“Asthma” is a Greek (Unani) word meaning “to breath hard”. It is called Zaeeq-un-Nafs in Arabic; and Damah in Urdu. It is an inflammatory disease of lungs, caused by swollen bronchial tubes (airways). It is characterized by variable symptoms of wheezing and breathlessness that may become worse at night or with exercise. In severe cases of Asthma, emergency medical care may be required.
Asthma is considered a phlegm (balghami) disorder that is why sard (cold) and tar (wet) items such as cold water, swimming, ice cream, juices, salads, dairy products, citrus and etc., need to be avoided by Asthma sufferers. Since Unani system of medicine generally treats every disorder based on Ilaj-bil-Zid (treatment by opposite), that is why medicines with a hot and dry khilt (temperament) are strongly suggested in the treatment of Asthma.
Symptoms can be prevented by avoiding triggers, such as allergens and irritants.
Symptoms
Coughing, wheezing chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Causes
Asthma can be hereditary or patients may develop intolerance (later in life) to certain environmental irritants that act as triggers. Common asthma triggers are pollen, chemicals, extreme weather changes, smoke, dust mites, stress and exercise.
Management and Treatment
Hakeem Syed Muhammad Rehan Alam’s family has been successfully treating all kinds of Asthma disorders for more than 88 years. It is one of the signature treatments offered by Hakeem Rehan’s family and their expertise in this field is well known. Hakeem Rehan has a specific way of approaching diagnosis and treatment. Patient history, pulse analysis, and Qaroora (urine inspection) help the Tabib narrow down the root cause (such as trauma, infection, heredity, and relevant humor imbalances). Whenever necessary, we do make use of modern lab tests in arriving at and confirming diagnosis and in monitoring of treatment progress. Our treatment plan is very simple. Keeping in mind patient’s mezaj, patient is immediately put on a strict dietary plan coupled with 8-12 week Unani medication drug regimen consisting of various processed and unprocessed herbs and etc., in the form of Herbal tea, madjoon (paste), and Syrups.
