INTRODUCTION:

Respiration is the most important feature of life which is carried out by Rana Vayu.ⁱThere are various diseases like Hikka , Shwasa , Kasa in which Prana Vayu get vitiated. Tamaka  Shwasa is one among them.

In Ayurveda Tamaka Shwasa is categorized under the five types of Shwasa which affects Prana Vaha Srotas. Main causative factors responsible for Tamaka Shwasa are Raja , Dhuma , Shitasthana- Shitambu Sevana etc , which leads to vitiation of Vata with Kapha leading to vitiation of function of Prana Vaha Srotas. Acharya Charaka has mentioned that Tamaka Shwasa is Kapha-Vataja Vikaraand site of its origin is Pitta Sthana. As per Acharya Charaka , Tamaka Showers is considered as Yapyavyadhi. However in individual with recent origin of disease and Pravara Bala  person , it is said to be Sadhya.

 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on the basis of its etiological factors , signs and symptoms & pathophysiology can be correlated with advanced stage of Tamara Shwasa. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common , preventable & treatable disease that is characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation that is not fully reversible .ⁱⁱThe most common respiratory symptoms include dyspnea , cough and/or sputum production. COPD includes chronic bronchitis (cough & expectoration for 3 months in 2 consecutive years) , emphysema (abnormal permanent enlargement of airspaces distal to terminal bronchioles) and small airway disease (small bronchioles are narrowed and reduced in number).ⁱⁱⁱ

NEED AND SIGNIFICANCE:

Now a days majority of diseases affecting people are due to new age lifestyle , habits , occupational and environmental factors .Smoking and atmospheric pollution causes more incidence of disease .Today there is increased growth of industry which pollutes environment and also affects the people working in those industries and leads to various respiratory diseases and COPD is one among them. Recently cases of COPD are increasing day by day due to poor education of disease , low socio-economic status , lack of healthy lifestyle and poor hygiene , especially in India.

In modern medicine for management of COPD , bronchodilators (oral/inhaler , long/short acting) , anti-inflammatory agents , antibiotics, antimuscarinic agents, mucolytic agents , methyl xanthines are commonly used and for severe conditions inhaled corticosteroids , oxygen therapy and surgery is also needed. But till date there is no any clinical evidence that any of these medications for COPD modify the long-term decline in lung function and quality of life and these are only effective in reducing symptoms , severity and frequency of exacerbations.

Ayurveda has a significant role in management of diseases of Prana Vaha Srotas (COPD). In Ayurveda , line of treatment of every diseases is Nidana Parivarjana that includes avoidance of causative factors of disease , modification of life style and diet. So , as per Ayurveda , treatment of COPD includes Nidana Parivarjana , Shodhana (purification of Doshas) , Shamana and Rasayana Chikitsa , which can contribute effectively in management of COPD.

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA:

   Standard criteria for diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease mentioned by Global initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease in Global strategy for the diagnosis , management , and prevention ofChronic Obstructive PulmonaryDisease (2021 Report )^xxvwill be followed.

1.    The most common respiratory symptoms such as Chronic cough (May be intermittent and may be unproductive) , Chronic sputum production , and Exertional dyspnea ( Persistent , progressive over time , and worsen with exercise ) , wheezing and Chest tightness which may vary from day-to-day and precede the development of airflow limitation by many years.

2.    Variable expiratory air flow limitation done by Spirometry.

LABORATORY INVESTIGATION:

1.CBC                                    -before & after treatment

2.ESR                                    -before & after treatment

3.AEC                                    -before & after treatment

4.LFT                                     -before & after treatment

5.KFT                                     -before & after treatment

6.HbA1C                                -before & after treatment

7.LIPID profile                        -before & after treatment

8.ECG                                    -before treatment.   

9.Chest X - ray PA view         -before treatment

10.SPIROMETRY                  -every 30 days

11 .PULSE OXYMETRY        - every visit

12. Urine Routine & microscopic - before treatment only to rule out any Urological & nephrological Pathology