Atelectasis is a medical condition in which there is a diminished volume in the active part of the lungs. Atelectasis can be either obstructive due to foreign body, tumours, or mucous plugging; while non-obstructive atelectasis is because of pleural effusion, pneumothorax, surfactant deficiency, and chronic lung inflammation which leads to scarring. This condition can also occur post operatively after thoracic or upper abdominal surgical procedures.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for atelectasis is aimed at giving symptomatic treatment as well as treating the known cause for the condition. The treatment for atelectasis can be either surgical or nonsurgical. For nonsurgical causes, Ayurvedic treatment can be given to treat tumours, excess accumulation of fluid, pus, or mucous or specific treatment can be given to treat inflammation of the lungs. Individuals affected by surfactant deficiency need specialized and specific treatment for this problem. Mainly, Ayurvedic herbal medicines which act on the blood tissue as well as have a special affinity for the respiratory tract, the respiratory mucosa and the lungs, are useful in the treatment of atelectasis.
Depending upon the cause for atelectasis, individuals affected with this condition usually require treatment for about four to six months, or more. The response to treatment also depends upon the known cause of the condition, the severity, as well as the immune status of the individual. In order to bring about a complete recovery at the earliest, individuals affected with atelectasis are also given Ayurvedic herbal immunomodulatory agents in high doses. This helps in maintaining the strength and stamina of the affected individual as well as bringing about an early recovery. Ayurvedic herbal medicines are also given to strengthen the respiratory tract and the respiratory mucosa.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be judiciously utilised in the management and treatment of atelectasis.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
