Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
What Are the Types of Respiratory Failure and How Can Ayurveda Support Respiratory Health Naturally?
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
General Medicine
Question #16245
178 days ago
189

What Are the Types of Respiratory Failure and How Can Ayurveda Support Respiratory Health Naturally? - #16245

Jack

I recently heard about respiratory failure and its serious implications on health, and I want to understand more about the types of respiratory failure and how Ayurveda can help in supporting respiratory health and preventing complications. From what I understand, respiratory failure occurs when the lungs cannot provide enough oxygen to the body or remove enough carbon dioxide, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, confusion, or bluish skin. There are two types of respiratory failure: hypoxemic and hypercapnic. But what I don’t fully understand is how these two types differ in terms of symptoms and underlying causes. I’ve read that Ayurveda emphasizes balancing the elements within the body, particularly when it comes to lung and respiratory health. Are there Ayurvedic herbs like Vasa, Pippali, or Licorice that can support the respiratory system and improve lung function? Does Ayurveda recommend specific breathing exercises, such as Pranayama, or lifestyle changes, like avoiding pollutants or staying hydrated, to improve lung health? Another thing I am wondering about is whether Ayurveda suggests dietary changes, such as avoiding heavy or mucus-forming foods, to support healthy lungs and respiratory function. If anyone has managed respiratory issues or used Ayurveda to improve lung function, I would love to hear what worked for you.

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image

Doctors’ responses

Respiratory failure occurs when the lungs fail to adequately exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, leading to severe health complications. It is classified into hypoxemic respiratory failure, where oxygen levels drop too low (often due to pneumonia, ARDS, or high altitudes), and hypercapnic respiratory failure, where carbon dioxide levels become excessively high (commonly caused by COPD, asthma, or neuromuscular disorders). Symptoms include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, confusion, bluish skin (cyanosis), and extreme fatigue. The severity of respiratory failure depends on the underlying condition, and immediate medical attention is required in critical cases.

Ayurveda considers respiratory health closely linked to Prana Vayu (life force energy) and Kapha dosha, which governs mucus production and lung function. Herbs like Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) help clear lung congestion and improve oxygenation, Pippali (long pepper) acts as a natural bronchodilator, and Licorice (Yashtimadhu) soothes the respiratory tract and reduces inflammation. Ayurvedic practices like Pranayama (breathing exercises) enhance lung capacity, while steam inhalation with medicinal herbs can help clear airways. Avoiding exposure to smoke, dust, and allergens is also crucial in preventing respiratory complications.

Dietary changes play a key role in maintaining lung health. Ayurveda suggests avoiding heavy, cold, or mucus-forming foods like dairy, fried items, and processed sugars, as they can lead to congestion. Instead, light, warm foods like soups, herbal teas, and spices like ginger and turmeric help in clearing the lungs and supporting immunity. Staying hydrated with warm water or tulsi tea can aid in thinning mucus and keeping airways clear.

11913 answered questions
78% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Respiratory failure is pretty serious, coz it means your lungs can’t keep up with giving oxygen (O2) to your body or clearing out carbon dioxide (CO2) and it gets complicated from there. There’s two main types: hypoxemic, where there’s not enough oxygen in the blood, and hypercapnic, where CO2 levels go up coz the lungs aren’t removing it effectively. With hypoxemic, you might see symptoms like shortness of breath, fast heart rate, confusion - due to low O2. Hypercapnic can add fatigue or even headaches since high CO2 messes with brain function too.

In Ayurveda, dealing with respiratory health is all about balance. You know, doshas and all. When it involves lungs, Kapha dosha plays a big part coz it’s about structure and can pile up mucus if it’s out of whack. Herbs like Vasa (Malabar Nut), Pippali (Long Pepper) and Licorice (Yashtimadhu) are known to support lung function. Vasa supports clearing the respiratory tract, while Pippali can improve lung capacity and acts on digestion too, and Licorice helps soothe and clear out excess Kapha.

Breathing exercises! Definitely, Pranayama can do wonders, stuff like Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) or Kapalbhati to boost lung power and clear out toxins. But you gotta do them regularly, not just once in a blue moon. Lifestyle is huge too - avoid pollutants, don’t smoke, and a big one people miss, stay hydrated coz it thins out mucus, makin’ it easier for lungs.

Diet-wise, Ayurveda steers you away from heavy, mucus-forming foods, so like fried, dairy-heavy stuff. Lighter meals with warm soups, spices like ginger or turmeric can aid digestion, keeping Agni (our digestive fire) strong and balanced, reducing mucus production. Every body is different tho, so adjustments might vary. Those who’ve used Ayurveda usually notice changes with consistent effort - it’s not magic, but it can really enhance respiratory function if you stick to it!

