Category: COPD

Alternative Medicines for Non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP)

Abstract

The lung diseases are common nowadays, due to continuously increasing air pollution, chronic smoking habits and bad eating routine and diet plans , making our body, particularly lungs, prone to many conditions. Moreover various packed food items and cold stored items that we consume, unseasonal food articles containing preservatives and other harmful chemicals are making overall health weak and prone for many diseases.

In Ayurveda, it is considered that the overexposure or overconsumption of these factors are leading to weakening of digestive fire, and reduced digestive fire is not able to process the food well that will create a condition of ama (endotoxins) formation, this ama is the root reason for the vitiation of tridosha and the basic cause for affecting the normal metabolism at cellular level, which leads to various auto-immune disease and connective tissue diseases. One of such diseases with an unknown etiology affecting lungs is non-specific interstitial pneumonia. In this article we are going to discuss this rare interstitial lung disease in detail & along with its best Ayurvedic treatment.

non-specific interstitial pneumonia

Introduction

Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) is the second most common type of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia following idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. NSIP is a chronic interstitial lung disease which is having a homogeneous appearance of inflammation & interstitial fibrosis. Due to the lack of the characteristic histopathological features seen in other subtypes of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, it is called a non-specific type. This condition usually affects the lungs bilaterally and may be presented with consioliditions or predispositions for the lower lobes of lungs.

In Ayurveda, this condition can be correlated with heen pita- madhya vata kapholavan sannipat jwar. The main part that this disease affects is phuphus (lungs). It is also termed as Shwashnak jawar by Acharya Madhav. According to Acharya Madhva

Symptoms of Non-specific interstitial pneumonia

Madhava Nidana Parishisht)

The patient who regularly spits out reddish blood mixed sputum, having severe difficulty in breathing along with fever, and whose part of lungs become consolidated, that condition is known as Shawshank jwar.

Causes

Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia is mostly an idiopathic disease which means a disease of unknown etiology. But sometimes this disorder can be seen in association with connective tissue disease, toxins, HIV infection or various other causes. Some of the secondary causes of NSIP are as:

  1. Connective tissue disease (CTD): NSIP is a common pattern due to underlying connective tissue disease which includes Few connective tissue diseases such as  systemic sclerosis, Sjogren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, are the underlying cause responsible for forming NSIP patterns.
  2. HIV infection: This mode is relatively reduced after the widespread antiretroviral therapy.
  3. Auto-immune conditions such as Scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis and many other similar conditions are considered to be the one of the possible causes of the disease, as most of the times, these cases are shown in association with each other.
  4. Drug-induced: Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia patterns have been associated with drugs such as methotrexate, amiodarone, statin therapy and chemotherapeutic agents.
  5. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Appearance of NSIP can be seen in some patients when the lung biopsy is devoid of granulomas, and multinucleated giant cells visualised through histopathology.
  6. Other causes such as a systemic disease IgG4-related, familial history of  interstitial pneumonia, and graft rejection after a surgical transplant.

In Ayurveda, Acharya Madhav had given the nidana for the Shwasnak jwar. That can be considered as the risk factors for NSIP. These include

Causes of Non-specific interstitial pneumonia

Madhava Nidana Parishisht)

The person who has proper exposure to cold climate due to lack of adequate wear, devoid of proper nourishing food, weak person, tired person, digestion issues, chronic alcoholic person, having inflammation in liver or kidney (i.e. person with kidney & liver disorders) or prolonged contact with the affected persons is in high risk zone of developing this disease. Furthermore, this disease can occur in any season, but the winters, spring and rainy season are the more prone seasons.

Sign & Symptoms

The clinical features of NSIP include manifestations due to gradual and chronic respiratory failure. These include:

  1. Cough
  2. Shortness of breath
  3. Dyspnea on exertion

These triad of symptoms are persistent and may be presented from months to years. Also the cough is mostly dry or non productive.

  1. Fatigue
  2. Weight loss
  3. Fever, headache, joints pain
  4. Wheezing, chest pain
  5. Bluish discoloration of fingers, skin and lips due to decreased concentration of oxygen.
  6. Chronic mucus production

On examination an abnormal chest auscultation usually shows end inspiratory fine crackles in the base of both lungs.

NSIP pattern’s characteristic feature include

  1. Uniform and diffuse inflammation on the low part of the alveolar wall,pleura and bronchovascular bundles.
  2. Absence of normal alveolar walls in affected lobules.
  3. Plasmacytic or lymphocytic infiltration
  4. Cellular or fibrotic changes along with loose fibrosis can be seen.

Ayurvedic View

Acharya Madhav had given particular symptoms for the Shawshank jawar which are as

sign & symptoms of nsip

Madhava Nidana Parishisht)

  1. Fever with chills
  2. Excessive thirst
  3. Anorexia
  4. Dyspnea
  5. Pain in ribs
  6. Chronic cough (mostly dry)
  7. Haemoptysis (blood mixed sputum)
  8. Increased rate of respiration
  9. Redness over cheeks
  10. Weakness
  11. Wheezing
  12. Sweating on forehead, small boils over body
  13. Coated tongue
  14. Increased pulse rate
  15. Depression

Also, Acharya had mentioned some updravas (complications) due to this condition that includes

Ayurvedic View of NSIP

Madhava Nidana Parishisht)

  1. Nidranash (loss of sleep)
  2. Parlaap (delirium)
  3. Kamp (tremors)
  4. Tivrtaap (hyperpyrexia)
  5. Sangyanash (loss of consciousness or sensations)
  6. Hridy karyavrodh (heart attack)

Diagnosis

  • It is often difficult to make a diagnosis for non-specific interstitial pneumonia, since it includes several other diseases.
  • Therefore, it is recommended to have two phases for the prepper diagnosis.

The first phase include multidisciplinary diagnosis for its causes (i.e. idiopathic, connective tissue, etc.) based on:

  1. Clinical features, including laboratory tests
  2. Restrictive pattern in pulmonary function tests:
  3. Decreased forced vital capacity (FVC)
  4. Decreased diffusing capacity of the lungs.
  5. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT)
  6. Surgical lung biopsy

And then for confirmation the histological diagnosis of NSIP pattern is required.

Treatment

The basic treatment modality in modern medicine for nonspecific interstitial pneumonia is the use of oral corticosteroids such as prednisone, but if the corticosteroid therapy does not show effective results, they usually add immune suppressing drugs in addition to steroids. Both of these, in the long run, cause multi-system damage to the body and are full of side effects.

Ayurvedic management for Shwasnak jwara (Non-specific interstitial pneumonia) is decided on the basis of age and severity of the disease with herbal medicines, diet and lifestyle modifications.

Few lifestyle modifications indicated for the patient of NSIP are

  1. Patients must avoid all the nidan mentioned.
  2. Complete rest is advised to the patient, that too in a clean and fresh aired environment.
  3. The affected person is advised not to sleep over the more painful portion of the body and try to avoid any type of pressure on that part.
  4. Patients must wear warm clothes and the room of the person is kept warm in the cold climate.
  5. Diseased person must be isolated from childrens for further consequences.
  6. Warm massage must be done in the chest region, and patients must be fed with lite and easily digestible diets.
  7. In the early stages of the disease intermittent fasting (langhan) can be done to resolve ama condition.
  8. Pranayam (Breathing exercises) and yogasana:

The patient of interstitial pneumonia must do regular breathing exercises daily. Start with Khand pranayam slowly along with Kapalbhati pranayam. After mastering these two one could include other pranayam such as

  1. Bhastrika pranayam
  2. Nirvana pranayam
  3. Nadishodhan pranayam
  4. Bhramari pranayam

Further, some yogasana that promotes healthy lung functions includes Sukhasana

  1. Dandasana
  2. Savithri asana
  3. Ustrasana
  4. Ashwasanchala asana
  5. Virabhadrasana
  6. Hastauthan asana

Planet Ayurveda is a Manufacturing Company That Hosts The Manufacturing Of Various Products That Are Purely Herbal In Origin And Are 100% Obtained From Natural Sources. These Herbal Formulations That Are Being Manufactured Here Are In The Strict Adherence To Ancient Ayurvedic Texts. These Products Are Made Under the Guidance and Opinions of Our Expert & Experienced Team of Ayurvedic Physicians by Ancient Time Tested Formulas.

