Abstract

Dr. Najma A. S.*, Dr. Bindu P. R., Dr. Shylamma T. M.

ABSTRACT

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic, progressive respiratory disorder characterized by irreversible airflow limitation and significant systemic involvement. Although COPD is not described as a single disease entity in the Ayurvedic classics, its clinical features, disease progression, and complications show close resemblance to several conditions elaborated in Ayurveda, including K?sa, T?maka ?v?sa, Urahk?ata, H?droga, ?opha, and R?jayak?m?. Understanding COPD through Ayurvedic principles allows a comprehensive interpretation of its multifactorial pathogenesis and supports a holistic, stage-wise management approach. From an Ayurvedic perspective, COPD can be conceptualized as a Pr??avaha-srotodus?i vik?ra with progressive multi-srotas involvement. Long-standing exposure to nid?nas such as dh?ma sevana, environmental pollutants, faulty dietary habits, improper lifestyle practices, agnim?ndya, and suppression of natural urges (vegarodha) leads to Kapha-V?ta do?a vitiation, srotorodha, dh?tu-k?aya, and oja-k?aya. Chronic exposure to smoke and pollutants may be understood as d???vi?a, producing slow-acting yet irreversible pathological changes affecting the respiratory, circulatory, and metabolic systems. The disease progression correlates with K?sa in early stages, T?maka ?v?sa during chronic obstruction, and R?jayak?m?-, H?droga-, and ?opha-like manifestations in advanced stages. Concepts such as agni dysfunction, srotodus?i, vegarodha, upa?aya-anupa?aya, and sampr?pti provide a coherent framework to explain the chronicity, systemic involvement, and complications of COPD. COPD is considered an as?dhy? condition due to irreversible structural damage; however, it can be effectively managed as a y?pya vy?dhi. Ayurvedic management emphasizes stage-wise chikits? incorporating ?odhana, ?amana, b??ha?a, ras?yana, adravy? chikits?, nid?na parivarjana, and pathya-apathya. Early intervention and sustained Ayurvedic care can significantly reduce symptom burden, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life in patients with COPD.