Bronchial asthma is a medical condition which causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow. Because of which excess mucus is produced making it hard to breathe, resulting in cough, short breath, and whistling sounds. It is a chronic disease in children, leading to school absenteeism, hospitalization, economic and psychological stress in the family.

Bronchial asthma is a medical condition which causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow. Because of which excess mucus is produced making it hard to breathe, resulting in cough, short breath, and whistling sounds. It is a chronic disease in children, leading to school absenteeism, hospitalization, economic and psychological stress in the family. Worldwide, the prevalence of asthma is on the rise. It is estimated that 14% of children in the world experience asthma symptoms and is seen more in urban than in rural areas. When segregated by gender and age, asthma is noticed more in boys in the age group of 12–14 years and more in girls in the age group of 14–16 years. Exact reason is not known but following may lead to this condition in children
•    Exposure to more and more environmental allergens such as dust, air pollutants and second-hand smoke.
•    Lower rates of breastfeeding which has prevented important substances of the immune system from being passed on to babies.
Risk factors
•    Allergies
•    Family history
•    Low birth weight
•    Respiratory infections
•    Low-income environment
•    Exposure to tobacco smoke
Clinical features
•    Chest tightness
•    Rapid breathing
•    Shortness of breath
•    Feelings of tiredness
•    Less energy during play
•    Retractions in the chest
•    Whistling sound when the child is breathing in or out.
•    Frequent coughing spells while the child is playing, laughing or at night or right after waking.
Asthma is often difficult to diagnose in infants. However, detection can be done in older children on the basis of  medical history, symptoms, physical examination and by certain tests like X-rays and pulmonary functions tests.
Ayurvedic Management 
In ayurvedic texts there are many herbs and their formulations are mentioned which work as wonders to control the features and raise the immunity. 
HERBS 
Kantakari
Good for asthma patients due to its cough-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Decreases inflammation and the excess production of mucus in the air passages. Has anti-allergic properties due to which it inhibits allergic response.
Vasa
Works as an expectorant, which loosens the sticky phlegm and makes it easier to expel it from the chest and air passages. Relieves asthma attacks by reducing bronchial tree irritation and spasm. 
Shunthi
Acts as bronchodilator and exhibits anti-oxidative and anti-Inflammatory properties.
Bharangi
Acts as an expectorant and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also acts as bronchodilator and mucolytic and is used to breakdown the  thick mucus and ease it out from body.
Pushkaramoola
Works as a bronchodilator and expectorant.
Karkataka shringi
Acts as expectorant by clearing out the mucus from airways. This herb also strengthens the inner lining of the respiratory tract.
Haridra
Used as an antioxidant and possesses various beneficial properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and antiseptic.
Pranayama and Yogasanas
Practice of pranayama and different yogasanas helps in the management of asthma in children. Some of them are mentioned here: 
Anuloma viloma, Kapaal Bhaati, Bhramari pranayama, Ardha Matsyendrasana, Pavanamuktasana, Setu Bandhasana, Bhujangasana and Shavasana.
Ayurvedic formulations
Balchaturbhadra churana, Talisadi churna, Sitopaladi churna, Somlata churna, Shringyadi churna, Vasa avaleha, Kantakari avleha, Kanakasava, Lavangadi vati, and Mahalakshmivilas ras.
Diet
Dietary modifications can ward off asthma. Studies show that diet infused with antioxidants and polyphenols lowers the chances of asthma. Common food  that  can be added to the dishes on dinner table are lentils, cinnamon,  haldi, ginger, basil and berries.
Assistant Professor
Department of Kaumarbhritya 
Dayanand Ayurvedic College, Jalandhar-8 (Pb)
Mob.: 82199 18360