1742 answered questions
27% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. Rajan soni
I am working in Ayurveda field from some time now, started out as a general physician at Chauhan Ayurveda Hospital in Noida. That place taught me a lot—how to handle different types of patients in OPD, those daily cases like fever, digestion issues, body pain... but also chronic stuff which keeps coming back. After that I moved to Instant Aushadhalya—an online Ayurveda hospital setup. Whole different space. Consultations online ain’t easy at first—no pulse reading, no direct Nadi check—but you learn to ask the right things, look at patient’s tone, habit patterns, timing of symptoms... and yeah it actually works, sometimes even better than in person. Right now I’m working as an Ayurveda consultant at Digvijayam Clinic where I’m focusing more on individualised care. Most ppl come here with stress-related problems, digestion issues, joint pain, that kind of mix. I go by classic diagnosis principles like prakriti analysis, dosha imbalance and all, but also mix in what I learned from modern side—like understanding their lifestyle triggers, screen time, sleep cycles, food gaps n stress patterns. I don’t rush into panchakarma or heavy medicines unless it’s needed... prefer starting with simple herbs, diet change, basic daily routine correction. If things demand, then I go stepwise into Shodhan therapies. My goal is to not just “treat” but to help ppl know what’s happening in their body and why its reacting like that. That awareness kinda becomes half the cure already. Not everything is perfect. Sometimes ppl don’t follow what you say, sometimes results are slow, and yeah that gets to you. But this path feels honest. It’s slow, grounded, and meaningful.
5
16 reviews
Dr. Anupriya
I am an Ayurvedic doctor trained at one of the most reputed institutes (yeah, the kind that makes u sweat but also feel proud lol) where I completed my BAMS with 70%—not just numbers but real grind behind it. My focus during & after graduation has always been on treating the patient not just the disease, and honestly that philosophy keeps guiding me even now. I usually see anywhere around 50 to 60 patients a day, sometimes more if there's a health camp or local rush. It’s hectic, but I kinda thrive in that rhythm. What matters to me is not the number but going deep into each case—reading every complaint, understanding symptoms, prakriti, current state, season changes etc. and putting together a treatment that feels “right” for that person, not just for the condition. Like, I don’t do one-size-fits-all plans. I sit down, make case reports (yup, proper handwritten notes sometimes), observe small shifts, modify herbs, suggest diet tweaks, even plan rest patterns when needed. I find that holistic angle super powerful. And patients feel it too—some who come in dull n restless, over weeks show clarity, skin settles, energy kinda gets back... that makes the day worth it tbh. There’s no shortcut to trust, and i get that. Maybe that’s why patients keep referring their siblings or maa-papa too. Not bragging, but when people say things like “you actually listened” or “I felt heard”, it stays in the back of my mind even when I’m dog tired lol. My goal? Just to keep learning, treating honestly and evolving as per what each new case teaches me. Ayurveda isn’t static—it grows with u if u let it. I guess I’m just walking that path, one custom plan at a time.
5
41 reviews
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
I am Dr Anurag Sharma, done with BAMS and also PGDHCM from IMS BHU, which honestly shaped a lot of how I approach things now in clinic. Working as a physician and also as an anorectal surgeon, I’ve got around 2 to 3 years of solid experience—tho like, every day still teaches me something new. I mainly focus on anorectal care (like piles, fissure, fistula stuff), plus I work with chronic pain cases too. Pain management is something I feel really invested in—seeing someone walk in barely managing and then leave with actual relief, that hits different. I’m not really the fancy talk type, but I try to keep my patients super informed, not just hand out meds n move on. Each case needs a bit of thinking—some need Ksharasutra or minor para surgical stuff, while others are just lifestyle tweaks and herbal meds. I like mixing the Ayurved principles with modern insights when I can, coz both sides got value really. It’s like—knowing when to go gentle and when to be precise. Right now I’m working hard on getting even better with surgical skills, but also want to help people get to me before surgery's the only option. Had few complicated cases where patience n consistency paid off—no shortcuts but yeah, worth it. The whole point for me is to actually listen first, like proper listen. People talk about symptoms but also say what they feel—and that helps in understanding more than any lab report sometimes. I just want to stay grounded in my work, and keep growing while doing what I can to make someone's pain bit less every day.
0 reviews
Dr. Ayush Varma
