European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

EFFECT OF VASA DHOOMAPANA (VASA NEBULIZATION) ON SERUM ALPHA-1 ANTI TRYPSIN WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO EARLY COPD - A CLINICAL TRIAL

*Dr. R. Jayaraj

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a diseased state characterized by progressive development of chronic air flow limitation that is not fully reversible. Incidence of Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in patients persisting with COPD is associated with tobacco smoking and it is the single most important and the most prevalent risk factor for the development of COPD. Dhoomapana (herbal nebulization) has been advocated as an important treatment modality in Ayurveda. Aim: Present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of Vasa Dhoomapana on serum Alpha-1 antitrypsin with special reference to early COPD. Materials and methods: 10 patients who were suspected to have COPD (Tamaka Swasa) were selected and estimation of serum Alpha -1 antitrypsin was done before and after 15 days of Vasa nebulization. Validation was done using BOLD COPD questionnaire and visual analogue scale. Results: Out of ten, seven cases showed improvement in the level of serum Alpha -1 antitrypsin. While all the ten cases showed improvement in terms of lung performance as measured by respirometer. Conclusion: Vasa nebulization is a simple, cost effective and safe procedure which can be used to improve the serum concentration of Alpha 1 antitrypsin, thereby reducing COPD symptoms. It also improves the lung performance effectively.

Keywords: Vasa, Nebulization, Dhoomapana, BOLD questionnaire.