How Ayurveda Explains Cystic Fibrosis - A Traditional Insight

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder affecting both the respiratory and the digestive systems of the body. It is characterised by alteration in the mucus viscosity and tenacity of epithelial structure due to gene defect. It is an autosomal recessive disorder with gene mutation of chromosome 7. It causes long term issues in the body of a person which requires immediate treatment. Here is a brief knowledge of Cystic fibrosis causes, symptoms and herbal remedies for managing it without any side effects.

Introduction

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder affecting both respiratory and digestive systems of the body hence it is required to be cured immediately with proper management. The thick secretion of the lungs clogs the airways leading to a lot of symptoms like inflammation and painful condition of lungs. If this problem is ignored then it can affect the quality of life at a greater level.

Correlation of Cystic fibrosis in Ayurveda

The imbalance between Vata and Kapha dosha results in cystic fibrosis . Thick mucus secretions are due to kapha dosha and vata dosha makes this kapha dosha move in different organs and affect them too by blocking the secretory glands and infecting them.

In Ayurveda, this condition comes under 'Pranavaha srotas roga' i.e. Respiratory system disorder. Some of its symptoms can be correlated with respiratory disorders like 'Swasa' (asthma, dyspnoea) in Ch. Chi. 17/6. In this condition Vayu gets obstructed by Kapha dosha hence making the respiratory passage narrower and difficult to breathe. 'Kasa' (cough) mentioned in Ch. Chi 18 is having cough-like symptoms. 'Paarshava shool' (pleurisy) is mentioned in Su. Utt. 42/81 is having symptoms of painful condition of lungs (chest region) due to Vata and Kapha dosha. And 'Swar bheda' (hoarseness of voice) is also mentioned in Su. Sa. 9/5.

Causes

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease which is caused due to mutation in a gene

• It is a genetic disorder.
• A mutation in gene CFTR i.e. cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance is the causative factor for CF.
• Mutation of single CFTR is called carriers.
• The CFTR gene provides instructions for the CFTR protein. The CFTR protein is located in every organ of the body that makes mucus, including the lungs, liver, pancreas, and intestines, as well as sweat glands. The CFTR protein has also been found in other cells in the body, such as cells of the heart and the immune system. The mutations in the CFTR gene cause the CFTR protein to not work properly. This causes thick, sticky mucus production and blockages in the lungs and digestive system.
• The CFTR gene forms CFTR protein.
• This CFTR protein is located in multiple organs like lungs, liver, pancreas, intestine and sweat glands for the production of mucus.
• A mutation in the CFTR gene results in improper formation of CFTR protein.
• This results in the formation of thick, sticky mucus formation in lungs and digestive system resulting in its blockage.

Symptoms

The classic form involves sweat, broncho-pulmonary and pancreatic secretions:

1. Sino Respiratory symptoms

• Babies born with CF have normal lungs but subsequently develop recurrent chest infections by H. influenzae, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, etc. in childhood and early adult life-a hallmark of the disease.
• Cough, sputum production, dyspnoea and haemoptysis develop later.
• Bronchiectasis, spontaneous pneumothorax, respiratory failure and cor pulmonale may develop eventually.
• Sinus pain or infection, purulent nasal secretions and nasal polyps may also be seen. 
• Repeated lung infection (acute and chronic bronchitis), haemoptysis (pneumonia)
• Features of bronchiectasis (thick, viscid, large amount of sputum)
• Atelectasis
• Respiratory failure

2. Gastrointestinal symptoms

• Steatorrhoea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain is a common feature (85%) due to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
• Children may be born with meconium ileus.
• Cirrhosis of the liver is uncommon (5%).
• There are increased chances of gallstones, peptic ulceration and GI malignancy in cystic fibrosis.
• Malnutrition, maldigestion and malabsorption with nutritional deficiencies are common.