Graduating with an MD in Ayurvedic Medicine from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 2008, he brings over 15 years of expertise in integrative healthcare. Specializing in complex chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndromes, and digestive health, he uses a patient-centered approach that focuses on root causes. Certified in Panchakarma Therapy and Rasayana (rejuvenation), he is known for combining traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern diagnostics. Actively involved in research, he has contributed to studies on Ayurveda’s role in managing diabetes, stress, and immunity. A sought-after speaker at wellness conferences, he practices at a reputable Ayurvedic wellness center, dedicated to advancing Ayurveda’s role in holistic health and preventive care.
4.95
20 reviews
Dr. Maitri Bhavesh Kumar Acharya
ChatGPT said: I am Dr. Maitri, currently in my 2nd year of MD in Dravyaguna, and yeah, I run my own Ayurvedic clinic in Ranoli where I’ve been seeing patients for 2 years now. Honestly, what pulled me into this path deeper is how powerful herbs really are—when used right. Not just randomly mixing churnas but actually understanding their rasa, virya, vipaka etc. That’s kinda my zone, where textbook knowledge meets day-to-day case handling. My practice revolves around helping people with PCOD, acne, dandruff, back pain, stiffness in knees or joints that never seem to go away. And I don’t jump to giving a long list of medicines straight away—first I spend time figuring out their prakriti, their habits, food cycle, what triggers what… basically all the small stuff that gets missed. Then comes the plan—herbs (single or compound), some diet reshuffling, and always some lifestyle nudges. Sometimes they’re tiny, like sleep timing. Sometimes big like proper seasonal detox. Being into Dravyaguna helps me get into the depth of herbs more confidently. I don’t just look at the symptom—I think okay what guna will counter this? Should the drug be snigdha, ushna, tikta? Is there a reverse vipaka that’ll hurt the agni? I ask these questions before writing any combo. That’s made a huge diff in outcomes. Like I had this case of chronic urticaria that would flare up every week, and just tweaking the herbs based on sheetala vs ushna nature... helped calm the system in 3 weeks flat. Not magic, just logic. I also work with women who are struggling with hormonal swings, mood, delayed periods or even unexplained breakouts. When hormones go haywire, the skin shows, digestion slows, and mind gets foggy too. I keep my approach full-circle—cleansing, balancing, rejuvenating. No quick fixes, I tell them early on. What I’m hoping to do more of now is make Ayurveda feel practical. Not overwhelming. Just simple tools—ahara, vihara, aushadha—used consistently, with some trust in the body’s own healing. I’m still learning, still refining, but honestly, seeing people feel in control of their health again—that’s what keeps me rooted to this.
5
200 reviews
Dr. Snehal Vidhate
I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, an Ayurvedic physician from Maharashtra, committed to promoting authentic and effective Ayurvedic healing. I completed my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College, Kharghar, where I built a strong foundation in classical Ayurvedic science. After graduation, I was fortunate to be selected for the prestigious Certificate Course of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi. Through this program, I had the unique opportunity to learn traditional and authentic Kerala Ayurveda under the mentorship of my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan, a highly respected name in the field. Currently, I am pursuing my MD in Panchakarma from the renowned Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This advanced training is enhancing my understanding of specialized Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapies, allowing me to integrate classical Panchakarma techniques into modern clinical practice effectively. My clinical approach combines deep-rooted traditional knowledge with scientific understanding to offer personalized care for a variety of chronic and lifestyle disorders. I am passionate about utilizing Ayurveda not just for disease management but also for preventive healthcare and wellness promotion. I am dedicated to helping my patients achieve sustainable health by addressing the root cause of ailments through holistic treatments, Panchakarma therapies, lifestyle counseling, and dietetics.
5
51 reviews
Dr. Narendrakumar V Mishra
I have been practicing as a Consulting Ayurvedic Physician since 1990, with over three decades of clinical experience in treating a wide range of chronic and lifestyle-related health conditions. My core areas of focus include hair disorders, skin diseases, and lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, arthritis, and stress-related imbalances. Over the years, I have developed a patient-centric approach that emphasizes deep-rooted healing through authentic Ayurvedic principles. My treatment philosophy is based on understanding the unique constitution (prakriti) and imbalance (vikriti) of each patient, allowing me to craft individualized care plans using classical formulations, diet corrections, detox therapies (shodhana), and lifestyle modifications. Whether it’s persistent hair fall, recurring skin allergies, or