AYURVEDA MANAGEMENT OF RECURRENT BRONCHOPNEUMONIA IN CHILDREN: A CASE REPORT

Bronchopneumonia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children under 5 years of age. Recurrent respiratory infections, significantly affect a child’s quality of life. Although bronchopneumonia has no direct equivalent in Ayurveda, its clinical manifestations like Kasa (cough), Peenasa (rhinitis), Nishteevana (expectoration), Ghurghurakam (wheezing), and Shwasakrichrata (difficulty in breathing) resemble the features described in Tamaka Shwasa. This case report describes the Ayurveda management of recurrent respiratory illness and Bronchopneumonia in pediatric patient. A 1.5-year-old male child presented with recurrent episodes of cough with expectoration, fever, cold, breathing difficulty, and reduced appetite. The child had experienced recurrent respiratory infections since infancy and had been hospitalized for6times for similar complaints. He was previously diagnosed with Influenza B-associated Bronchopneumonia with wheeze based on clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and radiological findings. Management included Ayurveda treatments which aided in improving airway patency. The patient was managed with Ayurveda therapies, including Uro Abhyanga (Localized massage) with Karpooradi Taila followed by Nadi Sweda (fomentation), along with internal medications comprising Pushkaramulasava, Bhringarajasava, Indukantha Kashaya, and Poly herbal medicines. Cough and expectoration showed reduction within 7 days of initiating external therapy. Wheezing, Rhinitis and Recurrent breathing difficulty improved within 21 days of treatment. Appetite improved progressively, and no episodes of fever were reported during treatment and follow-up. This case highlights the potential role of Ayurveda management and approach in recurrent pediatric respiratory illness following Bronchopneumonia. The observed improvement suggests that Ayurveda interventions may enhance Respiratory health, and reduce recurrence.