Dysfunction of Pranavaha Srotas in Acute and Chronic Toxicity: Bridging Ayurvedic Concepts with Contemporary Respiratory Pathologies

Background: Prāṇavaha Srotas, described in Ayurveda as the vital cardio-pulmonary channel system, is essential for sustaining life and maintaining physiological balance. Its integrity is disturbed by toxic influences collectively termed Viṣa. Objective: To correlate Ayurvedic concepts of toxic pathology with modern pulmonary pathophysiology through the mechanisms of Āśu Viṣa and Dūṣī Viṣa. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using references from Bṛhat Trayī and contemporary biomedical literature related to Prāṇavaha Srotas, Srotoduṣṭi, and toxic respiratory pathology. Relevant classical concepts were critically analyzed for integrative interpretation. Results: Āśu Viṣa was found comparable to acute toxic insults causing sudden functional obstruction, similar to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Dūṣī Viṣa correlated with chronic low-grade toxicity producing progressive structural remodeling as observed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary fibrosis. Ayurvedic descriptions indicate both functional and structural derangement within the Prāṇavaha system. Conclusion: The review supports understanding Prāṇavaha Srotas as a cardio-pulmonary-vascular network and highlights the relevance of Ayurvedic toxicology in interpreting acute and chronic respiratory disorders. Keywords: Prāṇavaha Srotas, Viṣa, Srotoduṣṭi, ARDS, Pulmonary fibrosis