What is Honeycombing of Lungs and its Best Alternative Treatment?

What is Honeycombing of Lungs?

Honeycombing of lungs is also called honeycomb lungs. It is a radiological feature, seen with extensive fibrosis. Cystic air spaces with wide walls appear in this disorder. These air spaces are formed of fibrous tissue and are variable-sized, and irregular. Honeycomb cysts usually happen in the pleural or sub-pleural and peripheral regions of the lung areas.

The enlarged and expanded respiratory bronchioles and terminals produce cystic airspace that provides the appearance of honeycomb in the lungs as a result of chest x-ray or High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT). These modifications are non-significant and are generally seen in the end-stage of many Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILDs).

Honeycombing of Lung is Divided into Two Types:

1. Microcystic Honeycombing
2. Macrocystic Honeycombing

1. Microcystic Honeycombing

It is a visual descriptor on HRCT (High-Resolution Computed Tomography) or CT which represents very small cysts that occur in the sub-pleural region in the patient of interstitial lung disease. It is commonly associated with Non-Specific Interstitial Pneumonitis (NSIP). If the size of the cyst is below 4 mm it is considered as Microcystic honeycombing.

2. Macrocystic Honeycombing

When the size of cysts is bigger than 4 mm it is considered as Macrocystic honeycombing. It is the morphological type of honeycombing. It is commonly associated with Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP).

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is a huge group of disorders that cause lung scarring known as fibrosis which leads to lung stiffness making it troublesome to breathe.

Examples of ILD:

1. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
2. Non-Specific Interstitial Pneumonitis (NSIP)
3. Interstitial pneumonia
4. Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
5. Usual Interstitial Pneumonia
6. Sarcoidosis and Asbestosis

The specific cause of interstitial lung disease (ILD) is not known. This may be due to some factors like chemical exposure, several medicines, family history, and some other diseases such as collagen disease, etc. The lung diseases get worse over time and at the end stage of the disease, they show the honeycombing appearance which is the cystic airspace in the lungs.

If a person with chronic lung disease does not get proper treatment on time, it becomes more severe and is recommended for lung transplantation. So, if you want to prevent your lungs from diseases and becoming a honeycomb lung then you should go for an alternative treatment which can treat it in an effective manner without affecting your health further.

What is the Alternative Treatment to Prevent the Honeycombing of Lungs?

If any treatment cures the disease at its roots and produces many side effects, it cannot be a good treatment. Therefore, it is better to go for an alternative treatment i.e. natural treatment which includes herbs that not only control the symptoms of the disease but also treat the root of the disease. These herbs do not cause any side effects rather they are beneficial for the health in many other ways.

Herbs to Prevent Honeycombing of Lungs

1. Vasaka: It is a very effective herb for respiratory and lung disorders (3).
2. Curcumin: This herb possesses numerous properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, chemotherapeutic properties, etc. (2)
3. Tulsi: The herb helps to clear the lungs by purifying the air and is useful in lung diseases, like Sinusitis, bronchitis, and nasal congestion, etc. (1)
4. Ginger: It helps to relieve respiratory diseases.
5. Mulethi: It acts as an expectorant and holds bronchodilator activities that help to clean the respiratory tract.

These herbs are very effective individually, and also give a synergistic effect when used in combinations. Therefore, they are used in herbal formulations that are not only, more effective but also 100% pure and natural, without any added chemicals or preservatives as served by Planet Ayurveda.

Alternative Treatment for Honeycombing of Lungs by Planet Ayurveda

All the products of Planet Ayurveda are formulated under the direct supervision of highly qualified Ayurvedic practitioners. The herbal products provided for the treatment of Honeycombing of lungs are:

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

Product Descriptions

1. Vasaka Capsules

These capsules consist of pure extract of Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica) herb. Vasaka capsules are very beneficial in the treatment of lung diseases. This herb has expectorant and bronchodilator activities that help to clean the respiratory channels and promotes the healthy functioning of the respiratory system. So, these capsules also help to prevent the lungs from Honeycombing associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with water after meals.

2. Tulsi Capsules

Tulsi capsules are prepared by the standardized extract of Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also known as Holy Basil. It is a wonderful herb that has medicinal properties to manage respiratory and lung complications preventing the formation of cystic airspace (honeycomb) in the patient’s lungs. It also possesses soothing and calming properties that help in easy and smooth breathing. It is a great antioxidant that promotes the healthy functioning of the lungs.

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

3. Praanrakshak Churna

This formulation from Planet Ayurveda is a blend of amazing herbs useful in lung diseases. The herbs included are Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica), Shirish (Albizia lebbeck), Bharangi (Clerodandrum serratum), Anantmool (Tylphora asthmatica),  Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Kantkari (Solanum xanthocarpum), and Twak (Cinnamomum zeylanica).  This holds antioxidant properties which help to repair the lungs’ tissues and also encourages the transfer of oxygen throughout the blood. Praanrakshak Churna improves the functioning of the lungs and prevents Honeycombing. It is also effective in managing various conditions like cough, sneezing, Sinusitis, Rhinitis and others.

Dosage: 1-2 teaspoons thrice a day with plain water after meals.

4. Shwas Kuthar Ras

Shwas Kuthar Ras is a wonderful Ayurvedic formulation. It is a mixture of many ingredients including Shuddha Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur), Shuddha Parada (A Purified Mercury), Tankana Bhasma (Borax), Shuddha Vatsanabha (Purified Aconitum ferox), Manashila (Purified Realgar),  Pippali (Piper longum), Shunti (Zingiber officinalis), and Maricha (Piper nigrum). This formulation is very effective in various lung diseases like asthma, chronic bronchitis, dyspnea, etc.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day, before or after food.

Conclusion

From the above information, it is concluded that Ayurvedic treatment is the best alternative treatment to prevent and treat the lung diseases and formation of honeycombing in the lungs. Planet Ayurveda offers the best herbal products that naturally manage the condition of the lungs and do not even cause any side effect.

Reference

1. https://www.nhp.gov.in/Raihan-Tulsi_mtl
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17569221
3. http://www.jocpr.com/articles/indian-traditional-herbs-adhatoda-vasica-and-its-medicinal-application.pdf