What is Asthma

ASTHMA Meaning

Asthma, commonly known in India as Shwaas or Damaa, is a condition in which 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 breath related symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing and wheezing.¹

As per Ayurveda, Asthma is described under the aegis of ‘Shwas’ as ‘Tamakshwas’. Shwas is one of the major diseases that causes more medical emergencies. Tamakshwas is a subtype of Shwas described as independent disease entity and having its own etiology, pathophysiology, and management. It is mentioned as Yapya Vyadhi, that is, a disease of the chronic nature and may be difficult to cure. ^2,3

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 vaata), which creates shopha (swelling) 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