According to Ayurveda, Tamak shwas is caused due to allergens present in the air (aamvisha yukta vayu). Similarly modern medical science considers Asthma as an allergic condition.

Ayurveda also considers Tamak shwas as an amashay samudhbhav disorder (i.e., a disorder originating from the digestive system). It is now a well known fact that, certain food allergens  are responsible for asthma attacks. So to some extent diet or digestive tract play role in precipitating the disorder.

Disease causing process

Tamak shwas is caused by vat and kapha dosha imbalance. Vat signifies nervous mechanism while Kapha is responsible for the formation of excessive mucus as seen in patients of Tamak Shwas. In Ayurveda, there is reference of Pranvaha srotorodh which means respiratory tract obstruction due to formation of mucus plugs (Kapha) and narrowing of air passages.

As per modern medicine, a major percentage of bronchial asthma cases are of inflammatory origin that cause increased mucous secretion and formation of mucous plugs thereby obstructing airflow. Bronchial asthma is characterized by bronchospasm (narrowing of airways).


Pratamak shwas is associated with infection (pitta) and presents with fever and unconsciousness along with usual symptoms of Tamak shwas.

Whenever a respiratory tract infection is present along with bronchial asthma there could be associated fever.


  • There is difficulty in breathing  due to narrowing of airways obstructing airflow which is further worsened by the formation of mucous plugs.
  • Cough (kas) is a normal reflex mechanism to expel out mucous plug.
  • Sometimes vomiting (vaman) is also associated with persistent cough.
  • Due to decreased oxygen supply there is less oxygen in body and hence fatigue.
  • Relief after taking tea or coffee. These contain methylxanthines (Bronchodilators) that opens up (relaxes)  the airways.
  • As a result of low oxygen (Hypoxia), there is increased heart rate (tachycardia) which has been explained in Ayurveda as Shwasam Pran Prapeedakam.