Ayurvedic Treatment for COPD: Understanding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

COPD is a progressive lung disease that results in inflammation of the lungs and restricts your breathing. COPD includes both Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema and ranks fourth in the cause of death. It begins with chronic airway inflammation and usually gets progresses leading to Emphysema. Most affected patients present with complaints of dyspnea (shortness of breath) and chronic cough with sputum expectoration. 

What causes COPD?

·       Tobacco Use: 90% of cases have a history of Smoking which is a major risk factor.

·       Exposure to air pollution or fine dust: Inhalation of Dust such as coal mines, etc. Also organic dust like wood, animal dung, crop residue, and coal in poorly ventilated kitchens.

·       Genetic factors

What are the symptoms of COPD?

·       Chronic dyspnea (shortness of breath)

·       Chronic cough with a small amount of mucoidal sputum

·       Wheezing

·       Heaviness/tightness of chest

·       Fatigue

·       Weight loss

How to diagnose COPD?

·       Spirometry

· Post-bronchodilator test

·       Pulse oximetry

·       Blood gas analysis

·       Chest X-ray

·       Chest CT

·       Sputum evaluation

·       ECG

Treatments for COPD

·       Advice to Stop Tobacco use

·       Timely and Seasonal Sodhana (purification) and Samana (pacification)of the body are recommended in Ayurveda.

·       Improving lifestyle patterns and diet

Ayurveda Treatments:

·       Drugs like Ardraka, Ela, Pippali, Ashwagandha,etc are helpful in COPD conditions

·       Rasayanas like Pippali Rasayana, Chyavanaprasa, Agastaya Haritaki are used.

Pranayama and Yogasana in COPD:

· The practice of Kapalbaathi purifies the system.

·       Practice of pranayama and medication helps the patient to relax and dilate the bronchial passages, during onset of asthma episode.

·       YOGASANAS like Bhujangasana, Shalabhasana, and Paschimothasana are very useful