Childhood Asthma & Ayurveda

This is a Guest post from Dr. Vishwaradhya Hiremath, who specialises in Kaumara Bhritya (Peadiatrics). He specialises in Neuro cases of the kids and has been treating many cases of Asthma and Autism related cases. You will be seeing more of his posts in the coming days.

Asthma is a most commonly diagnosed respiratory illness in children. It is diagnosed as early as 3 years of age, in some cases depending upon the pathological changes in system; it may take 5 years to brand the child as Asthmatic. Common causes for Asthma are Allergy and infections, in some cases there is genetic predisposition.  The pathological changes in respiratory system become irreversible depending upon chronicity (how long the child is suffering from?). Once the child become Asthmatic, needs to take expectorants and bronchodilators during the episodes of exacerbation. Asthmatic child is always restricted for certain types of foods, activities and even not to expose to certain climatic conditions and in certain seasons, for the fear of Asthma exacerbation. The quality of life of a child is hampered due to Asthma. 

The aim of Ayurveda is to improve and maintain quality of life. In this scenario Ayurveda treatment modalities and lifestyle advocacies can help the child to fight against Asthma. These treatment modalities and lifestyle advocacies are specific to individual child based on his/her body constitution, personal details related to lifestyle and geographical area where the child is residing.

In Ayurveda Asthma is correlated to Tamaka shwasa. Tamaka swasa symptoms are similar to Bronchial Asthma. Through Ayurveda treatment modalities we can maintain Asthma exacerbation episode free life or we can cure early diagnosed cases or we can reduce the severity of the problem.

Ayurveda approach towards the Treatment of Childhood Asthma:

First step is the assessment of bowel wellness i.e. Appetite, digestion, bowel movements and nourishment of the child. Based on symptoms, assessment of Dosha’s (bodily humors – Vata , Pitta &  Kapha) to be done. If there is imbalance, abnormal functions of Dosha and the affected Dhatu’s (bodily tissues) should be identified and analysis of the severity of the problem & the treatment is planned.

The main line of treatment is planned as – 

1. Avegavastha (~ exacerbation attack free stage)

1. Deepan (appetite correction) & Pachana (improve digestion)
2. Snehana (Oliation) & Swedana (Sudation)
3. Shodhana (Purificatory procedures) – Vamana (emesis) and Virechana (Purgation)
4. Shamana (Balancing abnormal body humors) with oral medications
5. Rasayana (Rejuvenation therapy) – To prevent recurrent exacerbation of Asthma.
6. Pathya Apathya – Advocacy of do’s and dont’s – Diet and lifestyle modifications.

2. Vegavastha (~During exacerbation of Asthma)

• Snehana with Lavana Taila / karpooradi Taila followed by Nadisweda at (Prushta bhaga) back of the chest region.

General Guidelines to Parents of Asthmatic Child:

• Monitor for appetite of your child.
• Keep the child in optimal Nutrition state.
• Immunize your child as per schedule
• Timely deworm the child.
• Keep the child away from Allergens to prevent exacerbation of Asthma.
• Avoid giving curd at night time.
• Avoid giving eatables like bakery items, excessive sweet and oily foods.
• Teach breathing exercises like- Pranayama, Kapalabhati, let the child do regularly to strengthen lungs.
• Regular physical exercises like yoga, cycling, swimming also helpful.
• Installation of 2 – 3 drops of coconut oil in both nostrils followed by steam inhalation can be helpful which reduces sensitization to allergens and also helpful in reducing the chances of infection.
• Give twice or thrice in a week herbal kashaya or green tea made of Turmeric, Ginger, Tulsi leaves, Mulethi etc. 
• Give regular medications as per physician advice.
• During sever acute exacerbation use bronchodilators and nebulization as per doctor advice.

Some Yogas which are useful in these conditions are –

1. Rajanyadi Choorna
2. Haridra Khanda
3. Pushkaramoolasava
4. Swashanandam gulika
5. Dashamoola Katutrayadi Kashayam
6. Kumarakalyana Rasa
7. Swasakutara Rasa