Pathophysiology of shwasroga w.s.r. dyspnoea
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Pathophysiology of shwasroga w.s.r. dyspnoea
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The respiratory system is crucial for sustaining life, as it facilitates the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Comprised of upper and lower tracts, the respiratory system's main functions include air conduction, gas exchange, and metabolic waste excretion. This system is closely related to the Ayurvedic concept of Pranavaha srotas, which is essential for maintaining the body's vitality and serves as a key route for pathogen entry. Dyspnoea, or breathlessness, is a significant clinical symptom in respiratory disorders, indicating an uncomfortable awareness of breathing that can arise from various physiological, pathological, or environmental causes. This article explores the pathophysiology, etiology, and clinical implications of dyspnoea within both modern and Ayurvedic frameworks.
Pathophysiology of Dyspnoea
Dyspnoea is a multifaceted symptom associated with disturbances in respiratory physiology. It originates from the complex interplay of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, often resulting in increased respiratory effort, chest tightness, or the sensation of air hunger. The perceived discomfort is mediated by various pathways that include neural receptors, central respiratory centers, and signals from the cardiovascular system. The mismatch between the body's ventilation needs and the ability to meet these needs can lead to dyspnoea. Specific pathways involving chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors in the lungs and chest wall contribute to this sensation, highlighting the intricate relationship between respiration and the overall homeostasis of the body.
Understanding Ayurvedic Perspectives on Dyspnoea
In Ayurveda, dyspnoea is conceptually aligned with Shwaskruchchhta and associated disorders collectively termed Shwasroga. The Ayurvedic tradition emphasizes a holistic understanding of respiratory functions, with various conditions classified based on the nature of the breathing difficulty. The Shwashankriya process, which encompasses the rhythmic inhalation and exhalation of air, is deemed vital for life, similar to modern medical concepts. By correlating Ayurvedic terminologies and descriptions with modern medicine, practitioners can enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy in managing respiratory disorders.
Conclusion
The comprehensive examination of dyspnoea reveals it as a complex symptom rooted in both physiological and pathological states. Understanding its mechanisms—such as the interplay of neural signals, muscle efficiency, and respiratory dynamics—enables more precise clinical evaluations and better patient management in respiratory diseases. Additionally, integrating Ayurvedic insights with contemporary medical knowledge offers a broader context for diagnosing and treating Shwasroga, ultimately improving patient outcomes through a holistic approach.
Original source:
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Bairwa Charan Singh*
P.G. Scholars Final year, P.G. Department of Rog Nidan Evum Vikruti Vigyan, Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurveda Charak Sansthan, Khera Dabar, Najafgarh, New Delhi
Pure Mangi
P.G. Scholars Final year, P.G. Department of Rog Nidan Evum Vikruti Vigyan, Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurveda Charak Sansthan, Khera Dabar, Najafgarh, New Delhi
Sharma Shikha
P.G. Scholar 2nd year, P.G. Department of Rog Nidan Evum Vikruti Vigyan, Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurveda Charak Sansthan, Khera Dabar, Najafgarh, New Delhi
Tewari Aditaya Nath
Associate Professor, P.G. Department of Rog Nidan Evum Vikruti Vigyan, Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurveda Charak Sansthan, Khera Dabar, Najafgarh, New Delhi
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Pathophysiology of shwasroga w.s.r. dyspnoea
Year: 2019
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the definition of dyspnoea in modern medicine?
Dyspnoea is defined as an uncomfortable sensation of breathing or shortness of breath. It can be a symptom of various respiratory or cardiovascular issues and may involve physiological factors, changes in breathing patterns, or psychological components.
How does Ayurveda relate dyspnoea to respiratory disorders?
In Ayurveda, dyspnoea is correlated with 'Shwaskruchchhta' and 'Shwasroga,' highlighting disturbances in respiration and gas exchange. Understanding these concepts aids in diagnosing and treating respiratory conditions in conjunction with modern medical approaches.
What are the main elements contributing to dyspnoea?
