Contrary to Allopathy, the understanding of Asthma is very different in Ayurveda. Here, more emphasis is paid to restoring body’s immunity and gastrointestinal well being as well as respiratory corrections. The concept of Allergy which is one of the major factors precipitating asthmatic attack is also different in Ayurveda. Here it is presumed that the viruses or bacteria attack only when the natural defence or immunity is low. It is the undigested matter in our tummy known as Ama which circulates in the body and diminishes the immunity of the channel where it gets blocked. Whenever any allergen interacts with this ama, the allergic response commences. So the prime importance is given to elimination of this ama.

There is mentioned two types of Asthma predominance, Vaata and Kapha. In Vaata predominant asthma there is more of wheezing, dry cough, thirst, anxiety and constipation. In case of Kapha predominant asthma there is expectoration, loss of appetite, laziness and attacks in kapha period that is between 5-9 a.m.

Apart from the management of Asthma by Qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, here are some simple remedies and life style modifications which the sufferer may follow to prevent it:

• Abstain from foods that are kapha predominant and trigger asthma like banana, curd, lady finger, black gram, citrus fruits along with difficultly digestible items. 
• Take 2-2.5 litres of water, preferably lukewarm in a day to dilute the phlegm. 
• Avoid artificial colours, sweeteners, dust, paints, feathers and animal dander in day to day life.
• Avoid day sleeping, night awakening, and excessive labour.
• Keep bowels clean. Try raisins, fig, triphla etc. Never suppress natural urges of bowel, urine, sneezing, cough etc.
• Massage with lukewarm sesame oil with a pinch of rock salt in it over the chest followed by hot chest pack and steam inhalations.
• Some herbs like Somlata (Ephedra vulgaris), dama bel (Tylophora asthmatica), kateri (Solanum surrattense) and Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) are excellent research based herbs with proven clinical efficacy.
• Some Yoga asans like gomukhasan, surya namaskara and ushtrasana are beneficial. Pranayama and meditation do work and reduce stress.
• Kanakasava , Shvas kas chintamani ras, Agastya rasayan, shringarabhra are some of the compound formulations which should be taken under expert opinion ofAyurvedic physician.

So, Boost the immunity of your lungs with lifestyle modifications, herbs and dietary changes as recommended by Ayurveda and keep those breathless nights at bay.