Planet Ayurveda’s experts’ also suggested herbal formulation for the non-specific interstitial pneumonia in a combination form for the better results in the disease.

These include

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

Herbal Formulation for Nsip

Alternative Medicines for Non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP)

Product Description

1. Vasaka Capsules

Vasaka capsules are the best herbal supplement for the lungs made from the standardised extract of Adhatoda vasica formulated in capsule form. The leaves of this herb contain many beneficial phytochemicals such as various alkaloids,  phenolics and flavonoids in it. Vasicine (a quinazoline alkaloid) is the most potent and important. These phytochemicals play a key role in promoting the health of lungs along with decreasing the mucous formation in NSIP. This herb is known for its actions on respiratory ailment since ages, due to its tikta, kshay rasa (bitter, pungent taste), and katu vipak and sheet virya (cool potency), it is kapha pitta hara(reducing aggravated kapha and pitta dosha) in nature. As mentioned above this disease is kapholavan, which means due to excessive vitiation of kapha, kapha is the main dosha involved in the mucus formation. Thus, regular use of this medicine promotes the inhibition of mucus formation in the alveolus.

Dosage:  2 capsules twice daily, with plain water after meals.

2. Aller-G Care

Aller-G Care capsule is a poly herbal formulation that contains ingredients like shrish (Albizia Lebbeck), neem (Azadirachta indica) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which help in relieving pains and heaviness in the chest region due to the ongoing interstitial pneumonia condition.

Dosage– 2 capsules two times a day with plain water after meals.

3. Tulsi Capsules

Tulsi capsules are the standardised extract of Ocimum sanctum prepared in the house of planet ayurveda. This formulation prevents the lungs from further infections and also strengthens the respiratory tract.

Dosage– 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Kaas-Har Churna

The effective combination of herbs for lung and respiratory diseases made by Planet Ayurveda’s expert on the classical reference of Sitopaladi churna. The ingredients include five amazing herbs having their unique actions i.e. mishri, vanshlochan, pippali, ela, and dalchini. In NSIP the ingredients such as mishri (shiny sweet little crystals) are for enhancing the taste and have medicinal properties that relieves irritation in cough along with an anti-inflammatory action. Vanshlochan (bamboo manna) is the second ingredient which has anti cough properties along with it aids in treating the affections of lungs.

Pippali (Piper longum) is an amazing herb having expectorant properties (promotes the secretion of sputum) and also it is considered as yogvahi (immunomodulating). The next ingredient is ela (Elettaria cardamomum) is a great expectorant and is very much beneficial in various respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough etc. The last ingredient is dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) has multiple properties including analgesic, antiseptic, astringent, germicide and stimulant properties that help in treating various cough & breathing related symptoms in Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia.

Dosage– 1 teaspoonful three times daily with honey, after meals .

5. Boswellia-Curcumin

The most effective formulation made by our experts for various painful inflammatory cases. These capsules are made from two basic ingredients, shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and haridra (curcumin- Curcuma longa). In NSIP, the shallaki acts by its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, thus reducing pain and swelling in alveoli, pleura, and basement membranes whereas haridra promotes the faster healing of the condition. Also, the regular use of this combination prevents the further damage to lung parenchyma and other tissues in NSIP.

Dosage– 2 capsules twice daily, after meals with plain water.

6. Moringa Capsules

These capsules contain the extracts of Shigru (Moringa oleifera). This herb has vata-kapha shamak properties and is thus very much beneficial in NSIP. Also, moringa is a rich source of antioxidants, it prevents the body from numerous infective conditions by scavenging the free radicals. This drug is also mentioned in sednopag by acharyas which means that shigru facilitates sweating. Thus a wonderful drug for reducing fever in NSIP.
Dosage– 1 capsule twice daily after meals with water.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214040

Conclusion

Modern medicine focuses on symptomatic treatment for NSIP along with the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants which in turn makes the body susceptible for various infections as these drugs reduce the body’s ability to fight against antigen or pathogen. Whereas the treatment methods in Ayurveda include a holistic approach of herbal formulations along with healthy diet plans and lifestyle modifications. Thus, with Ayurveda there is better scope of treatment of these types of interstitial lung disease and that too by boosting the overall health of lungs and body’s immunity rather than suppressing it.

Ayurvedic Perspective of Eosinophilic Lung Disease/Pulmonary Eosinophilia

Abstract

Eosinophilic lung disease/ pulmonary eosinophilia is a condition in which basically there is the accumulation of eosinophils in the pulmonary pathway due to any of the associated conditions such as various infections, allergies, parasites, malignancies, autoimmune processes, obstructive lung diseases and various others. Lungs are considered as one of the most important organs for life as it supports our breathing. As each cell of the body needs an abundance of oxygen for living, that is only possible if our lungs work properly. The oxygen gets exchanged with the carbon dioxide present in the cells of the body which is the waste and can be eliminated with the help of lungs. So it is important to keep lungs healthy for maintaining overall health of the body. Let’s discuss further all the details of pulmonary eosinophilia and its ayurvedic management.

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary Eosinophilia / Eosinophilic lung disease is a condition that is associated with the lodgement of the eosinophils in the lungs and the respiratory tract. This can occur due to any of the pathologies caused in the respiratory tract which further leads to an increase in the eosinophil and its accumulation. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell and are part of the immune system. Eosinophils are usually built up with the reaction to any kind of infection, inflammation and allergen in the respiratory tract. As per ayurveda it can be correlated to the pranavaha sroto dushti, further we are going to discuss the causes, symptoms and diagnosis of Pulmonary Eosinophilia.

Eosinophilic lung disease

CAUSES

The causes of Pulmonary eosinophilia include various things depending upon the type. As it is generally divided into three types that are idiopathic which have unknown causes, the second one is secondary pulmonary eosinophilia which includes the causes such as certain drugs, parasites, allergies, etc. The last type is eosinophilic vasculitis in which inflammation of blood vessels occurs that prevents the blood flow which further causes the damage to the tissues and vital organs mainly occurs due to allergies and asthma.

Following are some of the common drugs and infections that can lead to Pulmonary Eosinophilia.

Drugs

  • Penicillin
  • Nitrofurantoin
  • Tetracycline

Infections

  • Aspergillus fumigatus fungi
  • Parasitic infections due to schistosomiasis, ascaris, microfilariasis, strongyloidiasis

SYMPTOMS

The following are the symptoms of Primary Eosinophilia

  • Dry cough
  • Chest pain
  • Fever
  • Rash
  • General debility
  • Wheezing
  • Rapid breathing
  • Shortness of breath

Beside the above Symptoms, Pulmonary Eosinophilia Consists of the Symptoms Mostly Associated with Respiratory Tract Issues.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis of Pulmonary Eosinophilia includes a complete history with clinical evaluation and various laboratory tests. Also a physical examination is to be done which on rule out will come out with a wheezing sound in lungs. Various imaging techniques play an important role in ruling out pulmonary eosinophilia. Chest x – ray and CT scan is one of the most important tests to be done. Another test of bronchoalveolar lavage is needed for clearing the doubt in diagnosis. Blood tests are generally done to rule out the number of eosinophils and analysis of sputum is also important for evaluating the presence of any of the possible parasites.

AYURVEDIC VIEW OF EOSINOPHILIC LUNG DISEASE / PULMONARY EOSINOPHILIA

Ayurveda Eosinophilic Lung Disease / Pulmonary eosinophilia can be correlated to Pranavaha sroto dushti. Before studying what is Pranavaha sroto dushti let us discuss what is pranavaha srotas. Pranavaha srotas are the channels in the body that help in carrying oxygen (a life element). These channels originate from hridya (heart) and rasa vahini dhamanis (the channels in our body that transports nutrients to all body parts.

Causes of vitiation of Pranavaha Srotas

Kshaya (depletion of tissues), veg vdharana (suppressing natural urges), ruksha ahara sewan (intake of dry food items), vyama abhyasa with kshudha (exercise on hunger), ati shasa (working more than  one’s physical capacity).

Symptoms of vitiation of Pranavaha Srotas

Prolonged breathing, shortness of breath, difficult breathing, intermittent breathing, abnormal sounds during breathing, painful breathing. So for relieving the symptoms of pranavaha sroto dushti , Planet Ayurveda formulated a list of herbal remedies that we are going to discuss further.              

