Critical analysis of cough as per ayurveda

Summary of article contents:

Cough is a protective phenomenon for the respiratory tract of a human. It is a reflex phenomenon that works effectively by expelling out the retained airway secretions and aspirated materials predisposing the respiratory tract to opportunistic infections. Cough also plays a major role in determining the underlying respiratory tract infection. In the Ayurvedic treatises, the cough has been mentioned as Kasa . Kasa is discussed both as a clinical manifestation of other diseases and a separate disease entity in ayurvedic classics . Kasa is considered a disease separately in the conditions, it leads to the manifestation of other clinical features which are discussed about Nidanarthakara rogas . Risk factors for the production of cough include smoke, dust, cold exposure, occupational dust and chemicals, exercise, etc, which are also mentioned in ayurvedic classics. In Ayurveda , several characteristic patterns of Kasa have been discussed about different diseases. The study aims at a critical analysis of evaluation of cough in light of Ayurveda to help in determining an appropriate ayurvedic diagnosis and also to adopt effective Ayurvedic management accordingly Keywords: Kasa, Cough, Nidanarthakara rogas