long-term metabolic disorders, I aim to address the root cause rather than just suppress symptoms. In the management of lifestyle disorders like diabetes and arthritis, I integrate Ayurvedic medicines with structured dinacharya (daily routines) and ahar (dietary guidance), focusing on sustainable results and long-term wellness. I also work extensively with stress-related concerns, offering holistic strategies that incorporate mind-body practices, including meditation, herbal support, and counseling rooted in Ayurveda. With a strong foundation in traditional Ayurvedic texts and decades of hands-on experience, I remain committed to providing safe, natural, and effective healthcare solutions. My goal is to guide patients toward a balanced life, free from chronic ailments, through personalized treatment protocols that restore harmony to both body and mind.
5
405 reviews
Dr. Manjula
I am an Ayurveda practitioner who’s honestly kind of obsessed with understanding what really caused someone’s illness—not just what hurts, but why it started in the first place. I work through Prakruti-Vikruti pareeksha, tongue analysis, lifestyle patterns, digestion history—little things most ppl skip over, but Ayurveda doesn’t. I look at the whole system and how it’s interacting with the world around it. Not just, like, “you have acidity, take this churna.” My main focus is on balancing doshas—Vata, Pitta, Kapha—not in a copy-paste way, but in a very personalized, live-and-evolving format. Because sometimes someone looks like a Pitta imbalance but actually it's their aggravated Vata stirring it up... it’s layered. I use herbal medicine, ahar-vihar (diet + daily routine), lifestyle modifications and also just plain conversations with the patient to bring the mind and body back to a rhythm. When that happens—healing starts showing up, gradually but strongly. I work with chronic conditions, gut imbalances, seasonal allergies, emotional stress patterns, even people who just “don’t feel right” anymore but don’t have a name for it. Prevention is also a huge part of what I do—Ayurveda isn’t just for after you fall sick. Helping someone stay aligned, even when nothing feels urgent, is maybe the most powerful part of this science. My entire practice is rooted in classical Ayurvedic texts—Charaka, Sushruta, Ashtanga Hridayam—and I try to stay true to the system, but I also speak to people where they’re at. That means making the treatments doable in real life. No fancy lists of herbs no one can find. No shloka lectures unless someone wants them. Just real healing using real logic and intuition together. I care about precision in diagnosis. I don’t rush that part. I take time. Because one wrong assumption and you’re treating the shadow, not the source. And that’s what I try to avoid. My goal isn’t temporary relief—it’s to teach the body how to not need constant fixing. When someone walks away lighter, clearer, more in tune with their system—that’s the actual win.
5
83 reviews
Dr. Khushboo
I am someone who kinda started out in both worlds—Ayurveda and allopathy—and that mix really shaped how I see health today. My clinical journey began with 6 months of hands-on allopathic exposure at District Hospital Sitapur. Honestly, that place was intense. Fast-paced, high patient flow, constant cases of chronic and acute illnesses coming through. That taught me a lot about how to see disease. Not just treat it, but like… notice the patterns, get better at real-time diagnosis, really listen to what the patient isn’t saying out loud sometimes. It gave me this sharper sense of clinical grounding which I think still stays with me. Then I moved more deeply into Ayurveda and spent another 6 months diving into clinical training focused on Panchakarma therapies. Stuff like Abhyanga, Basti, Shirodhara—learned those not just as a list of techniques, but how and when to use 'em, especially for detox and deep healing. Every case felt like a different puzzle. There wasn’t always one right answer, you know? And that’s where I found I loved adapting protocols based on what the person actually needed, not just what the textbook says. Alongside that, I got certified in Garbha Sanskar through structured training. That really pulled me closer to maternal health. Pregnancy support through Ayurveda isn’t just about herbs or massage, it’s like this entire way of guiding a mother-to-be toward nourishing the baby right from conception—emotionally, physically, all of it. That part stuck with me hard. My overall approach? It’s kinda fluid. I believe in balancing natural therapies and evidence-based thinking. Whether it's seasonal imbalance, hormonal issues, Panchakarma detox plans, or just guiding someone on long-term wellness—I like making people feel safe, heard, and actually understood. I’m not into rushing plans or masking symptoms. I’d rather work together with someone to build something sustainable that really suits their body and where they’re at. In a way, I’m still learning every day. But my focus stays the same—use Ayurvedic wisdom practically, compassionately, and in a way that just... makes sense in real life.
5
80 reviews
Dr. Surya Bhagwati
