Atelectasis is defined as a decrease in volume that affects all or part of a lung. Atelectasis is physiologically divided into obstructive and non-obstructive causes. Obstructive causes include foreign body, tumor, and mucous plugging. Nonobstructive causes include pleural effusion, pneumothorax, surfactant deficiency, and inflammation leading to scarring. Atelectasis can occur postoperatively after thoracic or upper abdominal surgical procedures.
The Ayurvedic treatment of atelectasis depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Medicines such as Pippali (Piper longum), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Behada (Terminalia bellerica), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa), Kantakari (Solanum surattense), Som (Ephedra gerardiana) and Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum) are It is used to remove obstruction caused by mucous plugs. Arogya-Vardhini, Kanchnaar-Guggulu, Triphala-Guggulu and Punarnavadi-Guggulu are used to treat tumors. Medicines like Abhrak-Bhasma, Ras-Sindur and Malla-Sindur are used along with other medicines to help remove small foreign bodies.
Pushkarmool, Ras-Sindur and Shrung-Bhasma are used in high doses along with other medicines to treat pleural effusion. These drugs can also be used to reduce inflammation and scarring that result from chronic infections. Drugs like Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) also help reduce scarring and inflammation in lung tissue. Repeated courses of Yashtimadhuk and Pippali are given to treat surfactant deficiency.
According to Ayurvedic texts, lung tissue is efficiently composed of the ‘Rakta’ dhatu. Therefore, all medicines that act on Rakta dhatu are also believed to be beneficial in treating lung disease. These include medicines such as Kutaj (Holharrhina antidysentrica), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), and Musta (Cyperus rotundus).
It should be remembered that Ayurvedic treatment can be safely administered in the chronic stage of atelectasis. Acute and postoperative atelectasis is best treated in a hospital.