CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE:

Introduction:  chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease is the chronic inflammatory disorder of the lungs that causes obstruction of the airflow from the lungs. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease includes two main diseases those are Emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Both the conditions occur synergistically but vary in its severity.  COPD is the progressive disease. Chronic bronchitis is severe inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes whose main function is to carry air to and from the alveoli (alveoli) of the lungs. It is characterized by regular cough and mucus production (sputum). On the other hand Emphysema is a chronic lung condition in which the bronchioles (alveoli at the end of the smallest air passages of the lungs) are deteriorates as a result of excessive exposure to cigarette smoke, irritating gases and particulate matter. Although it get worsen with time but it can be properly managed if diagnosed early.

Keynotes:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the 3^rd leading cause of death across the globe
• Early diagnosis of the disease and treatment along with cessation of smoking is needed to slow down the progression of symptoms of the disease and reduce flare-ups
• Risk factors includes tobacco smoke, indoor air pollution, fumes, occupational dust, chemicals

What Causes COPD?

• Active or passive smoking, tobacco exposure
• Occupational exposure to dust, fumes or chemicals
• Fuels like coal, biomass burning or air pollution
• Childhood asthma
• Premature delivered baby or childhood respiratory infections
• A rare genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AAT), it is an inherited disorder
• Age is more than 65 years

Sign and symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:

COPD symptoms often appears late until significant lung damage has occurred and they usually get worsen over a period of time particularly if smoking is persistent. People having COPD likely to experience episodes known as Exacerbation, during this period the symptoms flare up and it may persist  for several days.

• Shortness of breath particularly during physical exertion
• A chronic cough that produces mucus or sputum that may vary from clear, white, yellow to greenish
• Wheezing sound during respiring
• Chest tightness
• In later stages there is unintended weight loss
• Swelling in ankles or even in feet or legs
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Lack of energy or fatigue

 Pathogenesis:

Smoking

Airway wall inflammation

Hypertrophy of mucus secretary glands

Increase in the number of goblet cells in bronchi

Decrease number of ciliated cells increased mucous transport become less

Airway obstruction and loss of pulmonary elasticity

 COPD

Ayurveda and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:

Ayurveda is the science of body humours  vata, pitta and kapha. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is known as Shwasavrodha which is mainly due to the vitiation of Kapha Dosha and accumulation of Ama (toxins). The reason behind the vitiation of Kapha dosha mentioned in Ayurvedic context are excessive intake of oily, fried, sour, salty or dry foods, addiction to cigarette smoking etc. this leads to rise in Kapha inside the body that impaired Agni (digestive power) this further leads to blockage of various micro channels (srotas) inside the body. These channels are of exchange of air and blood.  The expiration leads to push out oxygen out of the body and inhalation of Oxygen in the body, this process is called as Prana. Hence  the flow of Prana vayu gets obstructed causing COPD.

Nidanasevan (causative agent)

Kapha and Ama increases in Amashaya

This vitiated Kapha moves upwards and reaches the respiratory system

And producing obstruction in the respiratory tract (Pranvahastrotasa)

Normal movements of Prana Vayu are hampered and moves upward

Producing the disease Shwasa

Treatment of COPD in modern medicine:

Inhaled bronchodilators: bronchodilators are the medicines that help loosen tight muscles in the airways. They are taken as inhaler or nebulizer. Bronchodialtors are of two types Short-acting bronchodilators and Long Acting bronchodilator.

• aclidinium/formoterol
• glycopyrrolate/formoterol
• tiotropium/olodaterol
•  Corticosteroids: Glucocorticosteroid reduces the  inflammation in the airways and decreases the mucus production.
•  Theophylline: Theophylline helps to reduce chest tightness, shortness of breathe and helpful during the flare of the disease.
•  Antibiotics and antivirals

Management of Chronic Obstructed Pulmonary disease by Chandigarh Ayurved Centre:

1. Kapha Balance Tablet: Kapha tablet is a healthy blend of herbs formulated to balance Kapha doshas without aggravating Pitta and Vata doshas. It can also be used to alleviate any temporary Kapha imbalance. It is very effective in Kapha season that is late winter and spring. It consists of warming and astringent herbs that help to balance the system throughout the cold season. The main use of Kapha tablets is to remove excess Kapha doshas from the system and helps in the management of weight, healthy lungs, and the immune system.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.

2. Kas Shwas Hari Rasa: Kas Shwas Hari Rasa is an Ayurvedic potent medicine for Respiratory system related problems. It includes – Shwas kasa chintamani rasa, Laxmivilas nardiya rasa, Sutashekhar rasa, Talisadi churna processed in Bhawana Vasa Kwath. It is mainly used in recurrent cough and cold. This tablet is very beneficial for upper respiratory congestion and bronchial asthma. Kas Shwas Hari Rasa has wonderful effects in both acute as well as chronic diseases of respiratory problems.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.

3. Cough Go Tablets: These herbal tablets are beneficial in cough, cold, bronchitis, & other respiratory disorders. Cough Go Tablets are ayurvedic formulation containing Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Pippali (Piper longum), Kali mirch (Piper nigrum), etc. All these ingredients show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, & expectorant properties. This is very beneficial in fever due to phlegm and treats the chronic cough. It helps in reducing cough, headache, rhinitis, etc.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.

4. Broncho care syrup: Broncho care is ayurvedic syrup containing ingredients such as Vasa patra (Adhatoda vasica), Kantkari (Solanum surattense), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), Chitrakmool (Plumbago zeylanica), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), etc. It is mainly used in chronic cough, bronchitis, whooping cough, chronic laryngitis, common cold, etc.

Recommended Dosage – Take 2 teaspoonful twice a day.

5. Anu Tailam: In classical terms, the nose is the gateway to the brain, mind, and consciousness. Anu Tailam is administrated through the nasal passage to lubricate, protect, and calm the mind. It includes – Sesame oil, bael tree root, solanum root, cinnamon stem bark, cardamom fruit, desmodium root, etc. It is an excellent medicine for Kapha imbalance that relieves tension from the neck, head, and shoulder area. This oil gives more mental clarity and calms down the nervous system. It is also beneficial for headache, earache, sore throat.

Method of application – Put 2-3 drops of anu tailam in each nostril.