Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is also known as COPD or Emphysema and is a medical condition which causes breathlessness, which worsens gradually over time. The symptoms of COPD include cough, breathlessness, wheezing, large amounts of expectoration, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. COPD is usually caused due to heavy smoking, and long term exposure to air pollution, chemical fumes or dust. COPD can cause considerable disability and is a leading cause of death.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for COPD is aimed at treating the symptoms related to the respiratory tract such as wheezing, breathlessness and cough. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which reduce infection and inflammation in the lungs, soothe the mucosa lining the airways and gradually reduce the amount of abnormal mucous production, are used in high doses. This treatment brings about a significant reduction in the symptoms related to this condition. In addition, Ayurvedic herbal medicines are also given to strengthen the respiratory mucosa and normalize the cilia or tiny hair present in the upper respiratory tract.
Ayurvedic herbal medicines are also used to treat the alveoli, which are the tiny terminal parts of the airways. The large airways as well as these alveoli get damaged and loose their elasticity in COPD and related conditions. This leads to a permanent dilatation and dysfunction of these parts, leading to a diminished capacity for oxygenation of the body. Ayurvedic medicines help to reverse the damage done in COPD and bring about an improved functioning of the lungs, thereby improving oxygenation of the body and reducing associated symptoms of COPD.
Herbal medicines are also given to improve the general immune status of the affected individual as well as to strengthen the entire respiratory tract. People affected with COPD need to take regular treatment for about 4 to 6 months, in order to get significant improvement in symptoms related to COPD. If regularly taken, Ayurvedic herbal treatment can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with COPD.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
