The respiratory system is the combination of organs and tissues associated with breathing. Breathing is part of respiration and is sometimes called external respiration. Breathing is the alternation of active inhalation (or inspiration) of air into the lungs through the mouth or nose, with the passive exhalation (or expiration) of the air. During inhalation, the diaphragm (a thin musculomembranous dome shaped muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities) and inter costal muscles (muscles that occupy the spaces between the ribs) contract, which enlarges the chest cavity and draws air into the lungs. Relaxation of these muscles forces air out of the lungs at exhalation. The blood absorbs oxygen and give off carbon-di-oxide, when the air passes into and out of lungs during the process of respiration. The respiratory system includes the nasal cavity, pharynx, largnx, trachea, bronchi, branchiols and lungs; and also the diaphragm and other muscles associated with breathing movements. The upper respiratory system however is confined to nose, sinuses, pharynx or larynx.
What is an upper respiratory tract infections? (URTI)
The upper respiratory tract is very much prone to infection by pathogens because it comes into direct contact with physical invironment and exposed to the micro – organisms in the air. The human respiratory tract is exposed to many potential air – borne pathogens via the smoke, soot and dust inhaled from the air. Some times, the body’s immune system is not able to cope up with “Allergies”. It has been estimated that an average individual ingests about 8 micro – organisms per minute or 10,000 per day.
What causes URTI?
There are over 200 viruses that can cause URTIs. These types of viruses are extremely contagious and are spread by direct contact, such as shaking hands, sharing food or drink, and kissing. They can also be spread through coughing and sneezing. A virus can be spread from the hands to the upper respiratory tract by touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.
What are the sysmptoms of a URTIs?
A URTI usually starts with a tickle in the throat and perhaps mild fatigue. Congestion and runny nose, sore throat and sometimes a fever and body aches follow. Next may come a cough that keeps you awake at night. With these symptoms comes the recognition and dismay that you have a “cold”. This constellation of symptoms adds up to general inconvenience and misery.
Management of respiratory diseases
1. Relevance of allopathic anti – biotic drugs
Antibiotics – some basics
Antibiotics are strong medicines that can stop some infections and save lives. But antibiotics can cause more harm that good when they aren’t used the right way.
Do antibiotics work against all infections?
No. Antibiotics only work against infections caused by bacteria. They don’t work against any infections caused by viruses. Viruses cause colds and most coughs and sore throats.
What is “bacterial resistance”?
Usually antibiotics kill bacteria or stop them from growing. However, some bacteria have become resistant to specific antibiotics so the antibiotics don’t work against them. Resistant bacteria develop faster when antibiotics are used too often or are not used correctly.
When to reach out for antibiotics?
The answer depends on what is causing the infection.
Here are some basic guidelines:
- Colds and flu. Viruses causes these illnesses. They can’t be cured with antibiotics.
- Cough or bronchitis. Viruses almost always cause these. However, ifyou have a problem with your lungs or an illness that lasts a long time, bacteria may actually be the cause. Your doctor may decide to try using an antibiotic.
- Sore throat. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and don’t need antibiotics. However, strep throat is caused by bacteria. A throat swab and a lab test are usually needed before the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic for strep throat.
- Sinus infections. Antibiotics are often used to treat sinus infections. A runny nose and yellow or green mucus do not necessarily mean you need an antibiotic.
2. Relevance of Ayurvedic treatment
In Ayurveda the physiological activity of the respiratory system is understood in terms of functions of Vata (vayu) – the find kinds of vata – Prana, Udana, Vyna, Samana and Apana. Imbalances in functioning of these five forces are investigated. Ayurveda diagnosis respiratory diseases not according to infections caused by micro – organisms but nather in terms of the nature of the systemic imbalance that is affected due to respiratory diseases. Ayurveda considers that the respiratory system is influenced by state of mind, the quality of metabolism and excretory functions. Thus mental tensions may cause respiratory diseases like Asthma because “Pranavayu” gets distrubed.
Ayurveda’s description of “respiration” is very precise and somewhat poetic. It says that the pranavayu from the ‘Nathi’ (navel) regions traverses through throat and passes out to consume the “nectar” in the air from atmosphere and comes back quickly to nourish the body to attain longevity.
Another important factor in Ayurvedic treatment is – it not only cures the disease and also it has the potential to enhance and fortity the bodys immune system. In the long run, this healthy immune system of the body effectively fights diseases.
Though a lot of market preparation are available, it is preferable to take the advice of a qualified Ayurvedic physician.
Herbs for respiratory diseases
1) Adathoda Vasikca : Leaves and roots are used in coughs, chronic bronchitis & asthma.
2) Ocimum Sanctum : This famous herb, Holy basil has proven medicinal properties. The juice of the leaves – expectorant, diaphoretic, antiperiodic, stimulant. Used in bronchites. Infusion of leaves used as stomachic in gastric disorders of children in hepatic affectations. Dried leaves are powdered and used to treat ‘Ozaena”. Seeds are used an medicine in the genito – urinary system Roots are used for malarial fever
3) Piper longum : Pippali – tonic. Decoction of immature fruit and root are used in chronic Bronchitis, cough and cold.
4) Solanum xanthocarpus – Root – expectorant, used in cough, asthma, catarrhal, fever and pain in the chest. Juice of berries – Useful in sore throat.
5) Glycyrrhiza glabra – (yashtimadhu/ licorice) Root – tonic, laxative, demulcent, emollient, used in coughs and sore throats and genito – urinary diseases. The principal constituent of Yashtimadhu is glycyrrhizin. Yashtimadhu is used for the treatment of asthma, acute and chronic bronchitis and chronic cough. It modulates the immune system and has remarkable immunostimulant properties. It has potent antioxidant activity as well. Its anti – inflammatory action renders it beneficial in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions including rheumatism, gastric, duodenal and esophageal ulceration or inflammation, heartburn and mouth ulcers.
6) Mentha arvensis – antispasmodic, carminative stomachic, refrigerant, stimulant, emmenagogue and diuretic
7) Tylophora Indica : Leaves – emetic, diaphoretic, expectorant
8) Alpinia galanga – Rhizome used in rheumatism, fever and catarrhal affections especially in bronchial catarrah, stomachic, stimulant, aphrodisiac, carminative.
9) Hyoscyamusniger – Leaves – sedative, narcotic, anodyne antispasmodic, employed in irritable condition and nervous affections, also used in asthma and whooping conditions.
10) Zingibar officinale : Ginger – the versatile famous root. Rhizome – stumulant, carminative, given in dyspepsia and flatulent, colic, prescribed as an adjunt to many tonic and stimulating remedies.
11) Piper nigrum – Used traditionally and famous home – renedy for sore throats and cough, Good for fevers and has variety of uses.
12) Myrstica fragrans – Seeds carminative stomatic and useful in flatulency and vomitting, oil from dried kernel aperient, carminative.
