Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is a serious lung condition where the lungs become scarred, making it extremely difficult to breathe. The condition worsens with time as the scarred tissues in the lungs grow and make it difficult for the oxygen that we inhale, to travel through the air sacs to the bloodstream, which makes breathing difficult.
IPF scars are thick and deep cuts in the lung tissues that slow down the oxygen flow from the lungs to your blood and hinder normal body functioning. These scars are termed fibrosis. The reason or cause behind the disease remains unknown which is why it is termed Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
This lung condition is life-threatening, and improper IPF Treatment can also lead to lung cancer, heart failure, respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary embolism, a condition that forms blood clots in arteries that supply nutrients to the lungs. Though there is no proper cure for the condition, proper treatment can slow down lung damage.
Considering the life-threatening effects of the disease, this article by Life Aveda aims to bring awareness and understanding regarding the treatment measures available for this condition in Ayurveda. Home remedies, Herbal preparations, Ayurvedic supplements, and medicines, along with a few precautions that can help you ease out IPF symptoms will be discussed in this blog. Let us first run through the symptoms, causes, and diagnoses of the condition to be able to identify the condition.
Symptoms of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Symptoms of IPF vary from one person to the other depending upon the severity of the disease. Some common signs and symptoms observed in IPF patients include
Chest tightness
Persistent Dry Cough
Fatigue
Exhaustion
Shortness of Breath
Weight loss
Abnormal sounds emerge from the lungs
Muscle and joint pain
Clubbing of the fingertips.
Loss of appetite
Swelling of the leg
Causes and Risk Factors
As the term Idiopathic suggests, the definite cause behind the disease is unknown. But certain risk factors may contribute to the development of this condition such as exposure to pollution or a particular medicine, infection, and a few more like,
Acid Reflux disease
Smoking
Genetics
Gender, as 75% of people diagnosed with the condition are men.
Breathing in of wood or metal dust.
Age, as the condition mostly affects people above the age of 50.
Most lung diseases share a common set of signs and symptoms. If you persistently suffer from shortness of breath, you must immediately consult a pulmonologist.
The following series or individual tests might help you with a diagnosis of IPF:
X-Ray
High-Resolution Chest CT
Biopsy
Spirometry
Pulse oximetry and Arterial Blood Test
Exercise Test
Treating IPF immediately after its diagnosis is extremely important to prevent complications and worsening of symptoms. To treat the condition, Life Aveda suggests Ayurvedic solutions and treatment measures to effectively treat and contain IPF symptoms.
Herbs for IPF
Natural herbs and plants help in alleviating problem causing symptoms and their intensity such as,
Soothes coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and swollen lymph.
Helps in soothing irritated throat and air passages.
Alleviates chest and nasal congestion.
The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help in relieving inflammation of the lungs.
Let us take a look at a few such herbs and their benefits:
PIPPALI (Piper Longum): the herb is attributed to treating different respiratory issues by Ayurveda. Helps in clearing the nasal congestion and mucus, relieves coughing and chest tightness. Consuming milk that is prepared by boiling a few Pippali in it helps in curing common cold and cough.
LICORICE ROOT: this effective Ayurvedic herb helps in soothing the irritated throat, releasing phlegm, and clearance of the nasal passage. Chewing a licorice twig helps in fighting against IPF symptoms and other respiratory ailments.
KALMEGH (Andrographis Paniculata): The potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and immune-stimulatory properties of the herb help in relieving dry cough, infection, and IPF symptoms.
VASAKA (Justicia Adhatoda): also known as Malabar Nut, Vasaka is an excellent herb to help with respiratory healing. It helps in managing symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis, cough, cold, relieves excess mucus secretion, and provides relief from asthmatic symptoms.
TULSI (OcimumTenuiflorum): Tulsi possesses numerous medicinal properties that help in soothing asthma, reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and fighting against IPF symptoms such as dry cough, chest pain, and tightness.
TURMERIC SHOT: Turmeric drink is an excellent immunity booster and natural lung cleanser. Turmeric milk or water composition helps in the detoxification of the body as well.
CARDAMOM SHOT: an aromatic, healthy, and refreshing health stimulator that helps in promoting lung health and aiding digestion.
Life Aveda’s Lung Care Herbal Products
SECURE LUNGS CAPSULES: Premium Secure Lungs Capsules by Life Aveda help in restoring respiratory tract health and boosting overall immunity. The capsules help in controlling cold and cough and in the removal of excessive mucus. Composed of 7 Ayurvedic Lung care herbs such as Ginger, Vasaka, Tulsi, Mulerthi, Lungwort, Kakrasingi, and Haldi the capsules are rich in anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties. Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice a day with normal water after meals.
CURCUMIN 95% CAPSULES: made with a hundred percent pure and superior quality extract of curcumin herb, Curcumin 95% capsules by Life Aveda help in enhancing overall health and treat Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Dosage: 2 capsules daily with normal water after meals
TULSI DROPS: Premium Tulsi drops prepared by Aveda Ayur help in healthy functioning of the body, detoxification of blood, anxiety, depression, and reduction of stress. It helps in boosting immunity alongside the other benefits. Dosage: 1-2 drops in a glass of lukewarm water or tea 4-5 times per day.
NOTE: All the herbal supplements may either be taken under the prescribed dosage mentioned under each product or as per our Doctor’s prescription at Life Aveda for which you can book your free appointments at avedaayur.com.
EAT HEALTHY: our diet and eating patterns play an important role in the body's functioning. In order to effectively manage IPF symptoms and to heal the condition, it is important to eat healthy, nutritious, and fresh food such as fruits, vegetables, low fat or fat-free dairy, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and peas.
QUIT SMOKING: smoking directly affects our lung health and worsens coughing and breathing issues.
GET ENOUGH REST: this helps in reducing stress levels, makes breathing easier, and calms the body
KEEP YOUR BODY MOVING: practicing moderate body movements, taking a walk in nature, or doing some form of a milk physical activity keeps the body going, regulates breathing, and strengthens lung functioning.
PRANAYAMA: Ayurveda observes the excellent therapeutic benefits of pranayama and breathing exercises to cure lung and respiratory concerns. Make it a part of your daily regime to notice effective results.
We hope our aim at Life Aveda of spreading knowledge regarding Ayurveda and helping you manage Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and its symptoms with the same was successful. In case you require further assistance, get in touch with us at 7743002520 or avedaayur.com.