Child Asthma (a variant of Asthma noted in children) is a chronic respiratory disease characterised by inflammation and narrowing of the airways in the lung. These airways are responsible for bringing air into and out of the lungs, which become swollen and lead to the production of excess mucus, thereby forcing breathing to become laboured.
This condition often causes wheezing, cough, chest tightness, and even shortness of breath in children. Child Asthma can significantly affect any child's daily life activities, sleeping patterns, schooling, and quality of living. This is one of the most common chronic illnesses for children worldwide, with millions of children infected.
Jiva's evidence-based Ayurveda treatments promote holistic well-being by focusing on the causative basis of Child Asthma and by balancing the governing energies - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, as well as restoring balance among the mind, body, and spirit. In the principles of Ayurveda, asthma is often considered an issue resulting from imbalances created by Kapha; it's the cause that brings mucus and blockage as well as Vata (relating to movement and airflow).
These imbalances may result from improper diet, exposure to cold and damp environment, weak Agni, or emotional stress. To ensure holistic relief, Advanced Ayurvedic Treatments by Jiva involve HACCP-licensed Ayurvedic medications for the treatment of Child Asthma, alongside time-tested Ayurvedic therapies, yoga, meditation and counseling for lifestyle and diet management so that best results are achieved.
Generally, doctors fail to understand and are confused about the real reason why some kids get it and some don't. But some common reasons might raise a child's risk of developing asthma. Understanding these factors might help parents manage asthma symptoms in kids. Here are the common Child Asthma causes:
This can be either a dry cough or a cough that brings up mucus (phlegm) and is usually worse at night or early morning.
A high-pitched whistling sound when breathing, especially when exhaling.
Feeling breathless even with mild physical activities.
A sense of tightness or squeezing of the chest.
More rapid breathing than normal.
Leading to extreme weakness and a sense of exhaustion.
Caused by coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
Children with asthma are more prone to recurrent respiratory infections, such as colds and bronchitis.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Child Asthma treatment in Ayurveda using evidence-based approaches. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
Here are some of the best Ayurvedic medicines for child asthma:
Vasa has antitussive and expectorant qualities. It's a natural bronchodilator and also reduces coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. It also stimulates your child’s respiratory system so they can breathe better and easier.
Pushkaramula is an expectorant that helps clear mucus from airways. Its anti-inflammatory action calms irritated tissues inside your lungs and decreases asthma attacks.
Pippali has a natural bronchodilator effect. It opens up air passages so your child can breathe easier if he has asthma.
Amalaki has anti-inflammatory and anti-anaphylactic activities. It strengthens your child’s immune system and helps to avoid frequent allergic reactions that cause asthma.
Guduchi is an immune modulator. This basically means that it decreases bronchospasms and increases your child's natural resistance to asthma triggers.
The juice of Bharangi roots is traditionally used for children's cough and asthma. It cools your child’s respiratory tract and soothes wheezing.
Kantakari has anti-asthmatic and anti-inflammatory properties. It decreases airway swelling and increases airflow to your child’s lungs.
Bibhitaki has anti-asthmatic, antispasmodic, antitussive and expectorant benefits. It relieves coughing and loosens stuck mucus in your child’s lungs.
Shirisha is used for children’s asthma and allergy-induced bronchospasm. It relaxes their airway muscles and prevents sudden asthma attacks.
Bala contains natural ephedrine-like compounds used for managing your child’s asthma and bronchitis. It functions as a bronchodilator and also reduces inflammation in their airway.
Gojihva has anti-asthmatic properties and reduces airway inflammation, helping your children breathe easier with asthma.
Yashtimadhu stimulates the production of cortisone in your child’s body. This has an anti-inflammatory effect on lungs and soothes their irritated airways.
Tulsi acts as a bronchodilator and expectorant. It also damps allergic responses that cause asthma symptoms in your child.
This Ayurvedic herb is renowned for its many benefits. It works as an antihistamine, expectorant, bronchodilator and mast cell stabiliser to manage childhood asthma.
As we can understand from the name, Dashmool contains ten roots which have anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic properties. It is used to strengthen your child’s lungs and prevent recurring asthma attacks.
Talisapatra is a bronchodilator, mucolytic, expectorant and antitussive. It clears mucus and helps your child breathe better.
Ayurveda can holistically treat Child Asthma through methods of strengthening the respiratory system, immunity, balancing the energies (or doshas) in the body, alongside finding and fighting the root-cause of the illness. Ayurvedic treatments are highly effective in reducing the asthma attack frequency and intensity while improving lung function and enhancing the overall immunity of the child.
Ayurveda incorporates the use of a variety of herbs for medicinal usage during the treatment of Child Asthma. Here are some Ayurvedic herbs that can help with Child Asthma:
Anti-inflammatory herbs:
Herbs like Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Kantakari (Solanum Xanthocarpum), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), and Turmeric (Curcuma longa) possess anti-inflammatory properties and are thereby quite effective in facilitating mucus-clearance and improving the respiratory capabilities while also enhancing the overall immunity.
Bronchodilator herbs:
Specific herbs like Vasa and Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum) help in the relaxing of the bronchial muscles, so that respiration becomes smoother.
