What is Subpleural Honeycombing & How it can be Prevented Naturally?

Abstract

According to the epidemiologic reviews, the incidence of interstitial lung diseases (ILD) is estimated at 30 per 100000 individuals annually and affecting males more than females. ⁽⁵⁾ It's a fact that when a person with chronic lung disorders left untreated the disease reaches up to end -a stage which ultimately results in honeycombing of lungs. Modern treatment is believed to treat a disorder in emergency cases but doesn't eliminate the root cause of the disease. According to Ayurvedic principles, herbs can pacify Tridosha in our body which keeps our body healthy. Ayurvedic pharmacy believes to eliminate the root cause of the disease without causing any side effects.

What is Subpleural Honeycombing?

Generally speaking, end-stage lung disease is a condition that leads to Diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLDs) and is characterized by cystic air spaces of variable sizes in both the lungs which may be due to obstructive emphysema, alveolar septal dissolution, etc. In this situation, there is an important radiological manifestation which is known as Honeycombing, first studied by N. Oswald and T. Parkinson. Honeycombing is defined as clustered cystic airspaces measuring about 3-10mm in diameter but eventually as large as 2.5cm and resembles much to the beehive. The airspaces consist of thick fibrotic walls and are filled with inflammatory cells and mucin.

Types and Forms of Honeycomb

Honeycomb cysts measuring more than 1mm diameter can be detected by high-resolution CT (HRCT) imaging and can be classified into following forms:

Micro cystic honeycombing
Macro cystic honeycombing
Mixed microcystic and macrocytic honeycombing
Combined emphysema and honeycombing

Which Diseases are resulting in Honeycombing?

Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) which are sometimes termed as diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLDs) are a heterogeneous group of lung disorders caused due to fibrosis and inflammation that disrupts the bronchioles and parenchyma. These can be caused due to environmental factors like dust, coal mine, silica, toxic gases (methane, cyanide), autoimmune or idiopathic diseases. ⁽⁵⁾ Some of the examples of interstitial lung diseases like sarcoidosis, pneumonia, asbestosis, etc. Patients with interstitial lung diseases are recommended with various immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, pirfenidone, etc. to manage the symptoms of the diseases.

Complications of Interstitial Lung Diseases:-

Cardiovascular diseases
Hypoxia
Infections
Pulmonary HTN

What are the Herbs that can Help Prevent Honeycombing?

1. Tulsi

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) or Holy basil is an amazing Indian traditional herb which plays an important role in pacifying Vata and Kapha Dosha and in drying tissue secretions. It is considered as a Queen of herbs which is significant for treating lung diseases, nasal congestion, bronchitis, Sinusitis, etc. ⁽¹⁾

2. Vasaka

Vasaka or Malabar nut (Adhatoda vasica) has splendid phytochemical constitution like Phenolic, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Gallic acids, etc. which makes it enriched with antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties. This traditional herb is used for years in the treatment of respiratory disorders like cough, colds, asthma, and bronchitis. ⁽²⁾

3. Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is an ancient traditional herb used as a spice and flavoring agent in herbal tea which reduces a symptom of severe cold and cough. This herb works efficiently in reducing lung damage due to hyperoxia & inflammation and manages symptoms of respiratory diseases. ⁽³⁾

4. Mulethi

Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) helps in cleansing of the respiratory tract and being a great expectorant it plays an important role in managing bronchodilator activities.

5. Curcumin

Curcumin (Curcuma longa) has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, etc. properties and thus shows effective results in treating lung inflammation. ⁽⁴⁾

Alternative Treatment by Planet Ayurveda to Prevent Honeycombing of Lungs

Planet Ayurveda is offering the best alternative treatment to prevent honeycombing in the lungs. All the herbal remedies such as Praanrakshak Churna, Vaska Capsules, Tulsi Capsules and Shwas Kuthar Ras are 100 % pure, natural, and vegetarian and are free from all kinds of chemicals, preservatives, additives, fillers, colors, and starch.

1. Praanrakshak Churna

Praanrakshak Churna is an amazing herbal formulation containing Indian traditional herbs like Shirish (Albizia lebbeck), Vaasa (Adhatoda vasica), Anantmool (Tylophora asthmatica), Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanica), Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), Kantkari (Solanum xanthocarpum) and Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra). The herbs in combination act synergistically in treating various disorders like bronchitis, asthma, allergies and alleviate inflammation. Bharangi in the combination shows exceptional results in treating bronchial asthma, breathing problems like asthma allergies, etc. This product as a whole improves the functioning of the lungs and manages various conditions effectively like Rhinitis, sinusitis, sneezing, and cough. It plays a significant role in improving the functioning of the lungs and prevents the honeycombing of the lungs.

Dosage - 1-2 full teaspoon three times a day with plain water after meals.

2. Vasaka Capsules

Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica) is an amazing traditional herb enriched with anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties which makes it beneficial in managing various inflammatory conditions, chronic bronchitis, cold, cough, etc. Being an expectorant helps in the discharging of phlegm accumulated in the lungs. This product effectively promotes the cleaning respiratory channels and the healthy functioning of the respiratory system by managing infections like rhinitis, sinusitis, etc.

Dosage - 1-2 capsules two times a day with plain water after meals.

3. Tulsi Capsules

Tulsi capsules from Planet Ayurveda has been formulated by using pure extracts of most common Indian traditional herb Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) or Holy basil. Tulsi is an effective Ayurvedic herb that has been used for ages in treating innumerable health conditions like respiratory diseases like asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis, chronic cough, etc. Tulsi capsules are induced removal of phlegm from the bronchial tube and maintaining the balance between Kapha and Vata. This product effectively reduces the chances of recurrent respiratory infections thus promotes healthy lung functions.

Dosage - 1 capsule two times a day with plain water after meals.

4. Shwas Kuthar Ras

Shwas Kuthar Ras is an amazing Ayurvedic formulation consisting of many herbal ingredients like Shuddha Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur), Manashila (Purified realgar), Pippali (Piper longum), Shunti (Zingiber officinale), Tankana bhasma (Borax), Shudha Parada (Purified mercury), Shuddha Vatsanabha (Purified Aconitum ferox) and Maricha (Piper nigrum). This product works tremendously in managing symptoms of asthma, chronic bronchitis, etc.

Dosage - 2 tablets two times a day and it is recommended to take it before or after meals.

Dr. Vikram's Blog - Ayurvedic and Herbal Remedies

Friday, January 3, 2020