Abstract

AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO POST-COVID DYSPNOEA

Krishna G. S.*, L. Mahadevan, Kasthuri Nair A. and Arun Pratap

.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a pandemic emerged in the year 2019 is a contagious infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus which belongs to a group of RNA viruses. It mainly affects the respiratory system and clinical presentations ranges from mild to moderate symptoms and even asymptomatic. After initial recovery, about 10- 15% population experience post covid complications which may persist for weeks or months. The most common symptoms are acute cough and fever/chills, associated with shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, cognitive impairments, insomnia, myalgia, joint pain, etc. From the Ayurvedic perspective, COVID-19 can be understood as an Aupasargika Roga considering its widespread transmission. Jwara is one of the common Aupasargika Roga. Based on the Dosha predominance, it can be correlated to Kapha Vata Pradhana Sannipataja Jwara and post-covid dyspnoea can be understood as its Upadrava with pathogenesis pertaining in Rasadi Dhatus. The pathogenesis includes Kapha Pradhana Tridoshadushti, Vatamarga Avarodha, Pitta Prakopa, and Dhatu Kshaya leading to the persistence of Swasa. This suggests pathogenic phases in post-COVID. The features of post-covid dyspnoea resemble that of KaphaVata Dushti Lakshana and also Pranavahasroto Dushti Lakshana. Agnideepana, Dosha Shamana, Tarpana and restoration of Vyadhikshamatva through Rasayana Chikitsa considering Bala of the patient can be done which are beneficial for immune-modulation, immune protection, maintain Dhatu Samya and improving the pulmonary functions.

Keywords: Post-COVID Dyspnoea, KaphaVata Pradahana SannipatajaJwara, Rasayana Chikitsa.