MANAGEMENT OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA THROUGH AYURVEDA: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Abstract

Difficulty in breathing may be simply termed as Swasa (Asthma). It is Aamashaya Samudbhawa disease and when the vitiated Pranvayu combines with deranged Kapha Dosha in the lungs causing obstruction in the Pranavaha Srotasa (Respiratory passage). Bronchial asthma is a disease involving the diffuse inflammation of the airways presented with the complaints of breathlessness, cough, tightness in chest and wheezing particularly at night or early morning. Bronchial asthma as per the fundamentals of Ayurveda, based on the clinical features of the disease, this is usually correlated with Tamaka Swasa. Swasa is mainly caused by the Vata and the Kapha Doshas. Swasa is broadly classified into five types in Mahaswasa (Dyspnoea major), Urdhawaswasa (Expiratory Dyspnoea), Chhinna Swasa (Chynestroke respiration), Kshudra Swasa (Dyspnoea minor), Tamaka Swasa (Bronchial Asthma). The present paper will review the detail concept of Ayurveda in the management of Bronchial asthma.