Spasmodic narrowing of air passage due responsiveness of the tracheo bronchial tree to a variety of stimuli is called as Asthma. Besides this there may blockage because of formation of mucus plugs because of the continuous mucus secretion from inflamed bronchial surface. All this happens because of the sensitivity of respiratory system towards certain allergens. Body thinks that some enemy is invading it through respiratory pathway. To prevent their entrance body adopts these methods of narrowing the air pathway. While doing so body forgets that this is also the pathway for the vital gases and it may result in life threatening consequences.

Considering this point broncho dilator and anti histamines are taken as the treatment to maintain the patency of respiratory channels. At this moment we forget the fact that body is still thinking these allergens as enemies of his. By doing so we are opening the gate for enemy to enter freely. Anyone can think what will these do inside the body and what response body will give. So the line of treatment should be such that to improve the body’s behavior towards the allergen.

Causes of Asthma:

According to modern science when any one is sensitive to allergen then the response of respiratory path is the Asthma. But there is no clue why anyone becomes sensitive to an object, to which others are behaving normally. Ayurveda tells about some causes responsible for Asthmatic condition:

• Dust smoke and wind, so it is more privilege in the industrial areas.
• Residence in cold climate.
• Undue exertion and excessive walking – so Athletics are more affected that non athletics.
• Taking dry and irregular diet.
• Aama (a poisonous substance produced because of impaired digestive system ) production, constipation and dehydration
• Habitual use of lablab bean, black gram, and the food that is slowly digested and heavy like flesh of aquatic and wet land animals, curd, and raw milk.  

Pathogenesis:

All the factors as discussed above mainly disturb the Vata and Kapha bio humors of the body. Both Vata and Kapha humors are cold in nature which is exactly opposite to that of the metabolic fire of the body which is always hot. This causes disturbance in the normal functioning of the fire and as a result there is production of unwanted by products in the body. These unwanted byproducts remain circulating in the blood until the body cleansing system entraps them and expel out of the body. This system should be sensitive enough to recognize the unwanted constituents from the normal ones.

The immune system of the body is performing the above task for the well being of the body. When its activities are going on smoothly we enjoy health in full extent. But the problem appears when it recognizes the normal environmental factors (dust, smoke, pollens etc.) as its enemies. So when ever body comes in their contact this system gets activated and close all the gates of their entrance.

It this way a system which was developed for the defense of the body starts creating chaos with in it.

What should be done: