Case History No 22 – Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis is widening and destruction of the larger airways in our respiratory system. It is often caused by recurrent inflammation or infection of the airways. Living in dusty and smoky conditions may exacerbate the condition.
Symptoms develop gradually, and may occur months or years after the event that causes the bronchiectasis. They may include: Shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise, Wheezing, Chronic cough with large amounts of foul-smelling sputum, Coughing up blood, Fatigue and Weight loss.
Prognosis
The outlook depends on the specific cause of the disease. Most people can lead near normal lives without major disability, unless there are complications.
Discussion
This is a case of severe long standing bronchiectasis where doctors had given up hope of any cure. She was prone to bouts of extreme fatigue and depression. The patient was 47 years old in 2011. Bhim, the son of the patient is giving his testimony.
“My mother was suffering from bronchiectasis for the last 20 years with spitting of blood on and off. She had chronic lung infection, fever, cough, breathing problems and fatigue. Once she had a violent attack of coughing and vomited about three cups of fresh blood.”
“Quite often she had to take high doses of antibiotic. Doctors had condemned my mother to a life of antibiotics, without any hope of cure. She was depressed, lacked confidence and was dependent on others. When she noticed marked changes in my health, she started coming for yoga and meditation too. Within weeks, there was tremendous improvement in her health. She completed the yoga course.”
“She continues to meditate and practice yoga daily at home. It has been more than a year now, she no longer takes any antibiotics. She no longer feels fatigue. She has gained in self confidence and is no longer depressed.”
(Excerpts from article. Bhim Magazine 4, 2011 P 77-80)
Effects of Yoga and Meditation
Patient had reached an advanced stage of the disease. Doctors had condemned her to a life of disease and misery, all treatment having failed to give good outcomes. When she noticed positive changes in her son’s health after yoga and meditation, she decided to give it a try.
Yoga and meditation gave excellent results in a relatively short period of time. Through the action of prana she accumulated from yoga and meditation she was able to improve her condition and finally obtain almost complete cure. Prognosis is good provided she continues with yoga practice and meditation.