Dyspnoea primarily arises from three main elements: afferent signals from receptors, efferent signals to respiratory muscles, and central processing in the brain. A mismatch between respiratory drive and physical breathing results in the sensation and discomfort of dyspnoea.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pathophysiology of shwasroga w.s.r. dyspnoea”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine that encompasses various diagnostic methods and treatments based on natural elements and holistic approaches. In the context of the provided text, Ayurveda correlates respiratory disorders like dyspnoea with terms like 'Shwaskruchchhta' and integrates the understanding of 'Pranavaha srotas'.
2) Disease:
A disease in Ayurveda, such as 'Shwasroga', refers to a condition where the physiological processes, including respiration and gas exchange, are disturbed. The text discusses 'Shwas' as both physiological and pathological states, illustrating how dyspnoea represents a diseased state involving impaired breathing patterns.
3) Blood:
In the discussion of respiration, blood plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen to tissues and cells and removing carbon dioxide, as mentioned under the process of 'Shwasakriya'. This blood flow is influenced by the heart ('Hridaya') pumping blood into the lungs ('Phupphusa').
4) Srotas (Shrotas):
'Srotas' refers to channels in Ayurvedic physiology. The respiratory system is compared to 'Pranavaha srotas', which is vital for movement of 'Prana' and is a pathway for pathogens. Understanding these channels is key to diagnosing and treating respiratory disorders like dyspnoea.
5) Charan:
Charan Singh Bairwa is an author of the article discussed in the text. He is mentioned as a P.G. Scholar in the Department of Rog Nidan Evum Vikruti Vigyan, contributing to the research and understanding of respiratory disorders through Ayurvedic principles.
6) New Delhi:
New Delhi is the location where the research and study were conducted, specifically at the Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurveda Charak Sansthan. The mention of New Delhi situates the academic and clinical context of the researchers involved.
7) Medicine:
Modern medicine is referenced alongside Ayurvedic concepts to provide a comprehensive view of respiratory disorders like dyspnoea. The text compares traditional Ayurvedic diagnoses with contemporary medical practices to bridge understanding and improve treatment outcomes.
8) Delhi:
Delhi is the broader geographical context for the detailed work conducted in New Delhi. The research institution Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurveda Charak Sansthan, where the study on respiratory pathophysiology was carried out, is located in this region.
9) India:
India is the country where the research was conducted. The study emerged from an institution in New Delhi, reflecting the Indian context of integrating Ayurvedic principles with modern medical practices to understand and treat respiratory diseases like dyspnoea.
10) Dabar:
[see source text or glossary: Dabar]
11) Khera:
Khera Dabar is part of the location for Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurveda Charak Sansthan in New Delhi, India. It provides the physical setting for the Ayurvedic research and scholarly work mentioned in the article.
12) Vayu:
'Vayu' in Ayurveda refers to the air element, which has a significant role in respiratory processes. The text mentions 'Vayu' in the context of respiratory movements and conditions like 'Shwas', illustrating its pathological and physiological importance.
13) Ambarapiyusha (Ambarapiyusa):
'Ambarapiyusha' means oxygen in Ayurvedic terms according to the discussed text. Blood pumps into the lungs to absorb 'Ambarapiyusha' from inhaled air and remove carbon dioxide, highlighting its vital role in the process of 'Shwasakriya' or respiration.
14) Discussion:
The discussion section of the article delves into the abnormal breathing patterns and their pathological causes, linking ayurvedic concepts to modern pathology. It highlights the need for better clinical diagnosis through understanding both traditional and contemporary medical views.
15) Alcoholism:
Alcoholism is mentioned as a cause of certain abnormal breathing patterns, such as Kussmaul’s respiration. This condition results from acidosis and signifies severe metabolic derangements impacting the respiratory process.
16) Phupphusa:
'Phupphusa' refers to the lungs in Ayurveda, where blood absorbs 'Ambarapiyusha' (oxygen) and releases 'Kitta' (carbon dioxide). The lungs play a vital role in the discussed process of respiration, highlighting their significance in both normal and pathological states.
17) Pranavayu (Prana-vayu):
'Pranavayu' is one of the vital 'Vayus' in Ayurveda described as fundamental for the process of respiration, especially inhalation ('Uchchhawasa'). It contributes to the physiological functions necessary for maintaining life, as discussed in the text.
