Category: Bronchitis

November 23, 2021

What is Honeycombing in the Lungs? (Pulmonary Fibrosis)-Causes and Treatment

ABSTRACT

The human respiratory system consists of a network of tissues or organs, lungs are the primary organs of the respiratory system. Lungs are the paired organ located on either side of the heart of human beings. The prime function of the lungs involves the gaseous exchange between the atmosphere and the bloodstream, basically, oxygen is extracted and transferred into the bloodstream and in turn releasing the carbon dioxide from the blood to the external environment. But due to increased air pollution and some other factors can lead to the degradation of the normal function of the lungs. One of such diseases is pulmonary fibrosis. In this article, we’ll discuss in brief the disease and its best Ayurvedic management.

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary fibrosis also known as honeycombing in lungs due to the radiological appearance of this disease and is defined as the condition which is characterised by presence of small cystic spaces with irregularly thickened walls composed of fibrous tissue in the lungs. Basically in pulmonary fibrosis, the tissue of lungs gets scarred, and lungs are unable to perform the normal functions efficiently. With increase in time, this condition gradually becomes worse and may ultimately lead to complete loss of function of lungs. Honeycomb cysts often predominate in the pleural/ sub pleural and peripheral regions of the lungs regardless of their cause.

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS

The common clinical features of lung fibrosis include shortness of breath especially on exertion, chronic dry cough, weakness and fatigue, chest discomfort and pain in chest and back regions, loss of appetite is followed by rapid loss of weight On auscultation, sometimes the fine cracked during inspiration can be heard on the base of lungs.

CAUSES

The causes of pulmonary fibrosis include environmental pollution, some medications, infections such as SARS infections, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease etc., and connective tissue diseases. Endogenous stimuli- dust, fumes, cigarette smoke, autoimmune conditions.
Exogenous stimuli- drug interactions, radiations and other diseases.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF PULMONARY FIBROSIS (Cause of honeycombing)

Due to the overexposure of endogenous and exogenous stimuli, leading to microscopic lung injury, separated spatially and temporally and if these injuries remain intact lead to lung haemostasis, and when healed up it leads to gradual change in lung parenchyma with fibrotic tissue leading pulmonary fibrosis, which appear as honeycombs on radiological imaging. This progressive changes in the normal lung tissue with scarred one, resulting in the reduced oxygen diffusion capacity and increase in stiffness of chest and back region.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

DIAGNOSIS

  • The diagnosis of this condition may be based on symptoms, lung function tests, medical imaging and lung biopsy
  • Honeycomb lung is the classical radiological appearance with widespread fibrosis.
  • The terminal and respiratory bronchioles are dilated and thickened to produce cystic airspaces, giving this characteristic honeycomb appearance on chest x-ray.
  • High resolution CT may be required for proper visualisation of the abnormalities.

COMPLICATIONS

If proper management of this condition is not done it may lead to many several lifethreatining complications. These include pneumothorax, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure.

AYURVEDIC VIEW

In Ayurveda, the best correlation of this disease can be made with Kshatksheen janya shwas rog, (respiratory disorder as a result of healed pulmonary abscess).

The person who is regularly on inappropriate diet and unwholesome diet, excessive dry and following the trauma to the lungs or due to any infective cause, the vitiated tridosha got entered in the chest region causing severe pain in the chest, back and also passes blood in sputum (hemoptysis), leading to abscess formation in the lungs and also causing depletion of shukra and oaj (the supreme body tissue that can be correlated with hormones responsible for growth and reproduction and immunity) and leading to the condition called kshatksheen. This kshat ksheen, itself when healed, makes the progressive changing of normal to fibrosed tissues in the lungs leading to pulmonary fibrosis condition.

The common symptoms of kshatksheen include

Uroruk- Pain in chest, Shonitchardi- haematemesis, Kaaso-cough, due to the pulmonary abscess (urahkasht), and also the generalised symptoms such as Sraktmutratvum– Haemeturia, parshavprishtkatigreh- stiffness in chest, back and lumbar region and weight loss.

The bleeding when the tissue becomes fibrosed decreases but it leads to the gradual increase in breathing difficulty, exertional dyspnea and other such symptoms.

