A CRITICAL REVIEW OF AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF RECURRENT RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN

  • Unique Paper ID: 206448
  • Volume: 13
  • Issue: 2
  • PageNo: 2452-2458
  • Abstract:
  • Recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) are among the most common health problems affecting children and constitute a significant cause of morbidity, school absenteeism, frequent antibiotic use, and healthcare expenditure. Immature immunity, nutritional deficiencies, environmental pollution, overcrowding, and repeated exposure to infectious agents contribute to the high incidence of RRTIs during childhood. Although conventional management focuses primarily on antimicrobial therapy and symptomatic relief, recurrent episodes often necessitate preventive strategies that enhance host immunity. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to the prevention and management of recurrent respiratory illnesses through the concepts of Vyadhikshamatva (immunity), Agni (digestive and metabolic fire), Ojas, and balanced Doshas. Disorders such as Kasa, Shwasa, Pratishyaya, and Rajayakshma described in classical Ayurvedic texts exhibit similarities with various respiratory tract infections. Ayurvedic interventions, including Rasayana Chikitsa, Panchakarma, appropriate dietary regimens (Pathya Ahara), lifestyle modifications (Vihara), and immunomodulatory herbs such as Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Pippali (Piper longum), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), have demonstrated promising therapeutic potential in enhancing immune function and reducing disease recurrence. This critical review examines the Ayurvedic understanding of recurrent respiratory tract infections in children, correlates classical concepts with modern medical perspectives, and evaluates available clinical and experimental evidence regarding Ayurvedic interventions. The review highlights the strengths, limitations, and future research needs in integrating Ayurveda with contemporary pediatric care. An evidence-based, holistic approach may offer a safe, cost-effective, and sustainable strategy for reducing the burden of recurrent respiratory tract infections and improving the overall health and quality of life of children.

Copyright & License

Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

BibTeX

@article{206448,
        author = {DR. GANESH SHIVAJI WAGHMARE and DR. ABHIJEET B. SAWLE},
        title = {A CRITICAL REVIEW OF AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF RECURRENT RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {2},
        pages = {2452-2458},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=206448},
        abstract = {Recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) are among the most common health problems affecting children and constitute a significant cause of morbidity, school absenteeism, frequent antibiotic use, and healthcare expenditure. Immature immunity, nutritional deficiencies, environmental pollution, overcrowding, and repeated exposure to infectious agents contribute to the high incidence of RRTIs during childhood. Although conventional management focuses primarily on antimicrobial therapy and symptomatic relief, recurrent episodes often necessitate preventive strategies that enhance host immunity. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to the prevention and management of recurrent respiratory illnesses through the concepts of Vyadhikshamatva (immunity), Agni (digestive and metabolic fire), Ojas, and balanced Doshas. Disorders such as Kasa, Shwasa, Pratishyaya, and Rajayakshma described in classical Ayurvedic texts exhibit similarities with various respiratory tract infections. Ayurvedic interventions, including Rasayana Chikitsa, Panchakarma, appropriate dietary regimens (Pathya Ahara), lifestyle modifications (Vihara), and immunomodulatory herbs such as Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Pippali (Piper longum), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), have demonstrated promising therapeutic potential in enhancing immune function and reducing disease recurrence. This critical review examines the Ayurvedic understanding of recurrent respiratory tract infections in children, correlates classical concepts with modern medical perspectives, and evaluates available clinical and experimental evidence regarding Ayurvedic interventions. The review highlights the strengths, limitations, and future research needs in integrating Ayurveda with contemporary pediatric care. An evidence-based, holistic approach may offer a safe, cost-effective, and sustainable strategy for reducing the burden of recurrent respiratory tract infections and improving the overall health and quality of life of children.},
        keywords = {Recurrent respiratory tract infections, Children, Ayurveda, Vyadhikshamatva, Rasayana, Kasa, Shwasa, Pratishyaya, Immunomodulation, Pediatric Ayurveda.},
        month = {July},
        }

Cite This Article

WAGHMARE, D. G. S., & SAWLE, D. A. B. (2026). A CRITICAL REVIEW OF AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF RECURRENT RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN. International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology (IJIRT), 13(2), 2452–2458.

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