Respiratory allergic disorders are the most common allergic manifestation that is encountered in paediatric age group. Grievance of this problem is stated by statistical view which shows 5-20% of the paediatric population are sufferers of Respiratory Allergic Disorders (RAD). Acharya charak mentions a variety of hetus for this type of disease that incorporates Rajasa (from dust), Dhooma (smoke), Rukshaanna (dry food), and Vishamashan (irregular diet). These are important causative factors that can be attributed to environment and diet. Because respiratory allergies occur mostly due to hyper responsivenessto these factors in the form of histamine release and activation of mast cells, treatment is aimed towards anti-histaminic and mast cell stabilising agent. Ayurveda has a large number of drugs that can act as anti-histaminic or mast cell stabilising agents. The present paper is focused on Charakokta mahakashaya to determine the role of Shwashar Mahakashaya, Kasahar mahakashaya and Vishaghna mahakashaya and their dravyas for management of RAD. The paper attributes to the critical analysis of Shwashhar, Kasahar, and Vishaghna mahakashaya to elicit their pharmacological actions based on various experimental and clinical studies.

Respiratory allergies are a cause of concern particularly in children, and prevalence is increasing worldwide. Approximately 40% of children are affected by some form of allergy and respiratory allergies are the most common allergies worldwide. WHO identified acute respiratory infections as the leading cause of death in children less than 5 years of age. Acute respiratory infections account for 2 million deaths per year in children below 5 years.

Respiratory allergies commonly includeallergic rhinitis and allergic asthma, causing wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, sneezing, runny nose and sinus problems, and also red, watery and itching eyes. The prevalence of these disorders in the developing as well as developed countries is increasing over recent decades. The increase in prevalence may be attributed to environmental factors-(Rajasa, Dhooma), dietic incompatibilities-(Rukshanna, Vishamashan) and faulty lifestyle- (Ati-vyayama, Gramyadharma).

Modern science counteracts RAD with the help of antiallergic drugs like Chlorephenaramine Maleate (CPM), Cetrizine, Levocetrizine, Loratidine, Disodium chromoglycate etc. Although the drugs suppress the symptoms, they do not potentiate respiratory system nor root out the cause. Rather these drugs leaves the patient with one or other adverse effects such as sedation, drowsiness, ataxia, lack of concentration, headache, dry mouth, constipation etc. Despite the severe impact of disease on patients and on society as a whole, respiratory allergic disorders (RAD) are neglected and under recognized by healthcare professionals thereby hampering the quality of life and rendering socio-economic burden on parents or society.

Regards
Hong Shang
Journal of Traditional Medicine & Clinical Naturopathy