What is Asthma in children

ASTHMA IN CHILDREN Meaning

Asthma refers to the condition where the airways in the lungs swell and become narrow. They also produce extra mucus thus making breathing very difficult. At the same time, they trigger other respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.¹

Children can also suffer from asthma, in fact more than adults. Many children who have asthma, will show symptoms before the age of 5. Asthma can affect the day to day life and create problems with schooling, playing and development.  With adequate care and precautions, children with asthma can lead normal lives with reduced flare ups and better control to avoid missing school and other activities. ²

As per Ayurveda, Asthma is described under the aegis of ‘Shwas’ or ‘Tamakshwas’.  Shwas is one of the major diseases that causes a lot of medical emergencies.

Aama (toxin of undigested food) is formed in the body due to malabsorption of rasa dhatu (Tissues of nourishment), improper food habits, agnimandya (Weak digestive fire). This aama combines with vata aggravated by nidan sevana (causative factors) and creates aavarna in strotasa (enwrapment in the system) - obstructing dhatu vahan (causing disturbance in normal process).²

The airway inflammation in asthma may be due to sama vata (A subtype of vata), which creates shopha (inflammation) in strotasa (Respiratory system). This sama vata agitates the sthanik kapha dosha (local kapha factors) in the uras (Chest), thereby causing a mucus plug – that causes the obstruction. The awarana (enwrapment) of kapha produces symptoms of difficulty in breathing which is pratyatma linga (distinguishing symptom) of Tamakshwas (Asthma).²