What is the Ayurvedic Treatment for Honeycombing In Lungs (Pulmonary Fibrosis)?

Abstract

Lungs are one of the major organs in the body making it survive by exchanging the essential gases in and out of the body. Each body cell requires a sufficient amount of oxygen to sustain life. Lungs supply oxygen to all body parts and exhale carbon dioxide and other gases from the body. Thus, healthy functioning of the lungs is very necessary to live long and healthy. But under undesirable circumstances, lungs get affected by a diseased condition which reduces its working efficiency. This disease is termed as honeycombing in the lungs or pulmonary fibrosis. In this article, we will study about this disease and how to get rid of it.    

Introduction

Honeycombing in the lungs or pulmonary fibrosis can be defined as the condition that occurs when tissues in the lungs become deteriorated and disfigured. Honeycombing or honeycomb in the lungs refers to an appearance of different sized cystic spaces with the abnormal, thickened and stiffened lung tissues which make it more challenging to perform normal functioning. With time, this condition becomes more severe and the patient continuously suffers from shortness of breath. Honeycombing in the lungs is more common in men as compared with women.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis can vary from patient to patient according to the severity of disease. Some of the patients become ill very easily and fast while others have bearable symptoms that develop gradually over months and years.

Some major signs and symptoms observed in the patient of pulmonary fibrosis are

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Intermittent dry cough (more severe at night)
• Fatigue (feeling of tiredness)
• Tightened chest
• Shallow breathing
• Loss of weight
• Muscle and joint ache
• Widening and rounding of the finger and toes tips (clubbing)

Causes

There are various conditions and substances causing pulmonary fibrosis. But in rare conditions, the cause is not found. This kind of pulmonary fibrosis with no known cause is termed as Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Scientists assumed that several viruses and tobacco smoking can trigger idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Pulmonary fibrosis can be developed by following factors

1. Environmental and occupational factors

People doing jobs which make them prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals, pollutants and toxins can give damage to the lungs and develop pulmonary fibrosis.

These harmful substances include

• Grain dust
• Coal dust
• Hard metals
• Asbestos fibers
• Silica dust
• Bird and animal droppings

2. Radiation treatments

People undergoing radiation therapy for treatment of their breast or lung cancer can be affected by pulmonary fibrosis after months or years after the radiation therapies

• The total amount of the radiation administered
• Portion of the lung exposed to radiation
• Whether chemotherapy was also used
• The presence of underlying lung disease

3. Medications

There are numerous medications developing the honeycombing in the lungs due to their side-effects. Some of these medications include

• Chemotherapy drugs: Drugs such as cyclophosphamide and methotrexate (Trexall, Otrexup, others) have mechanisms of action for killing cancer cells. But these drugs also give damage to the lung tissues.
• Heart medications: Antiarrhythmic drugs such as amiodarone, (Pacerone, Nexterone, Cordarone) are used to treat abnormal heartbeat but they can harm lung tissues also.
• Several antibiotics: Antibiotics like ethambutol and nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid, others) can give damage to lung tissues as their side-effects and progress pulmonary fibrosis.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs: Prolonged use of several anti-inflammatory drugs such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) and rituximab (Rituxan) can spoil the lungs.

4. Medical conditions

Pulmonary fibrosis can also be caused by a number of medical conditions such as

• Pneumonia
• Scleroderma
• Sarcoidosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Mixed connective tissue disease
• Polymyositis
• Dermatomyositis

Complications

Complications associated with pulmonary fibrosis include

1. Increased blood pressure in lungs (pulmonary hypertension)
2. Respiratory failure
3. Lung cancer
4. Right-sided heart failure
5. Lung complication

Risk Factors

The factors triggering the development of pulmonary fibrosis are

• Age: Middle-aged and older adults can be easily prone to Pulmonary fibrosis.
• Sex: Pulmonary fibrosis is more likely to occur in males as comparison with females.
• Smoking: Smoking is the major risk factor increasing the risk of pulmonary fibrosis to a great extent. Far more smokers or former smokers can easily get affected with pulmonary fibrosis.
• Cancer treatments: Several radiation therapies and chemotherapy drugs used in the treatment of cancer can higher the risk of pulmonary fibrosis.
• Certain occupations: People whose occupations demand the work in mines, farms, or constructions have more exposure to pollutants which further raise the pulmonary fibrosis.
• Genetic factors: Having a family background of pulmonary fibrosis is also a major risk factor as this disease has a tendency to run in families.