3. Other features

• Delayed puberty and skeletal immaturity
• Infertility in males due to failure of development of vas deferens with azoospermia and epididymis.
• Secondary amenorrhoea in females. They are able to conceive.
• Arthropathy and DM can occur.
• Diabetes (11% of adults)
• Amyloidosis

Diagnosis And Investigation

The diagnosis of CF in adults is based on clinical history of chronic lung disease (bronchiectasis), pancreatitis or infertility and confirmed by following investigations:

• Positive family history
• A high sweat sodium concentration (>60 mmol/L) on two occasions
• Blood DNA analysis for gene defect
• X-ray chest or CT scan for bronchiectasis - X-ray chest may show hyperinflation early in the disease process followed by bronchiectasis (ring shadows and cysts) Pneumothorax may be CT scan confirms the presence of bronchiectasis
• Absent vas deferens and epididymis
• Blood trypsin levels
• Airway obstruction on spirometry
• Pancreatic function tests. They have discussed pancreatitis.
• Pulmonary function tests show mixed obstructive and restrictive patterns (hypoxaemia and hypercapnia).
  

Herbal formulations by Planet Ayurveda for managing the disease

Ayurveda aims at minimising these thick mucus secretions so that blockage of secretory ducts can be prevented. The main site of action of drugs should be Rasa (secretary) and Rakta dhatu (blood stream) in this condition. Planet ayurveda is having some really good preparations for autoimmune inherited disorders. Balance of three dosha i.e. Vata, Pitta, Kapha are very important for healthy living. Planet Ayurveda provides some really effective and chemical free medications which are used in this condition. And are prepared by Ayurveda experts with pure and naturally occuring herbs. Following are the herbal combination suggested:-

• Balchaturbhadra Syrup
• Kaas-Har Churna
• Bronco Plan Syrup
• Tulsi Capsules

Products

1. Balchaturbhadr

It is used in children with cold, cough, vomiting, diarrhoea and indigestion. It has good results in children's suffering from chest infection and breathing troubles due to cystic fibrosis. It is antitussive in nature hence helps in pacifing cough. It acts as mucolytic and reduces wheezing sound which is seen in congestion of the chest in cystic fibrosis. Some of the Key Ingredients are Anantamoola (Hemidesmus indicus), Karkatashrungi (Pistacia integerrima), Musta(Cyperus rotundus) etc.

Dosage- 2 spoons twice daily as directed by an Ayurvedic physician.

2. Kaas Har Churna

It supports the respiratory system and improves overall health. It's main action is relieving cough and cold symptoms which are seen in cystic fibrosis patients. And it is having good results in acute respiratory distress syndrome also. It contains Mishri (Crystallized Sugar Lumps), Pippali (Piper longum), Vanshlochan (Bambusa arundinacea), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum) and Dalchini(Cinnamomum zeylanica).

Dosage- 1/2 spoon twice daily with water.

3. Bronco Plan Syrup

It helps by widening the breathing airways and helps relieve symptoms like tightness in chest, shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing seen in Cystic fibrosis patients. It contains Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Pippali(Piper longum), Kakarshring (Pistacia integerrima), Madhuyashti (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica) etc.

Dosage- 1-2 teaspoons twice a day or as prescribed by Ayurvedic Practitioner.

4. Tulsi capsules

It has an anti-inflammatory effect hence is used in inflammation of lungs which occurs in cystic fibrosis patients due to chest infection.
It Pacifies Kapha (Phlegm) and Vata (space) doshas (body energies). The vital ingredient of this is Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) and it helps in maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Dosage- 1-2 capsules, twice daily with plain water after meals.

Natural Herbs and Home Remedies

• Black Pepper(Piper nigrum)- Its magical effects are seen in asthma, cold and respiratory problems. Black pepper can be consumed with honey to reduce cough and cold. Black pepper tea with sea salt is a good remedy for soothing the throat and it's infection. Due to its Katu rasa and Tikshna guna it pacifies Kapha dosha.
• Vasa (Adhatoda vasica)- This liquifies the Kapha dosha so that it can come outside easily, decreasing the cough and breathlessness. Decoction of Vasaka leaves with honey prevents respiratory infection.
• Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is known as a good herb in case of respiratory ailments, cough, cold and in sore throat. It is given in nasal and chest congestions. Mulethi decoction prepared by boiling water prevents cough and cold. In children Mulethi powder mixed with honey in lukewarm water relieves cough and cold and in sore throat chew Mulethi root which relieves from irritation of throat.

Conclusion

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic respiratory disorder which is cured easily only when detected earlier and is managed with proper care. Hence it is very important to keep checking health by self examination and if found any problem in respiration should immediately consult and take according remedies and precautions.