Many individuals are grappling with ailments like asthma. Its growing incidence is a multifaceted concern owing to many lifestyle factors, environmental exposures and other things. When one comes in contact with allergens and irritants such as mold and dust mites, it heightens the risk of developing asthma.
What are the key factors that cause asthma?
Following are some of the factors responsible for an increase in symptoms of asthma-
1. Air pollution
The main environmental trigger for asthma is air pollution. Polluted air contains harmful gases and particles which cause an irritation in the airways. This leads to asthma attacks and difficulty in breathing. Pollutants from industrial area can trigger the symptoms of asthma.
2. Allergens
These substances are typically harmless and they do not cause any direct harm, however, they can trigger allergic reactions in individuals who have a sensitive immune system. Some of the indoor allergens are mold spores, cockroach droppings and dust mites. Inhaling these allergens can cause a person irritation. While the outdoor allergens are weeds, grasses and mold from soil and leaves. Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma.
3. Health hazards/occupational hazards
The risks or dangers that a person might be exposed to while performing their job duties are called as occupational hazards.
The workers who work at a factory may be exposed to radiation and extreme temperatures.
What are the other factors that can cause Asthma?
1. Obesity
An obese person is more likely to be asthmatic as compared to someone who is in a good shape and healthy. Asthma and obesity are closely linked. When a person is obese, many things come into play such as hormonal changes, lung mechanics and body physique.
Wondered what it would be like to shed off some extra kilos? It will be easier on your lungs! Extra weight makes a person harder to breathe thereby leading to a reduction in lung function.
2. Smoking
Smoking is directly co related to asthma and can worsen someone’s condition significantly. The presence of chemicals in tobacco increases inflammation and irritates the airways. When the airways get disrupted, it leads to wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
3. Vitamin D
Low levels of vitamin D leads to frequent attacks and increases severity of asthma. The inadequacy of Vitamin D in the body is not a good sign as it leads to frequent asthma attacks. Sunlight, egg yolk and cereal are the sources of vitamin D.
Ayurvedic medicines to cure Asthma?
1. Sandu Kanakasav
An ayurvedic formulation, Sandu Kanakasav has a plethora of health benefits. It provides relief from asthma and bronchitis. Produced from a blend of natural ingredients, this cough syrup offers centuries-old remedy. It helps ease breathing difficulties and also promotes lung health. It is an amalgamation of traditional wisdom of Ayurveda and modern sciences.
The drug alleviates wheezing and coughing and also provides a great deal of comfort with each dose. The powerful blend of active ingredients prevalent in the drug, makes Sandu Kanakasav a reliable choice for treating asthma.
Many healthcare experts advise to take 2 teaspoons of the tonic 3-4 times a day. It should be taken as directed by the physician. It is one of the best ayurvedic medicines for Asthma.
2. Sitopaladi churna
Also used for relieving hoarse voice and throat infections, Sitopaladi churna leaves no stone unturned in managing the symptoms of Asthma. It also plays a key role in detecting and monitoring the symptoms of viral respiratory infections. If one is experiencing such symptoms, it is advisable to visit a doctor as soon as possible. These infections cause cold and flu and makes it harder to breathe. Rhinovirus and influenza virus are some common viruses associated with VRI. Moreover, these infections can directly trigger asthma attacks by narrowing airways. If they create a disruption in the smooth functioning of the airway, it makes individuals with asthma prone to other infections.
Sitopaladi churna breaks phlegm into small particles thereby making breathing easier. The ingredients in sitopaladi churna are Pippali, Mishri, Vanshlochan, Dalchini and Ela.
3. Shwaskuthar churna
One of the best Ayurvedic medicines for Asthma, Shwaskuthar Churna is a mineral and herbal based churna used for treating respiratory disorders. The unique formulation of this medicine decreases phlegm in the respiratory tract. The key ingredients in this medicine are Pippali, Shuddha Vatsanabh, Shuddha Tankan, Black pepper and ginger. Black pepper plays a pivotal role in relieving the person of major disorders like asthma and bronchitis. It is equipped with compounds that eases breathing, helps the medicine clear the respiratory tract and reduces the excess buildup of mucus that was blocking the respiratory tract.
Pippali clears the throat of congestion and also removes phlegm from the respiratory tract. Shuddha Gandhak has sulphur which breaks down mucus. It focuses on improving the breathing patterns in a person with asthma.
4. Haridra
Known as Curcuma Longa, Haridra is one of the most powerful herb in Ayurveda. It is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The herb focuses on eradicating the root cause of Asthma. Swelling in the airways is automatically reduced as it has anti- inflammatory properties.
If a person is battling allergic asthma, doctors usually ask them to consume Haridra. This herb helps balance an over reactive immune system.
5. Chyawanprash
The ones suffering from asthma can consume chyawanprash. This cherished ayurvedic remedy reduces the risk of getting sick. This jam-like supplement is made with an array of ingredients like herbs, spices, Amla and many other. It has a common base of honey, ghee, sugar and sesame oil.
A powerful combination of all these ingredients aids in asthma management. The expectorant effect of this medicine helps loosen and clear mucus from the lungs. The herbs traditionally used in Chyawanprash are Bharangi, Kantakari and Shati. One should take 1-2 teaspoons of Chyawanprash daily on an empty stomach. It can also be taken with warm milk. The best time to take this medicine is morning or evening. One should avoid consuming aerated drinks after taking chyawanprash.
Chyawanprash is one of the most sought out ayurvedic medicines for Asthma.