Management of Allergic Asthma with Shrishadi Agad followed by Amalaki Rasayana as Add on Treatment

Abstract

Allergic asthma (AA) is the most common form of asthma. An allergy is when the immune system mistakes a harmless substance, such as pollen, dust, and mites. The body releases chemicals to attack the substance and can lead to asthma symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty in breathing, and coughing that can vary over time. A 23-year-old female was diagnosed with AA since 2011 by an allopathic consultant in Delhi. She was regularly treated with short-acting bronchodilators (Levalbuterol) inhaler. Shrishadi Agad is a formulation described in the textbook of Shusruta Samhita which contains Shirish Chaal (Albizia lebbeck), Trikatu Churna, Madhu (∼Honey), and Saindhava lavan (∼Rock salt) which are in totality responsible for its Vishaghna (Anti-toxic) properties. The patient was considered suffering from Santamak Shwasa (∼AA) on the bases of International Classification of Diseases (ICDs)-11 and was treated with Shrishadi Agad twice a daily along with Haritaki Churna, bedtime for 1 month followed by Amalaki Rasayan in the dose of 3 g, twice a day for 2 months. On the basis of the same medication, regular follow-up was taken up to assess the health of the patient. After 3 months of treatment, the patient showed significant improvement in sneezing, breathlessness, cough, and generalized weakness. There is a significant decrease in the range of immunoglobulin E (from 3000 IU/ml to 1493 IU/ml), absolute eosinophil count (from 720/cu.mm. to 228/cu.mm.), and pulmonary parameters (i.e., forced expiratory volume in and forced vital capacity) also shows respective changes. This case shows that Shrishadi agad followed by Amalaki Rasayana is effective in the management of AA on the basis of ICD-11 diagnostic criteria AA modern and Ayurvedic diagnostic criteria.