TREATMENT of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Planet Ayurveda Is The Best Emerging Manufacturing Hub Which Is Gradually Becoming The Global Distributor Of Herbal Formulations That Are Being Made On Ancient Ayurvedic Principles. The Products That Are Manufactured Here Are Under The Strict Supervision Of Our Expert Team Of Ayurvedic Doctors And Are Made With Ancient Time Tested Formulas.

Best Herbal Remedies as suggested by our experts for pulmonary fibrosis

  1. Praanrakshak Churna
  2. Vasaka Capsule
  3. Tulsi Capsule
  4. Shwas kuthar ras

Herbal Supplements for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Herbal Supplements for Pulmonary Fibrosis

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Praanrakshak Churna

This is a poly herbal prepration made by Planet Ayurveda’s team on the ancient Ayurvedic principles. The shwas roga have prodominaece of kapha and vata dosha. This churna is very much efficient in screeching out the collected kapha dosha along with the soothing effects on the vata dosha. The product is having expectorant and properties to enhance the lung functions. The ingredients of this formulation include Sirisha (Albizia lebbeck), mulheti (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum) etc.

Dosage– 1 teaspoon twice daily with equal amount of honey, after meals

2. Vasaka Capsules

These are the standardized extract of the vasa (Adhatoda vasica). Vasa is an amazing rejuvenating herb that helps in the prevention of infections of lungs and promoting the health of the lungs, it helps in getting rid of the excess congestion in the chest and also improves digestion. This herb enhances the blood purifying ability, and boosts up the immunity. These all factors make them both suitable and one of the best medicines for pulmonary fibrosis.

Dosage- 1 capsule two times daily with water after meals

3. Tulsi Capsules

Tulsi Capsules are made from the standardized extract of Ocimum sanctum. Tulsi is the best remedy to treat the respiratory difficulties used since ages. Moreover, tulsi is the abundant source of antioxidants such as eugenol that protects the lungs from free radicals. Due to its kapha shamak property, it aids in relieving the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis.

Dosage- 1 capsule twice daily with water after meals

4. Shwas kuthar ras

The classical Ayurvedic formulation used for the shwas roga (respiratory ailments). This medicine is useful in chronic breathing difficulties and dyspnea on exertion along with the stiffness issues in the lungs. Shwas kuthar ras is the best herbomineral preparation for dissolving the fibrosed tissue (due to kapha) and helps in promoting the normal lung functions.

Dosage– 2 tablets twice daily after meals, for better results crush the tablets in half teaspoon of ginger juice, and consume it with 1 teaspoon of honey.

CONCLUSION

There is no treatment method available with the Allopathic medicine for this condition, they mostly focus on symptomatic treatment (pulmonary rehabilitation or oxygen therapy), whereas Ayurveda with an integrated approach of lifestyle and dietary modification along with the herbal formulations is the best way to manage the condition of  Pulmonary fibrosis.

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August 29, 2018

Top 3 Herbs that Helps to Manage Asthma Naturally

Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder, defined as the reversible narrowing of the bronchioles through inflammation of the mucus membranes or contraction of the diaphragm.

Symptoms of Asthma

  • Asthma has visible symptoms like difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, wheezing with excessive phlegm or mucus. Asthma is common with both children and adults.

Asthma Natural Treatment

Asthma Triggers

  • Asthma attack occurs when there is some kind of obstruction in the flow of air in the lungs.
  • Some common triggers are allergies, air pollution, humidity in air, physical activity, certain medications, strong emotions , and sulfites or preservatives in food.

Types of Asthma

  • Extrinsic or Atopic Asthma and Intrinsic or Nonatopic Asthma.
  • The Atopic Asthma is closely linked with the presence of hay fever, eczema, hives and migraines while Nonatopic Asthma is associated with a bronchial reaction to chemicals, cold air, some infection or emotional stress, exercise etc.

Asthma Herbal Remedies

Stages of Asthma

  • There are four stages of asthma attack ranging from mild, moderate, severe to respiratory failure which is life threatening .
  • Asthma treatment ranges from medications to dependency on inhalers for instant relief.
  • Most chronic or long term illness find their cure in natural remedies like herbs, dietary supplements or nutrition, massage therapies and acupuncture.

Top 3 Herbs that Helps to Manage Asthma Naturally

Top 3 Herbs to Manage Asthma

  • A number of herbs have proved beneficial as natural remedies for asthma. The 3 best herbs that tops the list are Garlic , Ginger and Turmeric. These herbs support respiratory health and control asthma symptoms naturally . They strengthen the lungs and reduces the inflammation .

