Abstract

APPROACH OF AYURVEDA AND YOGA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL LUNG DISEASES

*Dr. Amit Kumar Rai, Dr. Harbans Singh, Dr. Deepshikha, Dr. Deepa Sharma, Dr. Sandip R. Baheti and Dr. Sanjiv Kumar

Abstract

Occupational exposure is a potential cause of almost all respiratory diseases. Several occupational agents and jobs have been identified as definite or probable causes of occupational lung diseases in various epidemiological studies. Occupational lung diseases include occupational asthma, silicosis, coal worker's pneumoconiosis, asbestosis, mesothelioma, byssinosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and lung cancer. Persons with simple disease may never experience symptoms, whereas complicated presentation results in severe respiratory debilitation and death. Occupational lung diseases usually misdiagnosed as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or other diseases leading to a delay in identification of the etiological factor. There is no treatment for any of the occupational lung diseases that can reverse the damage already done. Primary strategy in these ailments is prevention of occupational exposure. Long term approach of Ayurveda and Yoga could be beneficial in the management of occupational lung diseases by improving the lungs functions, reducing the susceptibility towards the inhaled particles & allergens, providing symptomatic relief and at the same time enhance quality of life and work performance of the patient.

Keywords: Occupational lung disease, Silicosis, Shwasa roga, Pranayama, Ayurveda for ILD.