Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; abbreviated as COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstruction of airflow from the lungs. The symptoms of this condition include difficulty in breathing, cough, sputum production, fatigue and wheezing. It is caused due to long term exposure to toxic gases and cigarette smoke. A person is at greater risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer and other respiratory tract condition; if he/she has COPD.

COPD is categorized under ‘Shwasa roga’ of the ayurveda text. When a person consumes oily, sour, salty food; is addicted to smoking and is exposed to polluted air, the channels of the respiratory tract become obstructed and mucus gets collected in those channels. This obstruction is caused due to accumulation of Kapha dosha and ama in the amashaya. This vitiated kapha dosha then moves in an upward direction and gets stuck in the respiratory tract. This then obstructs the pranavaha srotas and hampers the normal movements of prana vayu.

Thus, the treatment of COPD in ayurveda focuses on elimination of toxins from the body and balancing the vitiated doshas. This is done by Nidanaparivarjana, Shamana chikitsa and shodhana chikitsa. Other than this, ayurvedic herbs like adraka, ela, haridra, trikatu, pippali, ashwagandha, lasuna, rasona, etc. are also used that effectively work on the respiratory system. Rasayana chikitsa also plays a very important role in rejuvenation of damaged cells and tissues; and provides health benefits to an individual. This line of treatment helps in complete reversal of the condition in a natural way.

Symptoms

• ● Persistent cough
• ● Excessive production of mucus
• ● Tightness in chest
• ● Respiratory infections are more frequent
• ● Fatigue
• ● Breathlessness
• ● Wheezing
• ● In extreme cases, the symptoms can be