Kasa (Bronchitis) is prevalent all over the world and certainly most common acute 

disease of lungs. It is characterized by inflammation of bronchial tubes and is much more 

common in childhood and after middle age. Attacks are much more likely to occur in the winter 

and spring seasons. Chronic bronchitis is a progressive, recurring inflammation of the lower 

airways of the lungs called the bronchi and the bronchioles. The hallmark of chronic bronchitis is 

a persistent wet cough and difficulty with breathing that slowly gets worse over time. Chronic 

bronchitis is a kind of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic bronchitis is a 

seriously disabling disease with the potential for major complications. Chronic bronchitis is often 

eventually fatal and is also a major cause of disability. Chronic bronchitis differs from acute 

bronchitis in that acute bronchitis is caused by a viral infection or bacterial infection and is a 

relatively short-term illness. Chronic bronchitis develops most often as a result of smoking, but 

can also occur from long term inhalation of irritants into the lungs, such as air pollution, 

chemical fumes, or dust. Chronic bronchitis can also develop due to long-term exposure to 

second hand smoke. The longer the lungs are exposed to smoke, pollution or irritants, the higher 

the risk for developing chronic bronchitis.

The symptoms of chronic bronchitis include shortness of breath, a loose cough that 

produces large amount of mucus, and chest tightness. Complications of chronic bronchitis can be 

serious, even life threatening, and result in additional symptoms. Diagnostic testing can include 

lung function tests, such as a spirometry, which measures how much air is moved in and out of 

the lungs. A chest X-ray and CT scan of the chest can evaluate such factors as the presence of 

other conditions that may occur with or worsen chronic bronchitis, such 

as pneumonia and congestive heart failure. There is no cure for chronic bronchitis. The goal of 

treatment is to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. It is crucial to quit smoking to 

prevent chronic bronchitis from getting worse. Any other respiratory irritants should be avoided. 

Inhaled medications that dilate (widen) the airways and decrease inflammation may help reduce 

symptoms such as wheezing. Antibiotics may be prescribed for infections as needed. 

Corticosteroids may occasionally be used during flare-ups of wheezing or in people with severe 

bronchitis that does not respond to other treatments. Physical exercise programs, breathing 

exercises, and patient education programs are all part of the overall treatment plan. Oxygen 

therapy may be needed in severe cases. In very severe cases, a lung transplant may be 

recommended.

According to Ayurveda kasa is an independent disease, the Excellency of Ayurveda over 

other medical sciences is that it had not only mentioned Kasa as a symptom in various disease 

but also described it as an independent vyadhi (disease) with its separate Pathogenesis, 

symptoms, signs, types and treatment. Ayurveda believes that Kapha Dosha dominating disease. 

Those foods and other deeds that aggravate the Kapha Dosha also give rise to the cough. 

Ayurveda describes five types of cough (kasa). This includes Vataja kaasa (produced by Vata 

Dosha), Pittaja (by Pitta Dosha), Kaphaja (by Kapha Dosha), kshayaja and kshataja. 

Characteristic features of Chronic Bronchitis are similar to Kaphaj Kas (Type of Kas) in the 

Ayurvedic Science. The kaphaja kaasa is having white discharge and sweet taste all time in 

mouth. The tongue is quoted and heaviness in the chest is felt. The person with this type of kaasa 

may have headache. Patho-physiology, sign and symptoms and proper treatment of the disease is 

very well described in all Ayurveda literatures. If control over kasa vyadhi is not achieved in 

time it can give rise to life threatening diseases like Swasa, Shosa, Rajyakshama, Urakshata, 

Rakttapitta, Granthi, Arbuda of respiratory tract etc. 

There are number of drugs have been mentioned in the Ayurveda. Classical Ayurvedic 

compound Kushmandak Rasayan is also described in the Bhaishajyaratnavali Raktapittadhikar 

45, 47 for the successful treatment of Kaphaj Kas (Chronic bronchitis) since ancient times. In the 

present study 65 patients will be studied in this IMR project. The observations and discussion 

will be made according to statistical analysis on different standard parameters and clinical COPD 

questionnaire (CCQ) score. The aim of this study is to evaluate of clinical efficacy of 

Kushmandaka Rasayana in the management of chronic bronchitis (Kaphaj Kas).  

Composition of Kusmandaka Rasayana (Bhaisajyaratnavali 45, 47)

1.Kusmanda, 2.Ghrita, 3.Khanda, 4.Pippali, 5.Sunthi, 6.Jirak, 7.Tvak, 8.Ela, 9.Patra, 10.Marica, 

11.Dhanya and 12.Madhu.