Garlic

  • Garlic has been the most popular medicinal herb to treat asthma since long time.
  • It is known for its anti inflammatory properties that helps to clear congestion in the lungs.
  • Garlic is the number one solution to cardio vascular disorders because of its anti inflammatory properties.
  • Garlic also possess antibiotic and antiviral properties that helps to boost immunity and fight infections that trigger asthma.
  • Fresh Garlic is a great source of Vitamin C , which is one of the key nutrient needed to fight asthma.
  • Vitamin C rich foods like raw garlic helps to promote histamine breakdown and reduce histamine release in the body (histamine promotes inflammation in asthma sufferers).
  • Garlic also boosts the ability of the body to create prostacyclins which are lipid molecules to keep the air passages of the lungs open and promote easy breathing in asthmatic patient.

How to Take

  • Garlic supplements are readily available in the market.
  • The best way to use garlic is crush 2 cloves of raw garlic and eat them daily , this will help boost the body’s immunity and prevent asthma attacks.
  • Garlic may be taken with a spoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and honey on empty stomach each morning.
  • Taking 2 cloves is enough for treating asthma.
  • If consuming raw garlic seems difficult one may also boil 2 cloves in one fourth cup of milk , allow it to cool for a while and consume the milk daily.
  • This is a very simple and effective treatment to prevent future asthma attacks. Garlic should be included while preparing regular meals.

Ginger

  • Ginger is known for its anti inflammatory properties and it surely helps in improving the lung functions.
  • Ginger clears mucus and supports respiratory heath in a natural way .
  • It helps to reduce airway inflammation and inhibit airway contraction.
  • Ginger helps relax smooth muscle tissues in the airways which gets constricted during asthma attacks.
  • Ginger has constituents such as gingerols, shogaols and zingerones which attributes to its analgesic properties.
  • Ginger enhances bronchodilation and is considered to be a much safer alternative than other medications available for treating asthma.
  • Ginger supplements are readily available in the market . It can be taken by mixing a spoon of ginger juice with pomegranate juice and honey (for taste).The mixture can be consumed twice a day for best results.
  • Another most effective way to treat asthma is by drinking ginger tea regularly. Ginger tea can be prepared by boiling grated ginger in some water for 10 minutes, strain it and let it cool before drinking. Ginger should be used in meals as often as possible.

Turmeric

  • Turmeric finds its use in asthma treatment due to itsanti inflammatory,anti microbial ,anti allergyand anti asthmatic properties.
  • The constituent curcumin present in Turmeric helps in relieving inflammation and also reduces the mucus secretions in the airways.
  • It helps in preventing migration of immune cells to the site of inflammation and inhibits the activity of proteins that mediate inflammatory reactions.
  • Curcumin prevents thickening of airway lining by preventing proliferation of smooth muscle cells located in the passage.
  • Turmeric has an effect on histamines that cause inflammation.
  • Nasal curcumin drops demonstrate antiasthmatic properties by reducing constriction of the airways and inflammation.
  • Turmeric supplements are also readily available in the market.
  • Turmeric along with pepper extracts serve as antioxidants and they scavenge nitric oxide that causes inflammation.
  • Turmeric is excellent in relieving cough and sputum occurring in asthma.

How to Take

  • The best way to take turmeric is by making a paste of turmeric along with black pepper and oil (mustard oil)
  • A spoon of this can be taken two times a day. Curcumin’simmunomodulating ability helps in treating asthma.

Prevention

  • Herbs do not work right away during an asthma attack, but they help to lessen the severity of the attack and even helps in preventing the attack, if used consistently.
  • Other excellent herbs that works well in treating asthma are Oregano, Ginkgo Biloba, Slippery Elm, Licorice,Astragalus, lobelia, Reishi Mushroom, Cordyceps,
  • Using herbs that are relaxing and antispasmodic like kaya , lemon balm at night  helps to sleep better.
  • Honey and taking Omega 3s is recommended for asthma patients.

Tips

  • It is highly recommended to keep the living space clean and dust free ,avoid smoking, avoid dairy and processed foods. Avoid all foods that are known to trigger asthma /allergy attack .
  • Genetics, obesity and excessive smoking may lead to chances of developing asthma.
  • A stress free life is the key to faster recovery.
  • One may practice breathing exercises used in yoga to relieve stress.
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