Herbal Remedies for Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia

Abstract

Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia is an idiopathic condition of lungs in which the patient develops unexplained pneumonia. This condition is generally observed in females and the cause for this association with a particular gender is not known. Usually the patient ages around 40- 50 years or more and is a nonsmoker. In ayurveda all the lung disorders are believed to be the result of tridosha imbalance. This imbalance is the result of hampered digestive fire (jathar agni) causing production of Ama (endotoxins). The agni at the cellular levels (called pilu agni) is also hampered due to production of endotoxins and thus the vicious circle of disease development starts. In this article we will discuss the rare form of interstitial pneumonia along with its management in ayurveda.

Introduction

After idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia is the second most common idiopathic condition of lungs. In this condition there is an adjacent appearance of fibrosis and inflammation of lung parenchyma. The condition affects the lungs bilaterally and can present with consolidations or predisposition at the lower lobes of lungs. Ayurveda relates this condition to heena pitta- madhya vata kapholavan sannipat jwar. Acharya madhav has  termed it as shawasnak jawar.

He mentioned that when a patient spits reddish blood mixed sputum and faces severe breathlessness or difficulty in breathing along with constant fever and whose lungs develop fibrosis and consolidations then the patient is said to be suffering from shawshank jawar.

Causes of NSIP

1. Connective tissue disease (any disease that affects parts of the body that are responsible for connecting organs together like systemic sclerosis etc.)
2. HIV infection and other immunodeficient conditions
3. Drug induced: This generally includes drugs like methotrexate, statin therapy and chemotherapeutic drugs.
4. Hypersensitivity: NSIp is common in patients that have absence of granulomas and presence of multinucleated giant cells.

Exposure to cold climate, undernourished, weak and tired person, whose digestion fire has imbalance, who has inflammation in other organs of the body like in liver or kidneys or is having prolonged contact with the affected one are at the high risk of getting affected by this condition.

Sign and symptoms

The onset of symptoms in this condition is not sudden, the symptoms and signs are slowly visible and end up with respiratory failure. These symptoms and signs include shortness of breath, cough and dyspnea especially on exertion. This triangle of three symptoms keeps on repeating itself for months or for years in some cases. The cough is without expectoration and dry cough can be present with blood. Fever, weight loss, headache, joint pain and fatigue along with wheezing chest chest sounds and chest pain are common. Due to decreased concentration of oxygen peripheral and central cyanosis is commonly noticed (on fingertips, lips etc.)

During auscultation end of inspiration is associated with crackling sound in the chest especially on the base of lungs. The characteristic features of NSIP includes:

1. Inflammation of lower part of alveolar wall, pleura and bronchovascular bundles. The inflammation is uniform and diffuse.
2. Presence Of abnormal alveolar  walls in affected lobules.
3. Lymphocytic inflammation
4. Fibrosis

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is complete when the cause is ruled out, then after certain laboratory tests are being performed, PFT (pulmonary function test) is done that suggests decreased forced vital capacity (FVC) and Decreased diffusing capacity of the lungs. In some cases surgical biopsy is performed.

Complications

Complications are termed as updravas in ayurveda. Acharya madhav has told following updravas of this condition:

Treatment

Ayurvedic management of this condition is decided on the basis of age, severity of disease, diet and lifestyle modifications. First of all the avoidance of  causes is really important along with complete rest. The sleepover to the more painful side is to be avoided and exposure to cold climate must be prevented. Children must be isolated from diseased and warm massages should be done on chest region. Light and digestive food is to be ingested along with intermittent fasting. Pranayam and yoga can also be done.

Herbal remedies for Non- specific interstitial pneumonia by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a herbal manufacturing company that deals with the manufacturing of herbal products. These products are manufactured using potent herbs and their standardized extracts. The products offered by planet ayurveda for the management of NSIP are

1. Vasaka Capsules
2. Aller-G Care
3. Tulsi Capsules
4. Kaas-Har Churna
5. Boswellia-Curcumin
6. Moringa Capsules

Product Description

1. Vasaka Capsules

These capsules are manufactured using the standardized extract of vasaka plant (Adhatoda vasica). Vasaka is known for its effect on the respiratory system since centuries and works very effectively in respiratory ailments due to tikta, kashaya rasa (bitter and pungent taste). It also acts on vititaedkaph and pitta and helps in pacifying the both.

Dose: Two capsules twice daily after meals.

2. Aller-G Care

This is a safe herbal formulation which is prepared using the shrish (Albizia Lebbeck), neem (Azadirachta indica) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) etc which aids in relieving the symptoms such as Cough, shortness of breath, cold etc. These herbs possess anti-allergic, anti microbial, and anti inflammatory properties thus, very effective in NSIP.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals.

3. Tulsi capsules

Tulsi capsules are single herbal formulations which are prepared using the standardized extract of tulsi (Ocimum sanctum). Tulsi is a very good antioxidant which aids in removing all the toxins from the body. It also acts as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, decongestant and might possess anti-cancerous properties thus very helpful in NSIP.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals.

4. Kaas-Har Churna

This churna is made formulated using five peculiar herbs that act on the respiratory system and help in reducing dry cough and chest pain in NSIP. The herbs are

• mishri (shiny sweet little crystals)
• vanshlochan (bamboo manna)
• pippali (Piper longum)
• ela (Elettaria cardamomum)
• dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

It is a very useful formulation for managing breathless and sleeplessness in this condition.

Dose: One teaspoon thrice daily after meals.

5. Boswellia-Curcumin

The two constituents of these capsules are shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin longa (Haridra). Shallaki have analgesic and anti inflammatory properties and haridra is known best for its analgesic and anti bacterial properties. These two help in building the body’s immunity and also provide soothing effects to lungs. It also helps in eliminating endotoxins from the body.

Dose: Two capsules twice a day after meals.

6. Moringa Capsules

Shigru (Moringa oleifera) is the only constituent of these couples. Shigru is kapha vata shamak and relieves dry cough and chest pain in NSIP. It is also a risch source of antioxidants and protects the body from several infectious conditions.

Dose: One capsule twice daily after meals.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030 Or Check Website – www.PlanetAyurveda.com

Conclusion

Modern medicine only focuses on symptomatic treatment and does not treat the root disease. Using ayurvedic medications can help in eliminating the root of conditions like NSIP. A patient is usually asked to follow a complete diet chart along with medications and it plays a wonderful role in managing the condition.