Beryllium Disease or Berylliosis & It’s Ayurvedic Treatment with Herbal Remedies
Abstract
The lungs are the primary respiratory organs which help in the gaseous exchange in the body. It helps in providing oxygen to the whole body and removes carbon dioxide by the process of inhalation and exhalation. For proper functioning of the body, proper lung functioning should also be necessary. Any deformity in lungs causes serious health issues and in severe conditions, it may also lead to death. In this article, we are going to study Berylliosis which is a chronic lung disorder. It is a chronic inflammation of the lungs caused by inhalation of beryllium. Now, let’s start a detailed study of Beryllium disease.
Introduction
Beryllium disease is defined as chronic inflammation of the lungs which occurs due to inhalation of beryllium-containing fumes or dust. Beryllium is a metallic substance which is used in the production of various products like cars, computers and other electrical equipment. Berylliosis mainly occurs in people working in industries or living near those industries that use Beryllium in manufacturing products. A continuous exposure to beryllium can lead to cell-mediated immune response in which T-cells are affected by beryllium. This continuous exposure leads to the accumulation of T-lymphocytes in the lungs due to immune response. This accumulation leads to aggregate non-caseating granuloma which causes fibrosis of the lungs. Berylliosis is an immune system response which mainly affects people having an allergy to beryllium. Now, in this article, we are going to study about causes, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, Ayurvedic overview, diet and treatment of Berylliosis. Also, we took a detailed look at Planet Ayurveda remedies for the management of Beryllium diseases. Let’s start!
Types Of Beryllium Disease
There are mainly two types of this disease which are as follows:
- Acute Beryllium Disease – There is a sudden onset of this form of Berylliosis. Also, this form progresses very fast.
- Chronic Berylliosis – The onset of this condition is very slow and symptoms may not appear for many years.
Causes Of Beryllium Diseases
Beryllium diseases occur mainly when a person inhales beryllium in the form of fumes or dust, food, air, soil or water bodies. People who are sensitised to Beryllium are at higher risk of getting this disease. According to some research, it is also believed that there is a genetic component which is sensitised to beryllium and causes Berylliosis.
Signs Of Beryllium Diseases
Signs of Chronic Beryllium disease (CBD) can vary from patient to patient. The most common signs of Beryllium diseases are as follows:
- Cough
- Fever
- Night sweats
Symptoms Of Beryllium Diseases
The symptoms of Beryllium diseases may progress slowly with time. The symptoms of Beryllium disease may occur from months to years. The most common symptoms of Berylliosis are as follows:
- Fatigue
- Low appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Night sweating
- Dry Cough
- Pain in chest
- Pain in joints
Diagnosis Of Beryllium Disease
Some of the diagnostic lab tests for Berylliosis may include:
- Blood tests which include the Beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) help in measuring the reaction of white blood cells towards Beryllium
- Spirometry which measures inhalation and exhalation of air amount
- CT scan to check lung inflammation or scarring
- Lung biopsy
- Chest X-ray to check lung inflammation or scarring
Ayurvedic Overview Of Beryllium Disease
Beryllium diseases occur in people having an immune response towards Beryllium. The immune system of the body, in this condition, attacks the lungs and causes the accumulation of beryllium. The white blood cells clump into the region as a result of an immune response towards the foreign particles. This clump of cells is called granuloma which leads to scar formation in the lungs. In Ayurveda, there is no direct correlation of Berylliosis with any disease. However, according to symptoms, it may be caused by the formation of Ama (Endotoxins). In Ayurveda texts, the concept of Ama formation can be defined as
दुष्यत्यग्निः, स दुष्टोअन्नम् न तत् पचति लघ्वपि |
अपच्यमानम् शुक्त्वम् यात्यन्नम् विषरूपताम् ||
Reference – चरक चिकित्सास्थान 15/44
According to the above text, poor digestive fire can lead to improper digestion. So, the immature digestion leads to the formation of endotoxins or Ama. This formation of Ama or endotoxins functions as poison for the body. The immature digestion leads to the formation of faulty Rasa dhatu and also disturbs the formation of later Dhatus. There is an involvement of all three doshas i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha (Kapha dominant) in the formation of Ama and the dushyas are Anna and Rasa.
Diet For Beryllium Disease
- Vegetables include leafy green vegetables, pumpkin, ash gourd, carrot, broccoli, coriander, bitter gourd, cabbage, ridge gourd, ginger and beetroot.
- Fruits include papaya, apple, pomegranate, pear and sugarcane.
- Pulses contain yellow moong lentils, green moong, horse gram and split pigeon peas.
- Avoid the consumption of dairy products.
- Spices include coriander, turmeric, cumin, fennel, black pepper and fenugreek. Soaked almonds, flax seeds and raisins can be included.
