Bronchial Asthma and Tamaka Shwasa: A Comprehensive Review of Ayurvedic and Contemporary Perspectives

Abstract

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and cough. Ayurveda describes a disease entity known as Tamaka Shwasa, which closely resembles bronchial asthma in terms of etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and management principles. Aim: To critically review the concepts of Tamaka Shwasa and bronchial asthma from Ayurvedic and contemporary medical perspectives and explore integrative approaches for effective management. Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Madhava Nidana, and contemporary scientific literature indexed in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and international respiratory medicine guidelines. Results: Tamaka Shwasa is predominantly a Vata-Kapha Pradhana Vyadhi affecting the Pranavaha Srotas. Aggravated Kapha causes obstruction of respiratory channels, leading to Pratiloma Gati of Vata and manifestation of respiratory distress. Modern medicine recognizes bronchial asthma as a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by bronchial hyperresponsiveness, airway obstruction, and remodelling. Ayurvedic interventions including Nidana Parivarjana, Shodhana, Shamana, Rasayana therapy, dietary regulation, and Yoga have shown promising outcomes in symptom control and quality-of-life improvement. Conclusion: Tamaka Shwasa demonstrates substantial correlation with bronchial asthma. Integrative management combining Ayurvedic principles with evidence-based contemporary care may provide a holistic and sustainable approach to disease management.