Honeycomb Lung or Pulmonary Fibrosis – Causes & Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Life feels pretty easy when you are able to breathe in and out through your lungs. Lungs are the two main organs of the respiratory system situated on both sides of our chest which helps us in eliminating carbon dioxide from the body.

When these lungs start to show scarring due to certain reasons like smoking, infection, or intake of certain chemicals affecting the immune system and this results in Pulmonary Fibrosis. This causes inflammation of the lung and one common thing which is seen while diagnosing is scarring which gives a resemblance to honeycomb. In this article, we are going to throw light on the honeycombing of the lungs and how it can be managed with the help of herbal remedies.

Introduction

The word “honeycomb lung” originated in the 19th century in Germany and appeared in English literature in 1949 in a study by Oswald and Parkinson. Honeycombing or Honeycomb lung occurs when the lungs have small cystic spaces along with irregularly thickened resulting in fibrosis of tissue as known as pulmonary fibrosis. The dilation of bronchioles and thickened terminal gives rise to airspaces giving the lungs a honeycomb appearance which is seen through X-Ray. Pulmonary fibrosis is one of the common lung disorders which results in honeycomb lung. This condition progresses slowly and leads to life-threatening situations making it difficult for the patient to breathe.

Etiology

• Age:- It is mostly in middle-aged or old age people and in children it’s very rare
• Sex:- Men are most likely to be affected by Pulmonary fibrosis as compared to Women.

Signs and Symptoms Seen in Honeycomb Lung

The symptoms might differ from patient to patient but common symptoms might include:-

• Dyspnea (Shortness of breath) and not able to do everyday activities.
• Dry cough which is severe at night
• Diminished tolerance to exercise
• Shallow breathing
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Discomfort feeling in the chest
• Unexplained weight loss
• Clubbing of fingers and toes where the flesh under the nails become thick
• Symptoms progress over time from mild to severe signs and eventually lead to Death.

Complications

There are many other compilations and this includes-

• Pulmonary hypertension:- Also known as high blood pressure in the lungs and this affects the artery present in the lung. It results when the capillaries and arteries present in the lungs start to compress due to scar formation. This causes increased resistance flow of blood in the lungs. This causes the pressure to increase in the pulmonary artery and lowering the heart chamber. This can result in a life-threatening situation.
• Cor pulmonale:- It is a serious condition that results in right-sided heart failure and making it hard to pump blood throughout the body. This results in blockage of the pulmonary artery.
• Lung cancer:- If left untreated it might lead to other problems that increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
• Respiratory failure:- When the levels of blood oxygen fall dangerously it might result in respiratory failure.
• Others:- formation of the blood clot in lungs resulting in a collapsed lung.

Causes for Honeycomb Lung

The causes of honeycomb lung can be divided into different categories:-

Environmental and Occupational Factors:- This occurs due to long term exposure to toxins and pollutants that causes damage to the lungs and this include harmful chemicals like:-

• Silica dust
• Hard metal dust
• Coal dust
• Animal or bird droppings
• Grain dust
• Asbestos fibers.

Radiation treatments:- Some people who have received chemotherapy in the past due to breast or lung cancer might show symptoms of fibrosis years after the therapy and this depends on how long they were exposed to chemotherapy and also the amount of administration into the body.

Autoimmune disorders:- People who suffer from autoimmune disease and their immune system attack the body instead of protecting might result in honeycomb or fibrosis of the lungs. This

• Lupus
• Scleroderma
• Polymyositis
• Vasculitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Infections:- This includes various other infections like-

• Viral infections such as herpes virus, adenovirus, and hepatitis C.
• Bacterial infections.

Certain type of Medications

Some people who take certain types of medications are at risk of having pulmonary fibrosis. This may include people who take drugs like

• Chemotherapy drugs:- Cyclophosphamide is designed to kill cancer but can damage lung tissue.
• Heart medications:- Drugs like cardarone, pacerone which is used for an irregular heartbeat can cause damage to the tissue of the lungs.
• Antibiotics like sulfasalazine and nitrofurantoin can result in lung damage
• Rituximab and sulfasalazine, an anti-inflammatory drug can result in damage to the lungs.

Genetics:-  3 to 20 percent of people affected with Pulmonary fibrosis are seen that this runs in their family and they have inherited it from them.

