Can Asthma Be Cured?

Asthma is a lifelong, chronic breathing problem caused due to swelling or inflammation of the airways in the lungs. Asthma is termed as Svasa Rog in Ayurveda which means breathing in and out. The most common symptoms of asthma are wheezing, chronic cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness. There are recurrent episodes of asthma or asthma attack. The problem starts in infancy and stays till a person is fully grown. Some children outgrow asthma but  the really never goes away.

Asthma could be triggered by environmental factors, allergens, irritants, diet and exercise. Emotions (of fear, laughter) may also trigger asthma in some cases.Unhealthy diet and lifestyle are responsible for vitiation of Kapha dosha in the body, which further causes obstructions of respiratory channels and vitiate Vata energy. The imbalance of Vata energy leads to channels obstructions leading to narrowing of windpipe and aggravating asthma. Genetics, obesity and excessive smoking put one on greater risk of developing asthma. Food preservatives like Sodium Bisulphate and Potassium Bisulphate may also trigger asthma.

Asthma may be acute, chronic, and exercise induced asthma. According to Ayurveda, Asthma is divided into four categories: Maha Svasa, Urdhva Svasa, Chinna Svasa, Tamaka Svasa and Ksudra Svasa. Among these only Ksudra Svasa can be completely cured, the rest can be managed to some extent. Asthma is considered to be a manageable disease as with proper management and herbal treatment, the asthmatic person can lead a normal life.

There are two classes of Asthma medications

Quick Relief or rescue medicines reduces asthma symptoms that flares up. These include inhalers, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory drugs and Long-term control medications, these help in reducing airway inflammations and preventing the asthma symptoms. Inhalers prescribed for asthma patients are preventive inhales (to prevent the attack) and reliever inhalers (to give relief to the patient). There are natural therapies that can help manage symptoms of asthma. It cannot be fully cured but it can and controlled. Ayurvedic medicines might not give instant results but they are able to control the problem even in most chronic stages of the disease.

One of the oldest and most effective cures of asthma is Honey. It has ethereal and alcohol oils in it which helps in managing symptoms of asthma. Just by inhaling the smell of honey shows positive effect  on the patients. Honey mixed with cinnamon powder can be taken before bed time to remove phlegm from the chest. Indian Gooseberry powder with a spoon of honey may be taken early morning for best results. A spoon of honey in warm water  may be taken  on empty stomach.

The second most promising cure for Asthma is Turmeric. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial,anti-allergy and anti-asthmatic properties. It helps in relieving inflammation in the airways and reducing mucus secretions. Turmeric may be consumed as powdered form in warm milk, before bed time or as turmeric supplements. Nasal curcumin drops are also beneficial in reducing constriction of the airways. Regular use of turmeric in meals, helps in keeping the symptoms of asthma in control and reduces the chances of flareups. It is excellent medicine to relieve cough and sputum

Diet plays an important  role in alleviating asthma symptoms. Anti-inflammatory diet is highly beneficial for asthma patients. The diet should include fresh fruits like apples, bananas, cantaloupe, avocados, berries and vegetables like spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, figsand carrots. It is important to consume ginger, garlic, onion in meals on daily basis. Ginger and Garlicsupplements are also readily available. Foods rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B 9 (folate), Vitamin E and Omega3 fatty acids should be consumed more by the asthma patients. High fibrous foods like whole grains, nuts, beans and seeds that help to keep bowel clear are good option for asthma patients.

Warm Water plays an important role in treating asthma. When there is not enough water vapor in the lungs, the airways constrict leading to asthma attack.

Herbs likeTulsi, Oregano, Ginkgo Biloba, Slippery Elm, Licorice, Astragalus, Iofbelia, Reishi Mushroom and Cordyceps also help in keeping the symptoms of asthma in control.Tulsi capsules are also readily available in the market. The herb is worshipped in India and is well known for its healing properties. It is used to cure almost all kinds of ailments.

Asthma is a result of negative response to emotional stress, so some natural relaxation remedies like deep abdominal breathing(pranayama like anulom vilom, kapalbhati), progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and biofeedback can help relieve stress, thereby it can help the flare up of asthma indirectly. It is highly advised that the patient should practice yoga asanas like bhujang asana, paschimottan asan, arth matasyndra asan, shava asnam. All these  to strengthen the lungs and keep breathing normal.

The main goal of Asthma treatment is to control the disease so that one can maintain the normal activity level and sleep throughout the night. The best way to prevent Asthma attack is to avoid all the asthma triggers and causes of asthma. If one has asthma due to some identifiable trigger agent, then just by avoiding it, a complete reversal of the problem may be achieved. In some cases, it goes into automatic recovery with age and improved immune system (specially childhood asthma).

Moderate exercise, getting plenty of sleep and consuming nutritious meals that would boost the immunity against bacterial or viral infections is very important to recover fast. Cure for asthma also includes emotional support. The family, friends of the patient should be very supportive, this enables the disease to be controlled easily. The patient should avoid processed, packaged foods and dairy products.

It is very important to keep with the asthma checkups or follow ups with the doctor. Asthma is an episodic condition which varies between symptomatic and asymptomatic periods. The asymptomatic period is very crucial in asthma therapy as the patient assumes that he no longer needs the medicines and might discontinue the treatment.

In case of severe asthmatic attack with symptoms like blue lips and discoloration of face, immediate action should be taken.