The most prevalent dangerous chronic disease in children is childhood asthma which is also known as bronchial asthma. In this condition there is fully or partially reversible bronchial tree airway blockage that may resolve by its own or may need treatment. A number of stimuli including infections and allergens can lead to bronchial asthma. In Ayurveda, Bronchial Asthma is known as Tamaka Shwasa. In the pathophysiology of Tamaka Shwasa Vata and Kapha are predominantly involved. As the result of this illness, Prana Vayu which is one of the five forms of Sharira Vayu, becomes vitiated.
Tamak Shwasa
Etiological factor in Tamak Shwasa are –
- Vidahi Guru and Vishtmbhi Ahar (Food which is spicy and hard to digest)
- Ruksha and Shit Ahar- Vihar (Cold food items like icecream and cold environment)
- Atimargagman (Excessive walking)
- Ativayayama (Excessive excercise)
- Visamahar (Food items which are unhealthy when consumed simultaneously)
- Pragvat and Varsha-Shishir Ritu (Airy weather, Rainy and Spring season)
When vata is blocked by vitiated kapha dosha then, it reversed and Prana Vaha Srotas get effected which leads to dyspnea, coughing, wheezing, laborious breathing etc. The patient becomes asleep and is extremely disturbed due to continuous coughing. Patient feels relief when sputum comes out. The throat is seriously damaged, and he faces trouble in speaking. The patient feels uncomfortable to lie down, which prevents him from falling asleep. He finds comfort in a seated or raised position. He wants to eat hot foods. He has bulging eyes, a sweaty forehead, and a constant sense of extreme discomfort. His mouth starts to dry up.
Triggers of Bronchial asthma
- Infections such as viral infections
- Exercise can induced asthma in genetically susceptible individuals
- Sudden change of weather
- Release of airborne allergens in atmosphere
- Emotions such as Stress
- Allergy to food proteins or additives
- Symptoms of Bronchial Asthma can increase during puberty
Features of Bronchial Asthma
- Symptoms occur with change in season and are aggaravated by exerciseand more in nights.
- Cold or boughts of cough which are more at night.
- Difficulty in breathing
- Prolonged expiration and wheezing
- Child sweats profusely and is apprehensive and restless.
- Cyanosis (Bluish discolouration of skin)
Management of Bronchial Asthma
According To Ayurveda :
- Nidana Parivarjana (Removal of cause)
- Shaman chikitsa (Medications such as Vasakasava and Kantakari Avaleha)
- Shodhan chikitsa -Virechana (Panchkarma therapy – Detoxification through loose motion)
- Pathya and Apathya (Diet)
- Pranayam and Yogasana
- Nadi-Sveda, Prastara-Sveda, and Sankara-Sveda after applying oil combined with rock salt on the body.
- Yoga and Pranayam such as Anulome-Vilome.
- Pathya Ahara
(Diet to be consumed):
Laghu and Ushna diet (Light and Warm food), Red rice (un polished) Moong daal, Kulatha daal, Wheat, Barley, Dates fruit, Cardamom, Goat milk, Honey, Patol, Garlic, Jambira lemon, Hot water.
- Apathya Ahara
(Diet not to be consumed) :
Over eating and taking milk at bed time, Fried food, too cold and sour food, heavy preparations, Fishes, Sheep milk, Leaves of mustard, Deep fried items such as Samosa, Sheetapaneeya [cool drinks], Dahi, Bread, Burger, Pizza, Cheese, Paneer etc.
According to modern medicine :
- Bronchodialators like adrenaline, terbutaline, salbutamol, salmeterol, formoterol etc.
- Inhaled corticosteroids like beclomethasone, budesonide and fluticasone.
- Mast cell stabilizers such as cromolyn sodium, Nedocromil and ketotifen.
- Leukotriene modifiers such as Montelukast and Zafirlukast.
- Inhalation devices :
- MDI (Metered dose inhaler)
- MDI with spacer
- MDI with spacer and face mask
- Dry powder inhaler
- Nebulizer
- Inhalation technique :
- Remove cap and shake inhaler in vertical direction
- Breathe out gently
- Put mouthpiece in mouth. At start of inspiration that should be slow and deep, press canister down and continue to inhale deeply.
- Hold breath for 10 seconds or as long as possible then breathe out slowly.
- Wait for a few seconds before repeating the steps.
Following measures can help in decresing the risk of recurrence :
- The bedroom should be clean and free from dust. Wet mopping of the floor is should be done.
- As curtains light plain cloth sheets should be used in the bedroom of the child.
- Regular cleaning of carpets, furniture, loose clothing and hangings, calenders and books.
- The bed of child should be aired regularly.
- The child may be sensitive to fur of animals so caressing of animal pets should be discouraged.
- Smoking should be avoided.
- Strong odors like wet paints, disinfectants and smoke should be minimized.
- Attics and basements should be avoided especially if unoccupied and closed.
So the principles of Ayurveda can be used effectively to treat asthmatic children. However, there are some limitations on illnesses such as status asthmaticus, severe cases of asthma, or acute in chronic presentations. In addition, Ayurveda offers many formulations such as Vasakasava and Kantakari Avaleha for reversing bronchospasm, which is very helpful in cases of mild and moderate asthma.
