Basic Health Care Series - Asthama

Asthma is a common long term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These episodes may occur a few times a day or a few times per week. Depending on the person they may become worse at night or with exercise. Although most people have heard of asthma, few know exactly what asthma is, or how seriously it affects the lives of people of all ages all around the world. Asthma is a respiratory disease that is chronic, which means, that it is always present, and there is no cure for the condition. To understand asthma, it helps to know how the airways work. The airways are tubes that carry air into and out of your lungs. People who have asthma have inflamed airways. The inflammation makes the airways swollen and very sensitive. The airways tend to react strongly to certain inhaled substances. The book is meant especially for Ayurvedic students, physicians and teachers for creating awareness among masses about the dependable holistic approach of Ayurveda in the management and prevention of Asthma.