condition of exertion is the main symptom of General Asthma. It is often associated with other symptoms of related diseases e.g. heart problems, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary T.B. hepatomegaly, edema, excitement, etc. This kind of asthma which has rest causes no problems and the attack of bronchiospasm automatically disappears. 

    Difficulty in breathing with deep and loud wheezing, loss of sense, restless eyes, open mouth, and anuria with constipation are the main symptoms of Malignant Deep Asthma concerning the kidneys. The frequent attack of it causes death. 

    Difficulty in breathing with periodical collapse, heart pain, bloated stomach, perspiration, coma, burning sensation in the urinary bladder, and red eye on either the right side or left side are the main symptoms of malignant deep asthma concerned with the failure of the respiratory function. The frequent attack of it causes death. 

    Difficulty in breathing with suffocation, delusion, restlessness, and difficulty looking down are the main symptoms of malignant deep asthma concerned with the failure of exhaling function. The frequent attack of it causes death.

    Difficulty breathing with common cold, wheezing, coughs, insomnia, dry mouth, and headache are the main symptoms of allergic asthma with cold or winter. The attack of it is common at night. In this, case, the patient feels better with expectoration, hot drink, and sitting position and the symptoms get worse if the patient has a dry cough, uneasy sleeping position, effect of a cool breeze or cold atmosphere. The worst symptoms are associated with suffocation, perspiration on the forehead, difficulty talking, and extreme exhaustion. The case of allergic asthma concerned with cold or winter automatically gets better in summer. In this condition, if it is not treated properly, it can be chronic causing problems in every winter or cold atmosphere. It is very important to pay attention that chronic allergic asthma if is related to hereditary background, does not follow the rule of winter. It can appear in any condition of common cold, flu, or congestion, etc. This is especially true for children or teenage patients. 

    Difficulty in breathing with fever, dry chest, or inflammation, wheezing, common cold, insomnia, and dry coughs are the main symptoms of allergic asthma related to the hot season or summer. The attack of it is common during the period of night. In this case, the patient feels better with expectoration; sitting position, and cold drink or cold atmosphere, and the symptoms get worse with the sleeping position and the warm atmosphere of the room. The worst symptoms are associated with suffocation, perspiration, difficulty talking, and extreme exhaustion. It is well investigated that the patient of allergic asthma concerned with the hot season or summer gets better automatically in winter. In this condition, if it is not treated properly, it can be chronic causing problems every summer with unseen symptoms of neurasthenia e.g. the reversed function of the urinary system, alimentary system, or respiratory system. Anuria, painful urination, and dark urine are the significance of neurasthenia of the alimentary system. Recurrent attacks of common cold, thirst, and hot sensation are the main significance of neurasthenia of the respiratory system. Neurasthenia whatever may be the condition of it, in general, causes mental depression irritation, and uneasiness. In this sense, it is very important to pay attention to proper diagnosis that the patient with allergic asthma-related especially during the hot season loses patience.

    Prevention from Asthma

    Not having direct or indirect contact with the person, who has a common cold, flu, or congestion, is very important for Asthma patients. 

    The patient with asthma has to be very careful to avoid the effects of hot and cold conditions; heat on the brain; sleeping during the day; effect of dampness; swimming; cold baths; rain wet; windy or cold atmosphere; cold drinks or foods; fruit juice; yogurt; milk products; vinegar; overripe fruits; water of well, pond or river; fish; salad, greasy food; pork; beef; etc. These foods and behaviors cause exudation and congestion. The patient with allergic asthma related to colds, especially has to be very careful in winter with the foods and behaviors which cause congestion. The patient with allergic asthma related to heat, especially, has to be very careful in the summer hot season with the foods and behaviors, which cause congestion. 

    Withholding the urges of stool, urine, gas, etc. is very harmful to the patient of asthma because it causes reversed problems of the nerves. It is especially true for chronic allergic asthma with neurasthenia. 

    The sleeping room should be well-ventilated, warm in winter and cold in summer. Sleeping naked is strictly prohibited. The habit of sleeping with an open mouth inhaling and exhaling is very bad. If there is a blockage in the nose whatever may be the cause of it, should be treated as soon as possible for proper breathing with the nose. The wind inhaled through the mouth gets cold and causes congestion and the wind inhaled through the nose is not like that. 

    Running; jogging; heavy labor; climbing etc. cause breathlessness. In this condition the patient with asthma can have congestion with cold wind inhaled through the mouth. 

    Use of bicycle or motorbike is strictly prohibited. Smoking; effect of smoke pollution; dust etc. inhaled especially through the mouth attaches to the bronchial mucous membrane. As a natural function of the chest, any foreign thing attached to the bronchial mucous membrane causes exudation and blockage which is very bad for the patient of asthma. 

