Asbestosis is defined as a chronic disease of the lungs which is caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. Scarring of lung tissue occurs on prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers resulting in shortness of breath and many other symptoms. These symptoms may be either mild or severe varying in every patient depending upon the duration of exposure to these particles. Usually, signs and symptoms do not appear until exposure lasts for several years.
Asbestos is a group of minerals which are made from microscopic fibers, breathing them in damages the lungs and can even cause cancer. This mineral is resistant to corrosion and heat. Now it has become infamous due to its menace caused on human health but earlier it was widely used in cement, insulation and floor tiles. So at that time people who were working in these industries suffered from asbestosis which raised an alarm in the public and government regulations and controlled its use. Handling of asbestosis is strictly regulated by the government nowadays but studies suggest that still approximately 125 million people all around the world are exposed to asbestosis. Exposure to asbestos particles first cause asbestosis and if not treated or maltreated can result in mesothelioma, i.e. cancer which affects the lining of lung, heart, and stomach.
WHAT CAN BE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ASBESTOSIS?
Continued exposure to asbestos particle causes scarring of the lungs resulting in difficulty for lungs to expand and improper exchange of air. This pathology results in a certain group of signs and symptoms.
- Shortness of breath
- Continuous dry cough
- Pain and tightness in the chest
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Crackling sound during breathing
- Clubbing, i.e. the abnormal appearance of rounder and wider toes and fingertips
WHAT CAN BE THE CAUSE OF ASBESTOSIS?
Normally there are small sacs in the lungs, i.e. alveoli, where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs. In case of long exposure to these asbestos particles, these particles get lodged in the alveoli, preventing the normal respiratory exchange. Gradually these fibers irritate the alveoli in which they have been lodged and cause scarring of that, resulting in difficult breathing.
As this disease progresses, a wider portion of the lungs get scarred causing stiffness in the lungs and preventing normal breathing. Cigarettes smoking increases asbestos particles absorption, further quickening the progression of asbestosis.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR ASBESTOSIS?
- Working in asbestos industries
- Mining asbestos
- Boiler operators
- Railroad workers
- Electricians
- Workers of shipyard
- Workers removing the insulation of asbestos in older buildings present around the pipes
WHAT IS THE AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE FOR ASBESTOSIS?
The deposition of the harmful particles such as asbestos in the lungs eventually results in mesothelioma (Cancer). According to Ayurveda cancer is divided into two types granthi, i.e. minor tumor and arbuda, i.e. major tumor. Cancer is said to be developed when control systems of the body are out of balance. This body system is none other than many known doshas, i.e. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Dosha. Now in case of mesothelioma, outer force asbestos causes an imbalance in these doshas.
Meaning- When Vata dosha gets aggravated it obstructs the various channels of the body resulting in obstruction of the passages of Vayu. It causes respiratory diseases.
Reference- Charak Samhita, Chikitsa sthanam, Chapter no. 17, Shloka no. 45
HOW CAN ASBESTOSIS BE TREATED THROUGH AYURVEDA?
Ayurvedic treatment of asbestosis includes herbal medicines, improvement in lifestyle and dietary changes. A best Ayurvedic clinic of Ayurveda, Planet Ayurveda offers herbal remedies to treat these diseases in a most natural and gentle way. These herbal remedies are made from pure extracts of herbs of the best quality. No chemicals, preservatives, dye, additives or fillers are added in these herbs. Herbal remedies from Planet Ayurveda are purely vegetarian and not tested on animals. It is quite safe for everyone to take, under physician's supervision.
These remedies include Curcumin cap, tulsi cap, echinacea cap, and navkarshik churna.
Herbal Remedies For Asbestosis
1. Curcumin Capsules
These herbal capsules are prepared from standardized extract of an active compound of turmeric called curcumin. It contains anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and healing properties which help in relieving inflammation in asbestosis. Curcumin capsules heal the scarred tissue and acts as a rejuvenating herbal remedy in this disease
Dosage- Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.
2. Tulsi Capsules
As everyone might be aware tulsi works amazingly in any kind of respiratory diseases, so does in asbestosis. Tulsi herbal capsules are made from standardized extract of tulsi which contains all of its therapeutic properties. It eliminates carcinogens from the lungs and prevents mesothelioma. It has anti-oxidant properties which help to eliminate the free radicals from the body and prevent oxidative damage to the body.
Dosage- Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.
3. Navkarshik Churna
It is blend of various herbs like amla (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bahera (Terminalia bellerica), vacha (Acorus calamus), neem (Azadirachta indica), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Katuki (Picorrhiza kurroa), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) and Daruhaldi (Berberis aristata). These herbs work synergistically to treat asbestosis and similar respiratory troubles effectively. Navkarshik churna acts as an anti-oxidant, blood purifier, and immune booster.
Dosage- Take 1 teaspoon twice daily after meals with plain water.
4. Echinacea Capsules
Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) is the herb that is used in standardized extract form in these capsules. It is a natural immune booster and anti-cancer herbal herb. Anti-inflammatory action of this herb reduces inflammation and helps to treat scarring of the lungs.
Dosage- Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.
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