Ayurveda Management of Emphysema of the Lungs

Abstract

Chronic lung disorders are occurring commonly in Indian population. Altered food  habits, faulty life style, smoking, air pollution has resulted in increase in pulmonary disorders. Among  these, Chronic Bronchial Asthma, COPD, Bronchiectasis and Emphysema of the lung have been  increased. Any patient of Bronchial Asthma who are not treated properly or in chronic course lead to  emphysema in the end. Patients of emphysema will have barrel shaped or pigeon shaped chest and  increased resonant note on percussion. These patients will have thick and productive sputum on  expectoration. In Ayurveda respiratory diseases occur due to involvement of Pranavaha Srotas where  cough, breathing difficulties, disturbed respiratory pattern occurs . Ayurveda medicines has positive role  in the management of Emphysema of the lung. Formulations like Poornachandrodaya rasa,  Hiranyagarbha pottali, Malla sindoora, Tala sindhoora, Rasamanikya, Siddha makaradwaja, Kanakasava,  Somasava, Vasakarista, Taleesadi choorna and Sitopaladi choorna are commonly used in the management  of Emphysema. These formulations are having the ingredients with actions like immunomodulatory, anti infective, anti-bacterial, krimighna, bronchodilator, expectorant, rasayana, ojaskara, vayasthapana and  mucolytic action.The present paper highlights about the role of Ayurveda medicines in the management  of Emphysema of the lungs.