Asthma: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

ASTHMA
Whenever we talk about respiratory issues or discuss lung health, asthma is always being an important part of our discussion. Today there are about 300 million people worldwide who are suffering from this disease and this number can be rising up to 400 million till 2025.

As per the recent data, “Asthma is ranked 28th as the leading cause of the burden of disease and ranked 16th as the leading cause of years spends with disability.” Furthermore, if we talk about asthma prevalence and incidence, it varies as per age and geographical area. People in developed countries are at higher stake than people living in less developed countries.

WHAT IS ASTHMA?
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways which causes airways hyper responsiveness and leads to life-threatening airway closure. In general terms, it is a problem in which a person’s airways get inflamed, narrow and swell, due to which breathing issues arise. But what happens exactly in this situation?

What is an asthma attack?
In the asthma attack, you might be suffering from these conditions –

#1. COUGHING
It is one of the most common symptoms of asthma, and this can you awake even in the middle of the night. However, some of you might ignore these symptoms because it is a common symptom of other respiratory problems as well. But asthma is not just about coughing.

#2. WHEEZING
It is a type of whistling sound that arises when you breathe out.

#3. CHEST TIGHTNESS
You may also feel a feeling of tightness or heaviness in your chest during asthma.

#4. OTHER SYMPTOMS
Except wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness with asthma, you may also get shortness of breath, getting difficulty in gasping air or breathe faster than usual.

Asthma is a type of disease that has a range of severity, from mild to life-threatening problems.

These are common symptoms of asthma and if you really get these symptoms then you must consult the doctor. Because in serious condition, the problem can be severe and you might be an encounter with other problems as well such as –

Your fingernails or lips can turn to blue
You can get a problem with talking or walking
You might be confused and respond slower

However, some people show symptoms only in specific situations –
# OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA
This problem of asthma triggers due to irritants present at the workplace such as dust, chemical fumes or gases. People with this type of asthma instead of wheezing show symptoms like eye irritation, congestion, running nose or cough.

# EXERCISE-INDUCED ASTHMA
As clear from the name, this type of asthma induces during high-intensity exercise or physical exertion, especially when the surrounding air is cold and dry. In this condition, the airways narrowing peaks within 20 minutes of exercising.

# ALLERGY-INDUCED ASTHMA
This type of asthma is triggered when a person comes in contact with airborne substances such as mold spores, pollen, skin particles, or pet dander.

#NOCTURNAL ASTHMA
This type of asthma bothers you while sleeping because of reclining position, cooling of airways and hormonal secretions.

#COUGH-VARIANT ASTHMA
People with this type of asthma found to have severe problems with coughing.

All types of asthma can lead to serious consequences, therefore, don’t take it lightly because asthma can be very dangerous.

But what causes asthma?
It generally triggers after exposure with –
• Respiratory infections
• Airborne particles
• Cold air
• Physical activity
• Air pollutants
• Stress or under strong emotions
• Gastrointestinal reflux disease
• Genetic

All these factors lead to altering innate and adaptive immune response, which finally causes asthma. Also, inflammation, airway hyper responsiveness, and airway obstruction show a significant association to trigger chronic asthma attacks. 

Further, to know asthma is mild, moderate or severe, you can take the help of this chart – 

BUT, THE MAJOR QUESTION THAT COMES IN EVERYONE’S MIND IS, HOW TO CONTROL ASTHMA?

The first thing that the doctor prescribes to an asthmatic patient is the inhaler. This is one of the major requirements if you are asthmatic. Because inhaler helps to clear the clogged ways and helps the patient to breathe properly.
Other than this, the doctor prescribes medicine and supportive care (oxygen therapy) to control this problem. However, the medication we take for asthma prevention can be problematic if used in the long term. Therefore, a safer option should be evaluated.

HOW TO CURE ASTHMA NATURALLY?

Whenever we think about natural treatment. The first thing that strikes is Ayurveda.
Ayurveda is a native old medical system of ancient India. It is based on a holistic approach to health and ailment using natural formulations and remedies from medicinal herbs and plants.
Asthma in Ayurveda is known as Tamaka Swasa. Its treatment involves several modalities such as polyhedral combinations, along with shodhana and shamana procedures.

As per Ayurveda asthma is classified into five major types:
Tamaka swasa (Bronchial asthma)
Mahaswasa (Dyspnoea major)
Kshudra swasa (Dyspnoea minor)
Chinna swasa (Chyne stroke respiration)
Urdhawaswasa (Expiratory dyspnoea)

The major reason behind asthma in ayurveda is aggravated kapha and vata. Aggravated kapha cause obstruction in pranvaha srotas, which further blocks the way of vata. Due to which, dryness increased which cause difficulty in breathing. Therefore, as per ayurveda norms, it is very important control and pacify both kapha and vata.

THERE ARE PRIMARILY TWO WAYS THROUGH WHICH THE ASTHMA CAN BE MANAGED –
1. Ayurvedic formulations
2. Panchakarma

First, let’s explore a little deep about panchakarma.
What is panchakarma?
These are the therapies, which aids to remove the harmful toxins out of the body. In asthma, these methods pacify the doshas and help to clear the airway obstruction of asthma.

THESE METHODS ARE –

#SWEDANA
In this method, hard Kapha get dissolved in the body. This makes the channels clear and vata get restored.