Immunomodulatory herbs:
These include Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), and Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia) that can enhance the immune system and reduce excess sensitivity of the body against allergens and irritants.
Digestive herbs:
Ensuring adequate wellbeing of the digestive system is also a vital part of the Ayurveda treatment philosophy. As per Ayurveda, undigested food may turn into toxins (commonly referred to as Ama) that aggravates respiratory issues. Ginger and trikatu preparation, containing ginger, black pepper, and long pepper, is prescribed for the improvement of the digestive system.
In addition, a qualified Ayurveda doctor may also prescribe a treatment like steam inhalation involving specific herbs and medicated oils, Nasya (pouring of medicated oils through nasal cavity), and Panchakarma (a five fold detoxification therapy) to allow for further cleansing and lasting relief.
In Ayurveda, diet and exercise play significant roles in recovery and holistic wellbeing. For effective management of Child Asthma, consider adding the following to your routine:
Common triggers include allergens (dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mould), irritants (smoke, pollution, strong odours, chemical fumes), respiratory infections (colds, flu), exercise, weather changes (cold air, humidity), and emotional stress.
Diagnosis is done through understanding of the medical history, physical examination, as well as pulse diagnosis.
There is no cure for asthma, but Ayurvedic treatment can manage the symptoms well and reduce the frequency and severity of the attacks and enhance the quality of life in children. Most children find a drastic reduction in their symptoms, and many of them even outgrow the asthma condition.
Indeed, certain foods may aggravate asthma symptoms in certain children. It is essential to identify and avoid these trigger foods. Common food triggers include dairy products, processed foods, artificial additives, and specific preservatives.
Stress can worsen asthma symptoms by triggering inflammation and constricting the airways. Relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and stress management can be beneficial.
Ayurvedic treatment is normally risk-free when prescribed by an experienced, certified Ayurveda physician. Still, it is important that you inform your Ayurvedic doctor of any existing conditions or medicines that your child is currently receiving.
According to Ayurveda, the most common causes of asthma are imbalances in doshas such as Kapha and Vata. This could be due to improper diet, exposure to cold and damp environment, weakened digestive fire or Agni, and emotional stress. Some Ayurvedic herbs are usually prescribed in the treatment of Childhood Asthma. Among them are the commonly used Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Kantakari (Solanum Xanthocarpum), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), and Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia).
Stay away from the familiar triggers, make sure the child appropriately uses all prescribed medications, practice avoidance of dust and allergens in the immediate environment, and have regular check-ups with a physician.
It is beneficial to avoid exposure to smoke, engage in regular but light physical activities, consume nourishing foods, and perform breathing exercises which are helpful in the prevention and management of asthma.
Yes, following an anti-inflammatory diet which includes adequate fruits and vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce factors leading to asthma inflammation and avoiding certain kinds of food can prevent asthma attacks., while avoiding foods that trigger allergies can prevent flare-ups.
Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing and pursed lip breathing can help control breathing, reduce shortness of breath, and strengthen the lungs.
The effectiveness and response time can vary depending on the individual's condition and consistency in following the treatment plan, but some may notice improvements within a few weeks.
Absolutely, children with asthma can play sports, provided their asthma is well-managed and monitored. Exercise, when done safely, can strengthen the respiratory system and improve overall health.
Increasing use of rescue inhalers, frequent coughing or wheezing, trouble breathing, or disturbances in sleep due to asthma symptoms are signs that your child's asthma may be worsening and require a consultation with a healthcare provider.
Common triggers include allergens like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mould, as well as cold air, smoke, respiratory infections, and strong emotions that can lead to stress or excitement.
Stay away from the familiar triggers, make sure the child appropriately uses all prescribed medications, practice avoidance of dust and allergens in the immediate environment, and have regular check-ups with a physician.
While Ayurveda may not claim that but it helps in managing Asthma symptoms naturally. The principles of Ayurveda will help to alleviate the symptoms to a significant extent by diet and lifestyle changes.
It is beneficial to avoid exposure to smoke, engage in regular but light physical activities, consume nourishing foods, and perform breathing exercises which are helpful in the prevention and management of asthma.
Yes, following an anti-inflammatory diet which includes adequate fruits and vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce factors leading to asthma inflammation and avoiding certain kinds of food can prevent asthma attacks., while avoiding foods that trigger allergies can prevent flare-ups.
Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing and pursed lip breathing can help control breathing, reduce shortness of breath, and strengthen the lungs.
When administered under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, Ayurvedic treatments are generally safe, but it's crucial to discuss any new treatments with your child's physician to avoid conflicts with existing medications.
The effectiveness and response time can vary depending on the individual's condition and consistency in following the treatment plan, but some may notice improvements within a few weeks.
Absolutely, children with asthma can play sports, provided their asthma is well-managed and monitored. Exercise, when done safely, can strengthen the respiratory system and improve overall health.
Increasing use of rescue inhalers, frequent coughing or wheezing, trouble breathing, or disturbances in sleep due to asthma symptoms are signs that your child's asthma may be worsening and require a consultation with a healthcare provider.
