COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

COPD 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema is the fourth leading cause of death and its prevalence has been increasing steadily over the past 20 years. 

The main reason may be rapid socio-economic development which was resulted in a life style transition from traditional to modern. 

In COPD, inhalation of toxic substances particularly inhalation of tobacco smoke etc. causes inflammation of the lung tissue.

It can be said that pathogenesis of COPD involves following steps :

Smoking →Airway wall inflammation→hypertrophy of mucus secretary glands →increase in number of goblet cells in bronchi → decrease number of ciliated cells increased mucous transport become less → airway obstruction and loss of pulmonary elasticity → COPD

Ayurvedic perspective of COPD :

From Ayurveda point of view, COPD can be termed as, disorder of Pranavaha Srotas, as etiological factors and clinical features described in Ayurvedic classics for Pranavaha Srotodushti are nearly similar with those of COPD and occurs usually in the prolonged conditions of Kasa or Tamaka Shvasa. 

Risk factor include exposure to air pollution, second-hand smoke and occupational dusts and chemicals, smoking, cold weather etc. 

which are also mentioned in Ayurvedic classics “Rajasa Dhoomvatabhyam Shitathanambusevanam Rukshanna Vishmashanat”. 

Identification, reduction, and control of risk factors to prevent the onset of COPD are important steps towards developing strategies for prevention of COPD. 

 References regarding life style modification along with treatment principle & formulations mentioned in Ayurveda like Haritakyadi Modaka, Vyaghri Haritaki Avleha, Pipalyadi Gutika, Agatsya Haritaki Leha etc. can be adopted for the prevention and management of COPD. 

As per Ayurveda for the prevention or management of any disease, there are three broad steps described as Nidanaparivarjana, which includes life style modifications and diet pattern, Shamana (pacification treatment) and Shodhana (biopurifactory methods).

सर्वमन्यत् परितज्य शरीरमनुपालयेत् 

As said Ayurveda, which means best way to stay healthy is to follow all such regimen which are suitable to one and to avoid factors which  

disturbs homeostasis. 

Hence it can be said that finding out the causative factor for COPD in individual, such as to stop smoking, taking appropriate precautions in certain type of occupational environment, avoiding close contact with people suffering from respiratory infection, exposure to excessive heat, cold and high altitudes, exposure to environmental irritants and day sleep.

How to diagnose it ? 

Diagnosis is confirmed by Pulmonary function test where a post bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) /Vital  

capacity is less than 0.7 confirms the presentation of airflow limitations which is not fully reversible. 

There is no characteristic abnormality on chest radiograph and may be normal or show features of co-existing emphysema, However, it may  

be helpful in detecting an alternative disease or complication.

How to deal with COPD :

1.Lifestyle modification :

In most of the diseases, lifestyle changes, helps to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life like exercising regularly, taking fresh, warm  

diet which is low in saturated fat but rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods and maintaining a normal weight, to be in well  

ventilated hygienic environment. 

Similarly Nasya of two drops of Anutaila / Shadbindu Taila in each nostrils daily may prevent coming in  contact with irritant or pollutant with the nasal mucosa. 

Waking up  early in the morning at regular time and taking glass of warm water early morning empty stomach and avoiding Irregular and untimely eating of food may help to prevent complication of COPD. 

2. Yoga and pranayam :

Practice of Pranayama for example kapalbhati purifies the Nadi. 

Depending upon the type of Pranayama performed, the flow of pranic energy may be increased or decreased in either one or more of the major Nadi: Ida, Pingala, or Sushumna Nadi. 

While Ayurveda understands the role of Pranayama in regards to Prana, Tejas, and Ojas and their corresponding effects on the mind, relaxation along with conscious breathing of almost any type improves the functioning of the respiratory system. 

Simple diaphragmatic breathing increases the volume of air moving through the lungs on inhalation and exhalation. 

It reported that practice of Pranayama and meditation enables patients to take some control over autonomic function, offering the patient an opportunity to relax and dilate the bronchial passages at the onset of an asthmatic episode. 

This may also benefit patients with additional breathing challenges such as chronic bronchitis. 

Yoga:

Yogik practices rehabilitate varies vital organs and make them Functionally more competent.

 

Bhujangasana, Savasana, Shalabhasana, Paschimotasana are useful Asana for Pranavaha Srotas as it accelerates the blood circulation of  

the lungs and thus increase the vital capacity of lung.

3. management :

Timely and seasonal Shodhana (bio purification) should be performed in accordance with the patients strength like strong patients may  

undergo Vamana, Virechana, and Niruha basti as well as Nasya therapy in a appropriate seasons. 

These type of therapies alleviate Kapha at and may dry up excess mucous secretions in the Pranavaha Srotasa (respiratory system).

4. Medications in Ayurveda

(never use any medicine without the prescription of certified physician) 

Patient already suffering from COPD, should be treated with medication along with life style modifications which are mentioned here after. 

Single drugs:

Ardraka, Ela, Haridra, Trikatu, Pippali, Ashvagandha, Agnimantha, Ajmoda, Ajaji, Guduchi, Ativisha, Aragvadha, Karanjabija, Daruharidra, Lashuna, Rasona, Hingu. 

Concoctions or kwath or churna :

Kaphketurasa, Gojihvadi Kvatha, Dashmula Kvatha, Chitraka Haritaki Avleha, Choshath Prahari Pippali, Tamra Bhasma, Mahalakshmi Vilas Rasa, Loknath Rasa, Vyoshadi Churna, Sarpi Guda, Shringyadi Churna, Haritakyadi Modaka, Pippalyadi Gutika, Sitopalad Churna,Talishadi Churna, Vyaghri Haritaki Avaleha. 

Rasayana:

(Don't take any rasayana at home without the prescription of certified ayurveda practitioner) 

Pippali Rasayana, Chyavanaprasha, Agtsya Haritaki , Vyaghri Haritaki, Haridra Khanda, Ashwagandha, Guduchi etc. can be used as Rasayana.

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