Respiratory Disorders

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Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders refer to conditions that affect the lungs and airways, impairing normal breathing. In Ayurveda, breathing difficulties, or dyspnea, are referred to as “Svasa”. These disorders are classified based on the nature and pattern of the breath. Ayurveda identifies five types of Svasa (breathing disorders), each with unique characteristics and underlying causes.

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Home Remedies

Peppercorns, including black pepper and pippali, are long-term supporters of lung health, acting as both tissue builders and detoxifiers. They are especially effective in maintaining open airways over time.

Calming herbs like turmeric can be helpful in managing stress, particularly when the bronchial system is overburdened. When combined with coriander and cumin, turmeric helps soothe the bronchial passages.

Pungent herbs such as black pepper, garlic, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger are excellent for thinning mucus, making it easier to breathe by reducing its consistency.

Respiratory Diseases Asthma/ Tamaka Svasa

Asthma is a chronic condition that impacts the bronchi and bronchioles, leading to difficulty in breathing, along with severe coughing, restlessness, and wheezing sounds during respiration.

In Ayurveda, Tamaka Svasa refers to labored breathing that causes significant distress. This condition is primarily caused by the vitiation of the Kapha dosha, which leads to symptoms such as wide-open eyes and an upward gaze during an asthma attack. The term is commonly used to describe bronchial asthma.

Tuberculosis/Rajayakshma

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease primarily affecting the lungs, caused by a type of bacteria. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits.

In Ayurveda, Rajayakshma refers to a syndrome characterized by the wasting (kshaya) of various tissues, including rasa and ojas, which leads to immunodeficiency and makes the body susceptible to opportunistic infections, with tuberculosis being the most common. The term Rajayakshma is often used synonymously with tuberculosis, as it is a potentially fatal condition that causes severe depletion of the body’s vitality.

Rhinitis/ Pratishyaya

Rhinitis is the inflammation of the nasal membranes, commonly presenting with symptoms such as watery nasal discharge, nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching in the nose. It may also involve itching in the eyes, throat, and palate.

In Ayurveda, it is described as Pratishyaya, which occurs when the doshas, primarily Kapha, move towards the Vata dosha. This imbalance causes the vitiated Kapha to be expelled through the nasal passages. The condition is characterized by congestion and other symptoms related to nasal obstruction and discharge.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI)

An upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is an acute infection that affects the upper part of the respiratory system, including the nose, sinuses, throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), and windpipe (trachea). Common symptoms and conditions associated with URTIs include nasal congestion, sore throat, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, ear infections (otitis media), and the common cold.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI)

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are infections that target the lungs, bronchi, and trachea. They can be caused by various microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Common LRTIs include conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, and tuberculosis.

These infections can vary in severity, with symptoms often including coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, and fatigue.

Sinusitis/Peenasa

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the tissues lining the sinuses, which are air-filled spaces in the forehead, cheeks, and nose. This condition leads to facial pain, nasal congestion or discharge, and sometimes fever and other symptoms. It is commonly caused by the common cold, but can also be triggered by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or allergies.

In Ayurveda, sinusitis occurs due to an imbalance of Kapha and Vata doshas in the sinus region. The aggravation of Shleshaka Kapha, combined with other doshas, leads to the formation of thick, sticky mucus that obstructs the sinuses.

Bronchitis/Kasa

In Ayurveda, bronchitis is also known as the kasa roga. This condition denotes the inflammation of bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs. It usually follows a viral respiratory tract infection. The phlegm adheres to the inflamed mucous membrane thus making it difficult to expel it. The sticky semi-fluid phlegm may be purulent. The phlegm sticking to the bronchi causes breathing difficulty thus starving the lungs of air. It is mainly caused due to smoking, air pollution, and emphysema. Advancing age also tends to influence the development of bronchitis. The main symptoms are dry/productive cough, shortlessness of breath, slight fever, fatigue, chest pain

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

This category encompasses all respiratory diseases that cause breathlessness or difficulty exhaling. It primarily affects individuals who have been exposed to various forms of smoke. The condition is severe and can continue to worsen even if the person stops smoking.

Emphysema

Emphysema is a chronic condition characterized by the damage to the alveolar walls in the lungs, leading to a reduction in the respiratory surface area. The primary cause is cigarette smoking. Key symptoms include shortness of breath and a persistent cough. Over time, emphysema can result in a loss of lung elasticity, making it harder to breathe.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs of one or both lungs. These air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, leading to symptoms such as a cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. The condition can be triggered by various organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.