18) Udanavayu (Udana-vayu):
'Udanavayu' is responsible for the process of exhalation ('Uchchhawasa') in the respiratory cycle. The text outlines how both 'Pranavayu' and 'Udanavayu' contribute to respiration, illustrating their significance in Ayurvedic physiology.
19) Hridaya (Hrdaya):
'Hridaya' in Ayurveda refers to the heart, which pumps blood into the 'Phupphusa' (lungs). This process is essential for the gaseous exchange, where the blood absorbs oxygen and releases carbon dioxide, underscoring the heart's crucial role in respiration.
20) Kshudra (Ksudra):
'Kshudra Shwas' is one of the types of Shwasvyadhi (breathing disorders) mentioned in the Ayurvedic context. The article correlates abnormal breathing patterns, such as those observed in conditions like dyspnoea, with different types of 'Shwasvyadhi.'
21) Shikha (Sikha):
Sharma Shikha is one of the authors listed in the article. She is noted as a P.G. Scholar 2nd year, associated with the P.G. Department of Rog Nidan Evum Vikruti Vigyan, contributing to the research on the pathophysiology of respiratory disorders.
22) Chinna:
'Chinna Shwas' is another type of Shwasvyadhi (breathing disorder) discussed in the article. It represents a specific abnormal breathing pattern within the Ayurvedic framework, correlating with modern descriptions of respiratory distress.
23) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma Shikha is referenced again here by her last name. She is a P.G. Scholar involved in the study of respiratory disorders at Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurveda Charak Sansthan, contributing to understanding Ayurvedic and modern medical perspectives.
24) Kapha:
'Kapha' is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, often associated with the respiratory system. The text discusses how 'Kapha' obstructs the passages along with 'Vayu', leading to conditions like 'Shwas'. It illustrates the importance of balancing doshas for respiratory health.
25) Nabhi:
'Nabhi' refers to the umbilical region. In the context of the article, it is mentioned as the starting point of respiration according to Acharya Sharangdhara, indicating the use of abdominal muscles in the breathing process.
26) Kitta:
'Kitta' in the context of the provided text represents the waste, such as carbon dioxide, that is exhaled out of the body. During respiration, blood leaves off its 'Kitta' in the lungs as part of the gas exchange process.
27) Dhatu:
'Dhatu' in Ayurveda refers to the fundamental tissues of the body. The discussion of respiration and dyspnoea in the text may involve understanding the role of different 'Dhatus', but specific details are not provided.
28) Ayus (Ayush):
'AYUSH' refers to the traditional Indian systems of healthcare, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. The journal AYUSHDHARA focuses on research within these systems, integrating ancient wisdom with contemporary medical science.
29) Edema (Oedema):
'Edema' is mentioned in the pathophysiology of dyspnoea, where juxta capillary receptors in the lungs are sensitive to pulmonary interstitial edema. This condition contributes to the sensation of breathlessness and is one of the complex mechanisms causing dyspnoea.
30) Death:
Respiration occurs from birth until death. The article underscores the importance of the respiratory process in maintaining life, detailing how dyspnoea and other breathing disorders can severely impact health and lead to serious conditions.
31) Birth:
The process of respiration starts from birth and continues until death. This continuity of respiratory function is critical, as any impairment leading to dyspnoea significantly affects an individual's overall health and well-being.
32) Prana (Pran):
'Prana' in Ayurveda signifies the vital life force or energy. 'Pranavaha srotas' are channels responsible for the movement of 'Prana' throughout the body, and disturbances in these channels can lead to respiratory issues like 'Shwas' or dyspnoea.
33) Maha (Maha°):
'Maha Shwas' is one type of severe respiratory disorder listed under Shwasvyadhi in Ayurveda. The text correlates this with critical breathing patterns observed in dyspnoea, providing a diagnostic framework within traditional medicine.
34) Roga:
'Roga' in Ayurveda means disease. 'Shwasroga' specifically refers to respiratory diseases, including conditions like dyspnoea. The text analyses how Ayurvedic principles can be applied to understand and treat these respiratory disorders.