In today's life, there is increase in incidences of asthma. Stressful life, rapid industrialization, excessive crowding, increasing pollution are some of the factors responsible for such increase. It has been stated that 15% of the Indian population suffer from asthma. In developed countries like USA, every year there is 10% increase in asthmatic patient. In other streams of medicine, there is no cure for asthma but as per Ayurveda, asthma can be cured with in three to six months.

Asthma (from the Greek ἅσθμα, ásthma, ""panting"") is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction and bronchospasm.Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Asthma is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.Its diagnosis is usually based on the pattern of symptoms, response to therapy over time and spirometry. It is clinically classified according to the frequency of symptoms, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate. Asthma may also be classified as atopic (extrinsic) or non-atopic (intrinsic) where atopy refers to a predisposition toward developing type 1 hypersensitivity reactions.

Treatment of acute symptoms is usually with an inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonist (such as salbutamol) and oral corticosteroids. In very severe cases, intravenous corticosteroids, magnesium sulfate, and hospitalization may be required.[10] Symptoms can be prevented by avoiding triggers, such as allergens and irritants, and by the use of inhaled corticosteroids.Long-acting beta agonists (LABA) or leukotriene antagonists may be used in addition to inhaled corticosteroids if asthma symptoms remain uncontrolled. The occurrence of asthma has increased significantly since the 1970s. In 2011, 235-300 million people globally have been diagnosed with asthma, and it caused 250,000 deaths."

SAMPRAPTI (PATHOGENESIS) - The vitiated pranavayu, combines with deranged "kapha dosha" dosha in the lungs causing obstruction in the pranvahshrotas (Respiratory passage). This results in difficulty in breathing this condition is known as swas yoga.

There are five type of yoga
1. Maha swas
2. Urdhava swas
3. Chinna swas
4. Tamak swas
5. Kshudra swas

Causes
A] FACTORS RELATED TO DIET - Excessive indulgence in lablab beans, black gram, raw milk, excessive use of ruksha (dry) and guru (heave) diet can lead to asthma.
B] FACTORS RELATED TO WORK - Excessive exposure to dust, smoke and cold wind. Cold water bath or bath with excessive warm water, exhaustive exercise, suppression of natural urges can lead to asthmatic condition.

Prevention
1. Avoid cold and damp places.
2. Follow breathing exercises
3. Avoid tobacco, alcohol and smoking.
4. Avoid perfumes , Agarbatti. Mosquito repellents
5. Drink plenty of boiled water 6. Avoid over exercise and over indulgence in sex

Treatment
Ayurveda provides a special remedy for complete cure of asthma.