Pleurisy

The inflammation of the pleura which is the membrane covering the lungs is known as pleurisy. This is of three types. If associated with a lot of fluid it is called pleural effusion and when pus is formed inside it is called purulent effusion or empyema. When the inflammation persists for a long time and fibrin is deposited, it is called dry pleurisy.

Causes

The causes are numerous. They are: 1. Tuberculosis, 2. Pneumonia. 3. Heart faihue, 4. Liver and pancreatic diseases, 5. Cancer. 6. Hypothyroidism.

Sings & Symptoms

• Pain in the chest.
• Cough.
• Difficulty in breathing.
• Difficulty in lying down.
• Fever.

Herbal Medicines

1. Garlic clove 1 in number taken on empty stomach with water is good.
2. Decoction prepared with tuisi leaves, pudina, iavang, black pepper proves useful, 50ml 2-3 times a day.
3. Triphaia Churna ½ teaspoon twice daily is good, if patient is constipated.
4. Bed rest is good for these type of patients.

Ayurvedic Remedies

1. Shringa Bhasma is the drug of choice. Half gram of this is to be given to patient 3-4 times a day mixed with honey.
2. Ras Sindoora and Suvarna Vasanthti Maini Rasa are other Ayurvedic medicines but these should be taken under supervision.

Do's & Don'ts

1. Fried and refrigerated food stuff is strictly prohibited.
2. Physical exercises, sexual indulgence, exposure to cold wind and rain should be refrained.
3. Patient should not sleep during day time.