- Soya grains, brown rice, Kodo millets and foxtail millets can be taken.
Ayurvedic Management Of Beryllium Disease
As we know, the condition of Beryllium disease occurs as a result of Ama (endotoxins) formation. So, the management of the condition of the Ama is necessary. The formulations that can be used in the digestion of Ama (endotoxins) are Marichadya churna, Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and decoction and paste of Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum), Mustaka (Cyperus rotundus) and Shunthi (Zingiber officinale). The management of Ama (Endotoxins) can also be done as follows:
- Langhana (Fasting)
- Deepan Chikitsa (stimulate digestion)
- Pachana Chikitsa (assist metabolism and digestion)
- Shodhana (Purification) is when doshas are not dormant and it is done after proper Sneha (oleation) and Sweda (Fomentation) process
Herbal Remedies For Beryllium Disease By Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda manufactures a wide range of herbal formulations which are useful in the management of various health issues. Planet Ayurveda always uses methods of formation of ancient herbal formulations which are mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. These formulations are formed in a wide range of capsules, powders, oils, tablets, decoction and many more. All formulations are formed by highly qualified excerpts of Ayurveda and all formulations are formed after a number of clinical tests and trials. Here, we are going to study the formulations of Planet Ayurveda that are really useful in the management of Beryllium disease. Praanrakshak churna, Curcumin 95%, Vasaka capsules, Immune Booster, Vikramprash and Kapha Balance of Planet Ayurveda are really helpful in the management of Berylliosis. Let’s start with a detailed description!
- Praanrakshak Churna
- Curcumin 95% Capsules
- Vasaka Capsules
- Immune Booster
- Vikramprash
- Kapha Balance
Products Description
1. Praanrakshak Churna
This polyherbal powder of Planet Ayurveda contains ingredients like Vaasa (Adhatoda vasica), Shirish (Albizia lebbeck), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Anantmool (Tylophora asthmatica) and many more. Praanrakshak churna helps in enhancing the functions of the lungs. Shirish (Albizia lebbeck) contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps in opening all the micro-channels of the body. Vaasa (Adhatoda vasica) is effective in mucus liquefaction. Anantmool (Tylophora asthmatica) pacifies Kapha dosha and contains antiseptic properties. Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) enhances the digestion process and contains expectorant properties. Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum) contain antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties which are really effective in Berylliosis management.
Dosage: 1 teaspoon twice daily with water after the meal.
2. Curcumin 95% Capsules
It is a single herbal formulation which contains Haridra (Curcuma longa). This capsule contains a standardised extract of Haridra. It contains a hot potency, bitter and pungent taste which helps in balancing all three doshas. It is helpful in the management of various conditions related to the respiratory system. Due to hot potency, it balances kapha dosha.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with water after meal.
3. Vasaka Capsules
This single herbal formulation contains an extract of Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica) which contains an astringent and bitter taste. It helps in balancing kapha and Pitta dosha. It contains anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties which help in the management of Beryllium disease.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with water after a meal.
4. Immune Booster
These capsules contain ingredients like Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Grape seed (Vitis vinifera) and Go-Piyush (Bovine colostrums). This capsule helps in boosting the body’s immunity and is effective in respiratory tract infections. It removes toxins from the body and contains scraping actions which are helpful in the management of Berylliosis.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day with water after the meal.
5. Vikramprash
Vikramprash of Planet Ayurveda is a really effective herbal formulation which contains various ingredients like Amla (Emblica officinalis), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Patla (Sterospermum suveolens) and many more. It helps in balancing all three doshas. It contains anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory and antioxidant properties which are helpful in respiratory conditions like Berylliosis.
Dosage: 1 tablespoon twice daily with milk.
6. Kapha Balance
This herbal formulation of Planet Ayurveda contains ingredients like Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), Pippali (Piper longum), Chironji (Buchanania latifolia), Karchoor (Curcuma zedoaria) and many more. Bharangi contains antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Karchoor is digestive and increases digestive fire. Pippali is very effective in the balance of kapha dosha which is primarily responsible for Ama (endotoxin) formation. It also helps in expelling excess cough from the body.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with water after a meal.
Conclusion
Berylliosis is a chronic condition which occurs due to the immune response of the body towards the beryllium. It is a hypersensitivity granulomatous disease which mainly occurs in people working in industries where beryllium is used. Differential diagnosis of Berylliosis can be done with Sarcoidosis and fibrosis. The condition of Ama can be managed by using various herbs and formulations mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. The use of the Ayurvedic herbal formulation of Planet Ayurveda is really helpful and effective in the management of Beryllium disease. Proper precautions and the use of medicines can help in the case of Beryllium disease.