I am a Senior Ayurveda Physician with more than 28 years in this field — and trust me, it still surprises me how much there is to learn every single day. Over these years, I’ve had the chance to treat over 1 lakh patients (probably more by now honestly), both through in-person consults and online. Some come in with a mild cough, others with conditions no one’s been able to figure out for years. Each case brings its own rhythm, and that’s where real Ayurveda begins. I still rely deeply on classical tools — *Nadi Pariksha*, *Roga-Rogi Pariksha*, proper *prakriti-vikriti* mapping — not just ticking symptoms into a list. I don’t believe in ready-made cures or generic charts. Diagnosis needs attention. I look at how the disease behaves *inside* that specific person, which doshas are triggering what, and where the imbalance actually started (hint: it’s usually not where the pain is). Over the years I’ve worked with pretty much all age groups and all kinds of health challenges — from digestive upsets & fevers to chronic, autoimmune, hormonal, metabolic and degenerative disorders. Arthritis, diabetes, PCOD, asthma, thyroid... but also things like unexplained fatigue or joint swelling that comes and goes randomly. Many of my patients had already “tried everything else” before they walked into Ayurveda, and watching their systems respond slowly—but surely—is something I don’t take lightly. My line of treatment usually combines herbal formulations (classical ones, not trendy ones), Panchakarma detox when needed, and realistic dietary and lifestyle corrections. Long-term healing needs long-term clarity — not just short bursts of symptom relief. And honestly, I tell patients that too. I also believe patient education isn’t optional. I explain things. Why we’re doing virechana, why the oil changed mid-protocol, why we pause or shift the meds after a few weeks. I want people to feel involved, not confused. Ayurveda works best when the patient is part of the process, not just receiving instructions. Even now I keep learning — through texts, talks, patient follow-ups, sometimes even mistakes that taught me what not to do. And I’m still committed, still fully into it. Because for me, this isn’t just a job. It’s a lifelong responsibility — to restore balance, protect *ojas*, and help each person live in tune with themselves. That’s the real goal.
5
378 reviews
Dr. Arpita Bhaskar
I am an Ayurvedia practioner who’s kinda always drawn to healing things the natural way... herbs, lifestyle shifts, that deeper root-cause thing—ya that’s where I feel connected. I’ve done my graduation in BAMS from Government Ayurveda College, Jabalpur, MP. Those years were tough and full of grind but it gave me this solid, like really solid, foundation in classical Ayurvedic sciences. And yeah, not just bookish... real world side of it too. Now my focus honestly is to keep learning while helping real people—who come in with digestion problems or hormonal mess or mental stress or even chronic fatigue they can’t explain. Every case is diff, even if symptoms look same outside. That part makes me stop and look closer—what is vitiated? What system is overworking or under? My mind instantly shifts into that mode, trying to trace the imbalance and realign it without suppressin anything. Right now I’m still early in the field, but every patient, every prakriti I see adds a layer to how I understand dis-ease. I don’t rush, mostly just try to listen first... ppl are usually surprised when you sit n listen without cutting them off mid sentence. I don’t claim to fix everything but I do keep that long-term goal in mind—healing that lasts beyond just medicine course. My interest stays rooted in ahar, vihar, and herbal chikitsa. Working with traditional herbs in customized way, not some one-size-fits-all type. I feel Ayurveda demands patience, and yeah, I’m okay with that. Cuz body speaks when we slow down. And that’s what I try to bring in my work—space to slow down, observe, correct gently. Of course I mess up sometimes or miss smth small.. but I reflect and adjust. It’s all part of the practice. I wanna grow steady, keep that fire for real healing alive. This path’s not loud, but it’s deep. And I’m here for it.
5
1 reviews

Latest reviews

Olivia
2 hours ago
Thanks so much for the clear explanation! Helpful to know how to transition. Appreciate the specific dosage advice too, super useful!
Thanks so much for the clear explanation! Helpful to know how to transition. Appreciate the specific dosage advice too, super useful!
Hannah
11 hours ago
Really appreciate the detailed response! Gave me some practical steps to take and eased my worries a bit. Thanks for the clarity!
Really appreciate the detailed response! Gave me some practical steps to take and eased my worries a bit. Thanks for the clarity!
Elijah
11 hours ago
Thanks for the detailed advice! Really helped me understand more about handling my situation. Feeling way more positive now!
Thanks for the detailed advice! Really helped me understand more about handling my situation. Feeling way more positive now!
Alexander
11 hours ago
Thanks so much! Your advice was clear and gave me hope. Feeling more positive knowing there's a natural approach to try! 😊
Thanks so much! Your advice was clear and gave me hope. Feeling more positive knowing there's a natural approach to try! 😊