Diagnosis for Honeycombing of Lungs

In order to confirm the diagnosis, there are many clinical investigations that can be done. This includes a physical examination and using a stethoscope to listen to the breathing carefully and along with this, the other test that can be done are:-

• Blood test:- It will help in the evaluation of the functioning of the Kidney and Liver.

Lung functioning test which includes:-

• Exercise stress test:- The test is performed on a treadmill and the functioning of the heart is monitored.
• Arterial blood gas test:- This is the test where the sample of blood is taken and the levels of carbon dioxide, as well as oxygen, are measured.
• Pulmonary functioning test:- This is also called spirometry where you have to exhale forcefully through the tube which is connected to the machine. This will measure the levels of air the lungs can hold.

Lung Biopsy:-

This can be obtained in several ways such as:-

• Bronchoscopy
• Surgical biopsy

Imaging Test:-

• Chest X-ray:- This will show the images of the lungs. This might show the presence of scar tissue or honeycomb which is very typical in pulmonary fibrosis. Sometimes this might show normal but other tests can determine the reason for shortness of breath.
• CT Scan:- The cross-section images of lungs are taken from every angle and will show the images of internal structure. This can also show the level of damage caused to the lungs.
• Echocardiogram:- In this procedure, the sound waves are used to visualize the pressure that is occurring on the right side of the heart.

Treatment for Honeycomb Lung

According to Allopaths the treatment for pulmonary fibrosis includes pirfenidone and nintedanib medication which will help in suppressing the symptoms. In the end-stage, they might suggest a lung transplant which may result in long time complications.

According to Allopaths the treatment for pulmonary fibrosis includes pirfenidone and nintedanib medication which will help in suppressing the symptoms. In the end-stage, they might suggest a lung transplant which may result in long time complications.

Herbal Remedies for Honeycomb Lung Or Pulmonary Fibrosis By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda provides herbal medicine that is 100 percent pure and natural. It is free from all kinds of chemicals, preservatives, and additives. Each and every medicine is made under the supervision of an MD Ayurvedic Doctor and also they all are clinically tested. All herbal medicine is free from side-effects making them safe to use. Here are herbal medicine that will help in the management of the disease:-

1. Praanrakshak Churna
2. Vasaka Capsules
3. Tulsi Capsules
4. Shwas Kuthar Tablets

Product Description

1. Praanrakshak Churna

Praanrakshak Churna is formed from the herbs like  Sarasprilla (Tylophora asthmatica),  Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Clerodandrum (Clerodendrum serratum), and many more. It is very effective in removing an infection from the lungs and reducing all kinds of inflammation. It is also helpful in removing ailments like cough, cold, and dyspnea.

Dosage:- One teaspoon twice daily with water after meals.

2. Vasaka Capsules

It is packed with an herb called Vasak (Adhatoda vasica)  which is very effective in chronic cold and cough. Vasaka capsules are very effective in lung problems like bronchitis and also other problems related to the lungs making it the best pulmonary fibrosis. It is one of the best herbs to enhance the functioning of the lungs.

Dosage:- One to two capsules twice daily with water after meals.

3. Tulsi Capsules

Tulsi Capsules is one of the best herbs for making the lungs stronger called Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum). It is also known as holy basil and is very easily found in India. Tulsi has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties making it very effective in sore throat, autoimmune disorders, and allergies. All these are some of the reasons which results in the development of Honeycomb Lung. One of the effective medicines to treat fibrosis of the lungs.

Dosage:- One to Two capsules twice daily with water after meals.

4. Shwas Kuthar Tablets

It is one the best ayurvedic formulation which contains Pippali (Piper longum), Maricha (Piper nigrum), and many more which is very effective in complaints like cold, cough, indigestion, asthma, and bronchitis making it best for the treatment of lung problem. It will stop the progression of the disease.

Dosage:- Two tablets twice daily with water after meals.

Conclusion

Above mentioned are all the information about the disease which describes that it’s a harmful disease and can lead to death. Planet Ayurveda provides its herbal treatment as mentioned above which will help in the treatment of disease and without any need of the operation. Keep your lungs healthy naturally with Ayurvedic medicine which will help you to breathe properly.