A Narrative Review on Kaphaja Kasa in Children, with Respect to Chronic Bronchitis

Abstract

Kaphajakasa is a common respiratory disorder affecting children. It is characterized by productive cough and excessive mucus secretion. Prevalence of Kaphajakasa estimated to be 33.3% however a clear understanding in the light of contemporary concepts is rare. This emphasizes the need of narrative review. Aim: This narrative review aims to explore Kaphajakasa in the light of contemporary medical literature and corelate with chronic bronchitis. Material and Methods: This narrative review was drafted referring relevant literature on Kasa from Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, and Kashyapa Samhita. Details on chronic bronchitis were collected from paediatric textbooks and peer-reviewed articles from indexed publications. Results: Based on the literature review, attempt was done to correlate various aspects of Kaphajakasa with chronic bronchitis. Thus, it narrates the similarities between Kaphajakasa and chronic bronchitis in terms of pathophysiology, clinical features like productive cough, mucus hypersecretion and airway inflammation. Ayurvedic concepts such as Kaphavriddhi, Ama-utpatti, Srotorodha, and Avarana closely parallel modern mechanisms like goblet cell hyperplasia, impaired mucociliary clearance, and inflammatory airway changes. Ayurvedic management emphasizes Nidana Parivarjana, Shamana, Shodhana, and Rasayana therapies. While contemporary treatment focus on reducing airway inflammation, controlling infection, and improving mucus clearance. Discussion and conclusion: Kaphajakasa presents with recurrent wet cough, thick whitish sputum with or without fever based on predominance of pitta along with Kapha and vata. Vatanulomana, Agnideepana and Kaphahara is the line of treatment. Thus, it closely resembles chronic bronchitis in etiology, pathophysiology, features and management.