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR MANAGING PULMONARY EOSINOPHILIA

Planet ayurveda is a clinic that helps you with getting rid of your problem in an ayurvedic way. All their remedies are formed under the guidance and supervision of M.D. ayurveda doctors and 100% purely vegetarian. Also while formulating their remedies they take care that any kind of added synthetic material should not be added to it like any sort of resins, fiber, color, preservatives and all. Now let us go through those herbal remedies that will ease your symptoms of Pulmonary eosinophilia.

Following are The List of Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda that Helps in the Management of Pulmonary Eosinophilia:

  1. ALLER-G CARE
  2. PREMIUM BLOOD CLEANSE
  3. TULSI CAPSULES
  4. RESPI-SUPPORT
  5. KAAS-HAR CHURNA

Herbs for Eosinophilic lung disease

Herbal Supplements for Eosinophilic lung disease

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. ALLER-G CARE

Aller-G Care by Planet Ayurveda is a herbal remedy in capsule form which consists of various standardized herbal extracts such as Haridra (Curcuma longa), neem (Azadirachta indica), shirish (Albizia lebbeck), and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). These capsules help in alleviating the symptoms of pulmonary eosinophilia by eliminating any type of allergens from the body. It also prevents the growth of allergens in the body due to the presence of antioxidant properties.

2. PREMIUM BLOOD CLEANSE

Premium blood cleanse is a herbal remedy formulated by Planet Ayurveda in capsule form. These capsules consist of herbal extracts like haridra (Curcuma longa) and neem (Azadirachta indica). This formulation consists of the properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood purifier, antihelminthic, etc.     These capsules help in the detoxification of the blood as well as maintain the levels of blood components which aids in the formation of healthy and cleansed blood. So by cleansing of blood eosinophils get depleted and there is the alleviation of symptoms of Pulmonary Eosinophilia.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.  

3. TULSI CAPSULES

Tulsi capsules by Planet Ayurveda consist of the standardized extract of herb tulsi (Ocimum sanctum). Tulsi provides various health benefits especially for the respiratory system. It consists of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-allergic and antitussive properties. It boosts up the immunity levels and prevents all types of infections thus restricting  Pulmonary eosinophilia. Tulsi is a very potent herb for lungs and helps in maintaining the overall health of the respiratory system.

4. RESPI-SUPPORT

Respi-Support is a very effective herbal remedy in a capsule form formulated by Planet Ayurveda. This herbal remedy includes the standardized extract of karchoor (Curcuma zedoaria), bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), pippali (Piper longum) and two more herbs. All the herbs consist of hot potency which helps in reducing vata and kapha dosha so it is helpful in managing the symptoms of Pulmonary Eosinophilia. As the aggravation of kapha and vata dosha is responsible for the vitiation in the respiratory tract, this remedy is very helpful in Pulmonary Eosinophilia patients. Respi-support capsules mainly help in relieving the symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, prolonged breathing, shortness of breath and various other problems while breathing.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

5. KAAS-HAR CHURNA

Kaas-Har Churna is available in powder form by Planet Ayurveda. The herbal powder consists of various lung supportive herbs such as vanshlochan (Bambusa arundinacea), Pippali (Piper longum), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum) and Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylenica). This herbal formulation aids in reducing kapha dosha in the respiratory pathway and helps in relieving the major symptoms of pulmonary eosinophilia such as dry cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing and various others.

Dosage: 1 tsp twice daily with honey after meals.

Contact Planet Ayurveda to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214040 Or Check Website – www.PlanetAyurveda.com

CONCLUSION

Eosinophilic lung disease / pulmonary eosinophilia is a condition in which basically there is the accumulation of eosinophils in the pulmonary pathway due to any of the associated conditions. The main causes of pulmonary eosinophilia are various infections, allergies, parasites, malignancies, autoimmune processes, obstructive lung diseases and various others. The main symptoms included Dry cough, Chest pain, Fever, Rash, General debility, Wheezing, Rapid breathing and Shortness of breath. Other symptoms depend upon the pathology of the disease. Patients who are suffering from pulmonary eosinophilia follow a healthy diet and lifestyle along with herbal remedies by planet ayurveda to get rid of this disease. All the remedies are 100% pure so feel free to consume these herbal remedies and get rid of your problem.