I have had pleurisy for many years. While the doctor’s medicine continues I stay well, but when the medicine stops the problem starts again. I have a constant cold, yellow phlegm comes out, I have difficulty breathing and there is a lot of pain on the side of my left lung.
I have heard that in this condition water collects around the lung. What remedies are there in Ayurveda so that this disease reduces for good? What should I take care of in diet and daily routine?
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Direct answer: Pleurisy means inflammation of the layer covering the lung (the pleura), sometimes with fluid collecting. If it recurs, it is very important to find the root cause, such as an old infection or TB. Ayurvedic treatment is useful as support along with a doctor’s examination and treatment.
Understanding the problem
The pleura is the thin outer covering of the lung. When it becomes inflamed, there is a stabbing chest pain on breathing. If yellow phlegm, repeated colds and breathlessness come with it, the possibility of an ongoing lung infection must be checked. In India, testing for TB is especially needed in recurring pleurisy.
The Ayurvedic view
In Ayurveda, stabbing pain at the side is called Parshva Shula, and breathing trouble with phlegm is explained under Kasa-Shwasa. Kapha blocks the airways and Vata increases pain and breathing difficulty. In treatment, pacifying Kapha-Vata, improving Agni and strengthening the lungs (Rasayana) are important.
Practical steps
- Chest X-ray, sputum tests and a TB test as the doctor advises.
- Take the full course of medicine given by the doctor; do not stop midway.
- Steam inhalation, drinking lukewarm water.
- Stay away from smoking and smoky surroundings.
Diet
- Light, warm food: moong dal, khichdi, vegetable soup, milk with dry ginger and turmeric (if digested).
- Less cold food, curd, ice cream, fried food and heavy sweets.
Medicine, yoga and Panchakarma
In Ayurveda, herbs such as Pushkarmool, Vasa (Adulsa), Kantakari, Pippali, Sitopaladi churna and Chyawanprash are considered useful for pacifying Kapha-Vata and strengthening the lungs. The right medicine, dose and duration will be decided by the Vaidya after examining your condition. During fever or acute infection, the doctor’s treatment comes first. In healthy periods, Anulom-Vilom, deep breathing exercises and Snehana-Swedana on the chest on a Vaidya’s advice are useful.
When to see a doctor immediately?
- Severe breathlessness, blue lips
- Blood in phlegm
- Fever, night sweats, weight loss
- Sudden severe chest pain
Related Questions
Is pleurisy contagious?
Pleurisy itself is not, but its cause (such as TB) can be; testing is needed.
Why does pleurisy recur?
Incomplete treatment, an old infection or another lung problem can be the cause.
Is Chyawanprash useful for the lungs?
In Ayurveda it is considered a Rasayana; if you have diabetes, take it on a Vaidya’s advice.
In short: Pleurisy means inflammation of the lining of the lung. If it recurs, X-ray, sputum and TB tests are needed. Along with the doctor’s treatment, Kapha-Vata pacifying Ayurvedic herbs, warm light food and pranayama give support.
You can consult in person or online with your reports.
Dr. Nikul Patel (B.A.M.S.)
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