Ayurvedic Understanding and Management of Childhood Tamaka Shwasa – A Review

Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic non-communicable respiratory disorders globally. It is marked by fluctuating airflow limitations leading to symptoms such as breathlessness and wheezing. Clinically, asthma presents as recurrent episodes of dyspnoea, chest tightness, wheeze, and cough—often worsening at night or in the early morning. The condition involves inflammatory cells such as mast cells, eosinophils, and T-lymphocytes. In Ayurvedic literature, asthma is correlated with Tamaka Swasa. Ayurveda describes five types of Swasa Roga: Kshudra swasa, Tamaka swasa, Chhinna swasa, Maha Swasa, and Urdhava Swasa. Tamaka Swasa is a disorder of the Pranavaha Srotas characterized by prolonged and difficult expiration, wheezing, and severe breathlessness that may be detrimental to life. It occurs when Vata moves in an abnormal direction, spreading through therespiratory channels, affecting the region of the head and neck, and aggravating Kapha. This aggravated Kapha leads to Margavarodha (obstruction of the respiratory pathways), resulting in bronchoconstriction and impaired airflow.