The disease bronchitis is characterized by
the inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs which results in
the discharge (coughing out) of a mucopurulent substance,
commonly known as phlegm. It is of several types depending upon
the nature of the discharge. Bronchitis can occur as a symptom
of many other diseases like tuberculosis. In all such cases, one
or the other type of germ is considered to be the causative
factor.
In Ayurveda, this disease is called kasa roga. Krimis or germs
are known in Ayurveda to cause the disease. But they are not
considered to be the primary causative factors. Ayurveda
considers kasa roga to be caused primarily by the impairment of
digestion. For the treatment of bronchitis, therefore, drugs
having properties to correct both the lungs and stomach are
selected by ayurvedic physicians.
Symptoms:
-
Cough that produces mucus (sputum), may be
blood streaked.
-
Shortness of breath aggravated by exertion
or mild activity.
-
Frequent respiratory infections (such as
colds).
-
Wheezing.
-
Fatigue.
-
Ankle, feet and leg swelling that affects
both sides.
-
Reddish face, palms or mucous membranes.
-
Reddish cheeks.
-
Headaches.
-
Chest pain.
-
Sore throat.
-
Fever.
Root Causes :
Acute bronchitis generally follows a viral respiratory
infection. The viral infection produces bronchitis and secondary
bacterial infection. Chronic bronchitis is a long term condition
of excessive bronchial mucus with a productive cough. Chronic
bronchitis is also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease. Cigarette smoking (active and passive exposure) is the
chief cause of the disease. Factors that make it worse include
air pollution, infection, family factors and allergies.
Early recognition and treatment of small airway disease in
people who smoke, combined with smoking cessation, may prevent
the progression the disease.
Herbal Remedies
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum):
Water boiled with tulsi leaves can be taken as a drink in case
of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.
Vasaka (Adhatoda vasika):
In acute stages of bronchitis it gives unfailing relief,
especially where the sputum is thick and sticky. It liquefies
the sputum so that it is brought up more easily. For coughs, 7
leaves of the plant are boiled in water, strained and mixed with
24 grams of honey. This decoction provides relief. Similarly a
confection of vasaka flowers eaten in doses of 12 grams twice
daily relives cough. About 60 grams of flowers and 180 grams of
jaggery should be mixed for preparing this confection.
Linseed:
A loose poultice of the seeds can be applied with excellent
results in chest troubles and diseases like bronchitis,
pneumonia, broncho-pneumonia and pleurisy. The counter-irritant
effect of the paultice can be enhanced by dusting mustard powder
over it.
Linseed emulsion or tea can be made by heating a teaspoon of the
powdered seeds in about 360 ml of water. The liquid is reduced
to half its quantity by boiling, and can be sweetened with sugar
candy or sugar. Even children can be given this tea to
counteract bronchitis.
Diet:
- A limited quantity of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
- A liberal amount of alkali-forming foods – fresh fruits,
green vegetables, sprouted seeds and grains.
- Avoid foods which tend to produce phlegm – rice, sugar,
lentils and curd.
- Avoid difficult-to-digest foods – strong tea, coffee,
alcoholic beverages, condiments, pickles, sauces and all
refined and processed foods.
- Take plenty of water during an attack of asthma.
- Take very light dinner so that the stomach is almost empty
when fall asleep.
Life style:
- Avoid excess humidity.
- Avoid exposure to dust, fumes and pollen grains
- Check your allergens
- Try to avoid smoking completely.
- Do not over eat as it is prone to asthma attack
- Keep your room pollution-free
- Remove carpets from your room
Yoga to cure Bronchitis:
