Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition that occurs when the bronchial tubes in the lungs become damaged and widened, leading to the accumulation of mucus and an increased risk of infections. To live a life free of Bronchiectasis, you can connect with an Ayurvedic doctor online in a few simple steps.   

A study conducted in Northern India found a prevalence rate of 3.9% among patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Another study conducted in Southern India found a higher prevalence rate of 7.6% among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

What are the causes and symptoms of Bronchiectasis?

The most common cause of bronchiectasis, including:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Immune deficiencies
• Infections, such as tuberculosis or pneumonia
• Autoimmune diseases
• Allergies
• Aspiration of a foreign body
• Genetic conditions such as primary ciliary dyskinesia

Bronchiectasis symptoms can include:

• Chronic cough
• Excessive production of mucus
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Recurrent infections such as pneumonia
• Clubbing of fingers

If you are facing any of the above issues, and want to know your condition at home, you can take a free Bronchiectasis self assessment disease test online.

What’s the difference between bronchiectasis and Bronchitis?

Similar symptoms between bronchitis and bronchiectasis include coughing up mucus. However, bronchitis is a transient infection that doesn't permanently expand your airways, whereas bronchiectasis does. Bronchiectasis meaning, It is a chronic lung disease caused by damage to the bronchial tubes, leading to mucus accumulation and an increased risk of infections. Symptoms may include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. 

In contrast, Bronchitis is a common condition and can affect people of all ages. It is more prevalent during the winter months and is more common in people who smoke or are exposed to air pollution. Treatment for bronchiectasis may include antibiotics, bronchodilators, and physical therapy.

What is Acute and Chronic Bronchiectasis?

Acute bronchiectasis refers to a sudden onset of bronchial inflammation and damage that can result from an infection or other acute illness. It is a rare and severe condition that can progress rapidly, leading to respiratory failure and other complications. The symptoms of acute bronchiectasis may include coughing, wheezing, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing.

Chronic bronchiectasis, on the other hand, is a long-term condition in which the bronchial tubes in the lungs become damaged and widened over time. This can lead to the accumulation of mucus and an increased risk of infections. 

The symptoms of chronic bronchiectasis may include a persistent cough, production of a large amount of mucus, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. Chronic bronchiectasis can be caused by a variety of factors, including respiratory infections, autoimmune diseases, and genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis.

What are the main factors that cause Bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Respiratory infections: Repeated or severe respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, can cause damage to the bronchial tubes and lead to bronchiectasis.
2. Genetic disorders: Inherited conditions such as cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can increase the risk of developing bronchiectasis.
3. Immunodeficiency: Weakened immune systems due to conditions such as HIV or cancer can increase the risk of developing bronchiectasis.
4. Inhalation of foreign objects: Inhaling a foreign object, such as food or a small toy, can cause blockages in the airways and lead to bronchiectasis.
5. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA): This is a condition in which a person has an allergic reaction to a type of fungus called Aspergillus, which can cause inflammation and damage to the bronchial tubes.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke can lead to COPD, which can then cause bronchiectasis.

What are the Early Signs and Noticeable Changes in Body?

Some of the early signs and noticeable changes in the body that may indicate bronchiectasis include:

• Chronic cough: A persistent cough that lasts for weeks or months can be a sign of bronchiectasis.
• Increased mucus production: People with bronchiectasis may produce more mucus than usual, which can be thick and sticky.
• Shortness of breath: Bronchiectasis can cause difficulty breathing, particularly during physical activity or exercise.
• Recurrent chest infections: People with bronchiectasis may experience frequent chest infections, which can cause symptoms such as fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
• Fatigue: People with bronchiectasis may feel tired or fatigued, particularly if their condition is affecting their ability to get enough oxygen.
• Wheezing: Wheezing, a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing, can be a sign of bronchiectasis.

If you are facing any of the above symptoms you can book a free appointment with Doctors at Dr Axico.

When to see a Doctor for Bronchiectasis?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with bronchiectasis, such as chronic cough, increased mucus production, shortness of breath, recurrent chest infections, fatigue, or wheezing, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

You should also seek medical attention if you have a history of lung infections, or if you have a family history of lung disease bronchiectasis such as cystic fibrosis.

Early diagnosis and bronchiectasis treatment is important to prevent complications and to manage symptoms effectively. Your doctor may perform tests such as a chest x-ray, CT scan, or pulmonary function test to diagnose bronchiectasis and develop a new treatment for bronchiectasis plan that is right for you.

Ayurvedic say on Bronchiectasis

In Ayurveda, Bronchiectasis is considered as a disease that occurs in the pranavaha srotas. Bronchiectasis can be correlated to Tamaka swasa along with kaphaja kasa.

Ayurveda has a number of formulations to treat this condition and is in practice with proven efficacy Due to the causative factors, pranavata combining with Kapha leaves its path and breathing becomes difficult, coughing, etc. start to occur as it starts to travel upward. 

How Ayurveda Can Help to Control Bronchiectasis?

Ayurveda can help to control bronchiectasis by addressing the underlying imbalances that contribute to the condition and by promoting respiratory health. Ayurveda can be helpful in managing bronchiectasis by:

Balancing the doshas:

According to Ayurveda, imbalances in the doshas can contribute to respiratory conditions such as dry bronchiectasis. By identifying and addressing these imbalances through diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies, Ayurveda can help to reduce inflammation and improve respiratory function.

Supporting the immune system:

Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong immune system to prevent infections that can worsen respiratory symptoms. Herbal remedies and dietary recommendations that support the immune system can be helpful in managing bronchiectasis.

Promoting detoxification

Ayurveda uses a variety of therapies, such as Panchakarma, to help the body eliminate toxins and reduce inflammation. These therapies can be helpful in managing respiratory symptoms in bronchiectasis.

Reducing stress:

Stress can worsen respiratory symptoms in bronchiectasis. Ayurveda offers a variety of relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation, to help reduce stress and promote respiratory health.

Providing herbal remedies

Ayurveda offers a variety of herbal remedies, such as ginger, turmeric, and licorice, that have anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties. These remedies can be helpful in reducing inflammation in the respiratory system and improving lung function.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Bronchiectasis

• Heat application on the chest area by a towel dipped with hot water.
• Steam inhalation as it breaks up the mucus and enables easy expectoration.
• Make a paste of turmeric with honey in 1:2 ratios and consume. Turmeric can be used with food and as tea or milk as it is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
• Salt water gargle helps in breaking the mucus and relieves throat pain.

What to eat and not eat?

Here are some specific dietary recommendations based on Ayurvedic principles:

1. Eat warm, cooked foods: Ayurveda emphasises the importance of eating warm, cooked foods that are easy to digest. This can help to support digestive health and prevent the build-up of toxins that can contribute to inflammation in the respiratory system.
2. Avoid cold and raw foods: Cold and raw foods, such as salads and smoothies, can be difficult to digest and can aggravate the doshas. Instead, choose warm, cooked foods that are easy to digest.
3. Limit dairy products: According to Ayurveda, dairy products can contribute to the buildup of mucus in the body, which can worsen respiratory symptoms in bronchiectasis. Limiting or avoiding dairy products can be helpful in managing these symptoms.
4. Emphasize spices and herbs: Many spices and herbs have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to support respiratory health. Incorporating spices such as ginger, turmeric, cumin, and coriander into your diet can be beneficial.
5. Drink warm fluids: Drinking warm fluids, such as herbal teas, can help to soothe the respiratory system and reduce inflammation. Avoid cold or iced drinks, which can aggravate the doshas.

Recommended Ayurvedic Herbs and Medication for Bronchiectasis

• Talisadi Choorna
• Pippali Choorna
• Haridra Khanda
• Guduchi Satwa
• Kantakari Ghrita
• Dhatri Loha
• Kanakasava
• Tribhuvana Kirti Rasa
• Shwasa Kuthara Rasa
• Elakanadi Kashaya
• Shiva Gulika
• Siddha makaradhwaj
• Karpooradi taila
• Pippali
• Maricha 
• Shunthi
• Vasa
• Yasthimadhu 

A Short Note from Dr. Axico

Bronchiectasis shouldn't often prevent you from leading a full life. Discuss troublesome symptoms and how to handle exacerbations with your healthcare practitioner. While they might not be able to address every symptom, sometimes even small adjustments can have a big impact on how well you live.

Dr. Axico offers holistic health services in addition to ayurvedic doctor online consultations. Additionally, patients can buy Ayurvedic medicine from Dr. Axico's medical facilities or websites, either online or offline.