#SNEHANA
In this process, mild salt is mixed with medicated oils and afterward, the mixture is used to massage over chest and back. Through this, the Kapha become softer and airways get clear slowly.

#NASYA
It is a method in which oil is poured through nostrils. It is one of the highly effective methods to get relief from asthma.

These are some of the methods of panchakarma, which can really help to reduce the signs and symptoms of asthma.

Next are the herbal formulations, which also helps to pacify doshas. What are these formulations?
Let’s discuss this.

# KAS SHWAS HARI RASA
This formulation is the mixture of various rasa, Laxmivilas nardiya rasa, Shwas kasa chintamani rasa,
and Laxmivilas nardiya rasa along with Talisadi churna processed in Bhawana Vasa Kwath. It is one of the greatest medicinal herbal formulation for asthma. It mainly acts as vata-kapha reliever, clears congestion and useful in chronic problems as well.

# ANU TAILAM
This is the oil which is very effective to remove excess mucus, thereby clears congestion. Furthermore, it also helps to calms the nervous system and therefore beneficial in sore throat, a earache and a headache.
Ii is generally poured into nasal passage. It includes cinnamon stem bark, desmodium root, holostemma tuber, beal tree root, soanum root and cardomom fruit.

# ASTHMA CARE POWDER
This herbal formulation is the mixture of various herbs, which together form a potent formulation for pacifying kapha and vata. It not only provides relief from congestion and sore throat but also cuts problems like short breathlessness and whooping cough.

# BRONCHO CARE SYRUP

This formulation is specially formulated for cough, whooping cough, and cold.  It is a mixture of mulethi, chitrakmool, pippali, bharangi, kantkari and sonth. 

# COUGH GO TABLETS

These tablets are the mixture of pippali,  sonth, kali mirch and mulethi. This is why these are enriched with significant anti-inflammatory properties. This is also best for cough, bronchitis and other respiratory problems. 

# KANTH SUDHARAK VATI

This formulation contains potent antioxidants and phytochemicals, which are potent reliever of cough and cold. It is a great formulation for asthma.

Undoubtedly these formulations are safe and well-tolerated, still, use these under the supervision of an ayurvedic doctor.

For Treatment – ASTHMA GO KIT

HERE IS A VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: A good treatment can’t work till your lifestyle and diet is not as per your requisite. Believe or not, these two factors also trigger asthma. So, keep a keen eye on these as well.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE FOR ASTHMA

DIET
Eating always being an important aspect to maintain a good health. You are what you eat and that is why, there is a very famous quote, “let food be thy medicine.” Never underestimate the power of food what you eat.

The role of food in diabetes, cardiovascular problems and metabolic syndrome is well known, but it has been also seen that it is also exerting significant effects upon inflammatory problems.

Systemic inflammation is a major feature of asthma and if you take food that aggravates inflammatory mediators in the body, then your problem of asthma can be also raised.

The diet, specifically known as the western diet promotes the pro-inflammatory environment because it does not contain antioxidants and above that leads to the formation of free radicals. All these cause intense inflammation in the body. On the other hand, Med. diet is known to contain significant antioxidants and phyto chemicals with anti-inflammatory properties. This diet significantly lowers the risk and prevalence of asthma attacks.

LIFESTYLE

Not only diet but managing a healthy lifestyle is also very crucial to maintain the problem of asthma.

First of all, by adopting the above said eating plans, we will cross the first hurdle.

Second, do physical activities and don’t be the couch potato. A sedentary lifestyle weakens your lungs and this raises the chances of getting an asthma attack. Therefore, take out at least half n hour to one hour for exercise.

Third, if you are obese and suffer from asthma, then it is high time. Start doing exercise and eat healthily. Because obese patients are more prone to serious consequences.

Last but not the least, do yoga and breathing exercises. There is nothing better than doing these things. Because breathing exercises like anulom vilom clear your airways very effectively and also improves the functioning of lungs.

THEREFORE, DON’T JUST SIT LAZY. GET UP AND FIGHT AGAINST ASTHMA.

At last, some efficacious home remedies for asthma also make you feel better. These remedies can be easily prepared at home but are very effective.

Let’s explore some of the great home remedies for asthma –

#STEAM INHALATION
Take steam. There is nothing better than having steam two times a day. It relieves your nasal airways, lowers congestion and mucus. Therefore, include this in your routine.

#GARLIC AND GINGER
These two are kitchen kings. However, due to their astonishing anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, it’s significant helps to reduce the asthma problem.

GINGER
Mix equal quantities of ginger juice, honey, and pomegranate juice. Keep it in a jar and consume one tablespoon two to three times a day.

OR,
Boil one tablespoon of grated ginger in half a cup of water and have that water during the night.

GARLIC
Boil two to three garlic cloves in milk. Consume that milk.

#ONIONS
Onions are also best for asthma as it contains significant anti-inflammatory properties. Just have an onion every day in raw or cooked form.

#MUSTARD OIL
Don’t forget to add mustard oil in your daily routine as a massage oil. Warm adequate quantity of mustard oil and massage on the chest. Do this remedy regularly and you will surely see the change.

These are some of the remedies which you can adopt in your daily routine.

Altogether, if you are doing and apply all these natural ways to treat asthma in your life, your risk of asthma attack definitely gets reduced. 

SO, STAY NATURAL, STAY HEALTHY, AND STAY ASTHMA FREE.

For More – Ayurvedic Treatment of Asthma