Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (Tamaka Swasa)
प्रतिलोमंसिरागच्छन्नुदीर्यपवन: कफम् l
परिग्रह्यशिरोग्रीवमुर: पार्श्वेचपीडयन् l l (अ.हृ.नि.४/६) l l
Ayurvedic Treatment of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial lung disease. It can cause breathing difficulties and can result in irreversible injury to lung tissue. It is caused by the breathing of certain environmental allergens that lead to allergic reactions in the body. These allergens can be present at home, at the workplace, or in surroundings. Animal fur, bird feathers, and droppings, pollen, and molds are examples of common allergens. In Ayurveda, a similar condition is explained as Tamaka Shwasa. Dr. Gupta’s IAFA is working on various ailments caused by allergies. IAFA is the leading institution that provides the best Ayurvedic management for Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.
Causes of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis is more easily affected by people having some specific occupations. These occupations include:
- Those working with animals like farmers, veterinarians, bird or poultry handlers, etc.
- People are involved in the processing of grains, vegetables, etc.
- People employed in wood mills.
- People working in electronics, plastic manufacturing, and painting industries.
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis is caused by inhalation of certain allergens into the lungs that result in inflammation of the lungs. HP is usually caused suddenly about 4-6 hours after inhalation of allergens. The causative allergens include:
- Bacteria
- Molds and fungi
- Some chemicals
- Certain proteins
Repeated exposure to the above allergens may keep the lungs inflamed. If exposed to low levels of allergens continuously for a longer period can also result in chronic HP.
In Ayurveda, the reasons for Tamaka Swasa include exposure to cold wind, humid climate, rain, and other Kapha aggravating factors.
Ayurvedic Reference of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Symptoms of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
The symptoms of acute HP may last between 12 hours and several days. It includes:
- The cough usually without sputum
- Tightness of chest
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Fever
- Fatigue
In chronic HP, rarely there occur irreversible and permanent damage to the lung tissue, known as pulmonary fibrosis. Due to reduced oxygen supply to body tissues following symptoms are seen in pulmonary fibrosis:
- Shortness of breath
- Dry cough
- Weight loss
- Fast and shallow breathing
- Rounding and widening of fingers
Symptoms of Tamaka Swasa as explained in Ayurveda include cough, fatigue, tastelessness, hoarseness of voice, runny nose, etc.
“Dr. Gupta’s IAFA is dedicated to the genuine Ayurvedic management of various allergic illnesses including Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. Institute of Applied Food Allergy® is the most reliable institution for all your concerns about allergies”.
Reach IAFA and be free from your allergies!!!
– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®
Diet in Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Do’s (Pathya) in Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
- Vegetarian diet
- Fresh & warm food
- Fruits and salads with a sour taste
- Hot & sour veg soup
- Hot gruel
- Green gram preparations
- Use of well-ventilated rooms especially during working & sleeping
- Drink warm water intermittently
- Steam inhalation with appropriate herbal medicines
- Light exercise preferably brisk walking
Don’ts (Apathya) in Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
- Milk & milk products
- Non-vegetarian diet
- Deep-fried food
- Refrigerated food & drinks
- Smoking
- Travel and working in polluted areas
- Use of A/C rooms for working and sleeping
- Travel to high altitude places
- Suppression of natural urges
- Exposure to humid atmosphere
Yoga and Pranayama for Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
The practice of Yoga is very effective in boosting the functionality of the body along with the mind. Following asanas (postures) can be practiced:
- Trikonasana
- Gomukhasana
- Paripurna Navasana
- Matsyasana
- Bhujangasana
- Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
- Phalakasana
Pranayama is also very effective in the management of Hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It enhances the performance of the respiratory system.
Treatment of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Vata and Kapha doshas are directly involved in the manifestation of Hypersensitivity pneumonitis. So Ayurveda emphasizes normalizing Vata dosha and Kapha dosha.
Ayurveda suggests internal medicines, purification therapy, and other ayurvedic treatment procedures to treat hypersensitivity pneumonitis (interstitial lung disease) permanently.
Internal Medicines for Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
- Indukantham Kashayam
- Dasamoolakaduthrayam Kashayam
- Amruthotharam Kashayam
- Elakanadi Kashayam
- Dasamoola Rasayanam
- Kushmanda Rasayana
- Agastya Rasayanam
- Chyavanaprasa Lehya
- Swasanandam Gulika
- Dasamoolarishtam
- Kanakasava
Purification Therapy in Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Purification therapies are advised after analyzing the strength of the disease as well as the patient. It includes:
- Vamana (Vomiting)
- Virechana (Purgation)
- Vasti (Enema)
- Nasya (Administering Nasal Drop)
Treatment Procedures in Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
- Dhoomapanam (Inhalation of Medicated Smoke)
- Swedana (Local Steaming)
Single Herb Used in the Management of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
- Haridra (Curcuma longa)
- Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
- Vasa (Adhatoda vasica)
- Amruta (Tinospora cordifolia)
- Karpooravalli (Coleus amboinicus)
- Pippali (Piper longum)
- Maricha (Piper nigrum)
- Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum)
References
- Ashtanga Hrudaya by Vagbhata, Nidanasthana, Swasahidhma Nidana (Chapter 4), Sloka 6.
- Chakrapani. Charak Samhita of Charaka with Ayurvedic Commentary Chikitsasthana 17/55-60. Delhi: Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan; 2006. p. 533, 535.
- Acharya Jadavji Trikamji. Sushruta Samhita with Nibandhasangraha commentary of Dalhanacharya, Uttaratantra, 51/39. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2009. p. 764.
- Pandey R. Bhavaprakash Nighantu of Bhavmishra, Haritakyadi Varga, 252. 3rd ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan; 2003. p. 34.
- Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Aspects of Allergies and Fungal Infections, Edition 2021, Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Chapter No. 09, Page No. 55-60.
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
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