Pleurisy is caused due to the inflammation of the pleura, the lining that surround the lungs. When inflamed pleural layers rub against each other while breathing, it causes sharp pain in the chest. Though there could be several causes, viral infections spreading from the lungs to the pleural cavity are mostly responsible. In Ayurveda, this condition is known as parshwashool.
According to Ayurveda, all three doshas viz. vata, pitta kapha play roles in causing parshwashool. Vayu gets aggravated and collects from the body into the lungs. This leads to accumulation of kapha which is thick. Since Pitta is hot in nature, it liquefies kapha and converts it into a watery fluid. As a result, there is accumulation of fluid in lungs, which causes discomfort while breathing. Aggravation of kapha can extinguish the gastric fire and hamper the digestion. Effective treatment is available in Ayurveda for parshwashool which includes certain Ayurvedic therapies, herbs and dietary recommendations.