Diagnosis

To diagnose pulmonary fibrosis, the doctor may ask your family and medical history, signs and symptoms, or exposure of the patient to chemical, dust and gases. The doctor may also conduct your physical examination by using a stethoscope to listen to your breathing lungs carefully. The doctor may also suggest some tests

1. Imaging tests

• Chest X-ray: The doctor will recommend a chest x-ray to see the image of your chest. In this image, he will check scar tissue typical of pulmonary fibrosis and monitor the duration of illness and treatment.
• CT scan: Doing a CT scan of the chest will provide a clear image taken from various angles. This image is very helpful in determining the portion of the damaged lung by pulmonary fibrosis.
• Echocardiogram: To visualize the heart, an echocardiogram uses sound waves. It can generate still pictures of the heart's structures and describe its functioning. This test is also used to evaluate the pressure amount in the heart’s right side.

2. Lung function tests

• Pulmonary function testing: Certain types of pulmonary function tests are performed
• Pulse oximetry: This test is performed for measuring the amount of oxygen saturated in the blood by using a small device placed on any finger.
• Exercise stress test: In this test, a patient is instructed to walk or run on a treadmill to monitor the functioning of the lungs in a physically active condition.
• Arterial blood gas test: To perform this test, the doctor takes a blood sample from your artery in your wrist to measure levels of carbon-dioxide and oxygen in the blood.

3. Tissue sample (biopsy)

A tissue sample is taken and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Tissue samples can be taken by Bronchoscopy and Surgical biopsy. 

Treatment of Honeycombing(Pulmonary Fibrosis)

The lung damage due to pulmonary fibrosis can’t be recovered in the treatment as per modern science. But Ayurvedic medicines are very helpful in providing relief and restoring the health of the lungs without giving any side-effects to the patient. By following basic principles of Ayurveda, PLANET AYURVEDA prepared some effective herbal remedies to help the patients suffering from Pulmonary fibrosis. All these remedies are formulated in Planet Ayurveda’s own manufacturing unit by using standardized extract of herbs under the guidance of M.D. Ayurvedic Doctors. All these medicines are totally natural as they are free from any type of chemical, preservative, starch, color, flavor or any artificial substance. Thus, there is no side-effect possessed by these medicines and any person can consume them whether he is child, adult or old-aged. All aged patients can treat their pulmonary fibrosis by taking Planet Ayurveda’s medicines. Take a look at these medicines

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda

1. Praanrakshak Churna
2. Vasaka Capsules
3. Tulsi Capsules
4. Shwas Kuthar Ras

Product description

1. Praanrakshak Churna

Praanrakshak Churna is a blend mixture of seven herbs like

• Clerodandrum (Clerodendrum serratum)
• Sarsaparilla (Tylophora asthmatica)
• Mimosa Tree (Albizia lebbeck)
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), etc.

This churna is very beneficial in maintaining health of the respiratory system, treating lung infections, and reducing inflammation in the whole body. Health related ailments such as dyspnea, cold and cough can be easily treated with this churna.

Dosage: One teaspoon twice daily with normal water after meals.

2. Vasaka Capsules

Vasaka capsules are prepared by Planet Ayurveda by using standardized extract of Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica) herb which is well known for its use in treating lung disorders such as bronchitis, influenza, tuberculosis, etc. Consumption of these capsules will protect you from cough, cold, and many dreadful diseases of the respiratory system.

Dosage: Two capsules twice daily with normal water after meals.

3. Tulsi Capsules

Planet Ayurveda formulated Tulsi capsules by processing best quality extract of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) which is a traditional herb described in literatures of Ayurveda for its multiple health beneficial properties such as antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, anticancer, antioxidant, and antipyretic. These capsules are very advantageous in boosting the immune system, strengthening the respiratory system and preventing ailments including allergies, autoimmune disorders, sore throat, etc.

Dosage: Two capsules twice daily with normal water after meals.

4. Shwas Kuthar Ras

High quality extracts of

• Maricha (Piper nigrum)
• Pippali (Piper longum)
• Shuddha Parada (Purified mercury)
• Tankan Bhasma (Borax)

And many other ingredients are used in preparing Shwas Kuthar Ras tablets. All these ingredients are very effective in conditions like asthma, bronchitis, indigestion, cough, cold and many disorders of the lung.

Dosage: Two tablets twice daily with normal water after meals.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030

Conclusion

As we read above the various aspects of pulmonary fibrosis, it is necessary to take its proper treatment at the right time to avoid any mis-happening. Above mentioned herbal remedies of Planet Ayurveda are very effective in treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. These medicines are very beneficial in treating disease by keeping your body natural and without giving any side-effects.