Bronchiectasis is an
uncommon disease resulting in an abnormal and permanent dilatation of bronchi
(airways) due to chronic or repeated infections. The symptoms include chronic cough with muco-purulent
sputum, lasting from months to years; hemoptysis; breathlessness; chest pain;
fever; and weight loss. The diagnosis is
based on a history of the symptoms, sputum examination, chest X-ray, and HRCT
of chest. Vitamin D deficiency is
usually common in bronchiectasis. The X-ray
or HRCT of chests can reflect different types of bronchiectasis – based on
their structural and pathological features - which include cylindrical, varicose
and cystic. The modern treatment for bronchiectasis
includes antibiotics, bronchodilators, steroids, dietary supplements, oxygen, hospitalization
for exacerbations, and surgery.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment
for bronchiectasis includes treatment of infection, repair and strengthening of
the affected bronchi as well as damaged parts of the lung, and boosting the
immune status of affected individuals.
Medicines which are very useful in the treatment of this condition have
a specific affinity for the respiratory tract, repair damage to the ciliary
hair in the mucosal linings of the airways, and improve the specific immune
status of the lungs and the respiratory tract as a whole.
General medicines may
also be given to improve the overall immune status of affected individuals so
as to reduce the frequency of infections.
Herbal medicines can be given in high doses in order to treat and fully cure
the infection and reverse damage to the affected part of the lung. Separate treatment can also be given to
prevent further bouts of infection in the affected lung.
Depending upon the
severity of the condition, Ayurvedic herbal medicines are required for periods
ranging from six to nine months, in order to bring about significant
improvement in affected individuals.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can reduce or fully control symptoms, prevent
exacerbations, improve quality of life, and improve overall life span of affected
individuals. Ayurvedic herbal medicines thus
have a definite role to play in the management and treatment of bronchiectasis.
The writer, Dr. A. A.
Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and www.ayurvedaphysician.com For Ayurvedic herbal treatment of bronchiectasis, kindly click here