    Overindulgence in sex, especially with kissing mood is very bad for the patient of asthma. It causes the problems of the decline of the chest and congestion. 

    The physical and mental stamina has to be maintained with proper digestion, general tonic, and nutritive foods. In this condition, especially the problem of low blood pressure which causes low blood circulation, has to be solved as soon as possible with the proper treatment. 

    Some diseases, which are related to asthma e.g. heart problems, obesity, edema, and enlargement of the liver and spleen, etc. have to be treated properly. 

    Strong analgesic and antipyretic drugs are prohibited from use in big doses. They cause congestion.

    Treatment of Asthma

    The general treatment of asthma is based on a combination of drugs, which open the blockage of the respiratory system and subdue the attack of spasms. The drug that opens the blockage depends upon the condition e.g. drug for swelling; drug for inflammation; drug for congestion; drug for mucous exudation. And, the drug, which subdues the spasm, contains some specific antiasthma medicine. Swasakasantaka, a compound of Adhatoda Vasica with other ingredients, is one of the best remedies against asthma to counter the problems of blockage and spasms. It is prescribed with warm water or honey for three to four weeks for immediate relief. 

    While treating the problems of general asthma, if it is symptomatic, the related disease also has to be treated side by side with regular drugs. It is very important.

    The general treatment of allergic asthma, which has different natures related to hot and cold conditions should be based on a specific combination of drugs, which open the bronchial blockage; subdue the attack of spasm; strengthen the functions of the pulmonary nervous system and artery system; correct the unseen problems neurasthenia. 

    To open the blockage whatever may be the condition of it, Mrityunjaya, a compound of Aconitum Palmatum with other ingredients, is one of the best remedies. In general, this medicine is very effective in subduing the problems of congestion and inflammation of allergic asthma either related to heat or cold. Lavangasava, a fermented drug of clove with other herbs, is very important to prescribe with Mrityunjaya. 

    To subdue the attack of spasms, Chaturdasanga, a compound of carminative ingredients with anti-asthma drugs is one of the best remedies. The drastic spasm of allergic asthma related to cold has to be controlled with Chaturdasanga along with Nimbadi, a compound of Azadirachta indica, and other herbs. The drastic spasm of allergic asthma related to heat has to be controlled with Surasadiyoga, a compound of Ocimum sanctum with other herbs. These drugs, which open the blockage and subdue the attack of spasm, have to be prescribed for three to six months. 

    The drugs, which strengthen the functions of the nervous system and artery system, contain some tonics. Chyavanaprasha, a paste compound of Emblica officinalis with other herbs, or Kushmandabaleha, a paste compound of Benincasa Hispida with other herbs, or Sarachandrodya, a compound of iron is one of the best tonics. It has to be prescribed for 3-6 months during the period of winter for chronic allergic asthma related to heat and during the period of summer for chronic allergic asthma related to cold. 

    The drugs, that correct the unseen problems of neurasthenia include laxatives, diuretics and expectorate ingredients along with nerve tonic. Narachachurnam, a compound of Operculina Turpethum with other ingredients, is one of the best remedies for neurasthenia. It is prescribed for 2-3 months during the period of attack of chronic allergic asthma either related to heat or cold.

    It is well investigated that chronic case of allergies is very difficult to cure. This is especially true for someone who has a hereditary problem of asthma. In this condition, someone needs two rounds of treatment based on the attack of different seasons e.g. the treatment of allergic asthma has to be repeated in the next year during the period of seasonal attack. 

    Deep asthma is not curable; however, it can be well maintained for the time being with the regular treatment of asthma. 

    Prohibited Foods and Behaviors of Asthma

    Prohibited Foods

    • Cold drinks;
    • Ice cream;
    • Milk products; especially yogurt;
    • Fruit juice;
    • Salad;
    • Mushroom;
    • Watery vegetables e.g. pumpkin, squash, etc;
    • Vinegar;
    • Greasy food preparations;
    • Pork, beef, and fish;
    • Water from well, pond, or river;
    • Nuts e.g. peanut, walnut, cashew nut, coconut, etc.

    Prohibited Behaviors

    • Sleeping during the day;
    • Swimming;
    • Cold bath;
    • Effect of damp, hot, and cold conditions;
    • Rain wet;
    • Heat on the brain (sun bath) windy or cold atmosphere;
    • Running;
    • Jogging;
    • Heavy exercise or labor;
    • Withholding the natural urges of urine, stool, and gas;
    • Smoking, the effect of smoke;
    • Pollution and dust;
    • Sleeping naked;
    • Overindulgence in sex, etc.

    Author

    Dr. Mana Bajra Bajracharya
    PIYUSHAVARSHI AUSHADHALAYA
    Ayurvedic Clinic
    Mahabouddha, Kathmandu, Nepal

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