IS 18750 (Part 6) Standardized Terminology of Unani Medicine is a comprehensive guideline focusing on diseases of the respiratory system (Marad-e-Niyam-e-Tanafas). This Unani practice actually provides well-defined terms covering specific diagnosis, etiology, symptoms, treatment and pharmacology, which leads to better understanding and communication and harmonizes terminology. This Indian Standard (Part 6) was adopted by Bureau of Indian Standards, after the draft finalized by the Unani Sectional Committee had been approved by the Ayush Division Council.

Understanding IS 18750 (Part6): 2024 Unani Medicine 

Unani medicine, an ancient medical system with roots in Greece, Persia and India, offers a universal approach to health and well-being. This system is based on the perception of balancing the four humours that control health: blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile. As per the Greek theory, disease is born from the confusion in these humours. This medicinal tradition highlights the restoration of balance and holistic health of body, mind and spirit.

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The use of Unani medicine has grown globally, with recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO) as a complementary medical system. In India, Unani medicine is an officially acknowledged system, and efforts are ongoing to standardize its practices and terminology for reliability and improved healthcare delivery. Part 6 of IS 18750:2024 addresses the necessity to harmonize terminology associated to respiratory diseases, offering a reference for practitioners, researchers, and educators.

With the growing presence of Unani, it is important to establish a clear and unified glossary of terminology to increase understanding and facilitate its application in diverse health care settings. The current standards are intended to standardize specific terminology and practice for respiratory diseases, as well as to reorganize communication and practice among people using the Unani system.

Scope of IS 18750 (Part 6)

This standard (Part 6) covers description and definition of terms related to disease of Respiratory system diseases (Mrāḍ-i-Niẓām-i-Tanaffus). IS 18750 (Part 6) particularly focuses on the terminology related to respiratory system diseases within Unani medicine. These include a wide range of recognized respiratory conditions and terminology related to diagnosis, causes, symptoms, treatment and management. In these areas, the understanding of the role foods and beverages play in the preparation, pharmacology and management of Unani medicine and respiratory health has also spread.

This includes a wide array of terms related to the diagnosis, causes, symptoms, treatments, and management of respiratory conditions. The scope also covers to the preparation of Unani medicines, pharmacology, and the understanding of foods and beverages that play a part in managing respiratory health.

Given the enormity of respiratory diseases and their influence on health, the standards ensure that Unani medicine practitioners have an integrated approach to the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. It also highlights the significance of harmonizing knowledge through diverse subjects to ensure that Unani practices can be seamlessly integrated into modern health care systems.

By providing definitions for these terms, the standard eases the practice of Unani medicine in clinical training and research, making it easier to associate with other medical systems and develop the overall quality of care.

Also Read: IS 18750 (Part 5): 2024 Unani Medicine - Glossary of Terms Part 5 Standardized Terminology Used for Cardiovascular Diseases

Key Benefits of Standardizing Terminology in Unani Respiratory Medicine

The development of standardized terminology for respiratory system diseases in Unani medicine offers several key advantages:

• Enhanced Communication among Practitioners: Clear and steady terminology confirms that health care providers, the federal system, and other health care systems can communicate more effectively. This is important for correct diagnosis, treatment and investigation.
• Improved Patient Care: Consistent terminology allows physicians to accurately define symptoms, conditions, and treatment protocols. This results in more tailored and effective care, as the physician is better able to comprehend and address the patient's specific situation.
• Consistency in Research: As Unani medicine is gaining recognition globally, it is important that the research should be consistent and use universally accepted terms. Standardization helps document scientific studies, making comparisons, tests, and analyses more reliable.
• Education and Training: Standardized terminology offer a foundation for training new generations of Unani physicians. With a clear consideration of the terminology, students can learn the system more effortlessly, leading to deeper knowledge and greater proficiency in practice.
• Global Recognition: By combining Unani terminology with international medical standards, this system becomes easier to accept globally. This is particularly significant as Unani medicine seeks to grow its influence and integrate with other traditional and modern health care systems.
• Support for Policy Development: With a consistent set of conditions, it becomes easier to create policies, regulations and health care strategies that include Unani practices, confirming that they receive the required support from governments and health care institutions.

Key Terminology

Before considering specific terminology, it is vital to note that this part of the Indian Standard is devoted to creating a consistent tone in the language used to define respiratory diseases in the Greek medical system. Following are some of the key terms and definitions from the glossary:

• Mrāḍ-i-Niẓām-i-Tanaffus (Respiratory System Diseases): This refers to the collective term for diseases affecting the respiratory system in Unani medicine. It encompasses a range of conditions from common colds to chronic respiratory diseases.
• Sā'ila (Phlegm): The term used for the mucus or fluid secreted in the respiratory tract, which is an essential aspect in diagnosing respiratory diseases. The quality, colour, and consistency of SA’ila are considered key indicators of health and disease.
• Dham (Cough): A fundamental symptom in many respiratory disorders. In Unani, a cough is classified based on its type, whether it is dry, productive, or persistent, helping to determine the course of treatment.
• Khushkī (Dryness): A condition where the respiratory tract is abnormally dry, leading to irritation, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. It is often associated with respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis.
• Zukām (Cold/Flu): A common condition in which the respiratory system becomes inflamed, causing symptoms such as congestion, fever, and a runny nose. In Unani, the treatment involves balancing the humours to reduce the impact of the cold.
• Nafās (Breath): The act of breathing, which is integral to the diagnosis and understanding of respiratory diseases. Abnormalities in breathing patterns are a crucial aspect of respiratory illness diagnosis.
• Sadr (Chest): Refers to the chest area where the lungs are located. In Unani medicine, chest examination helps in diagnosing the conditions affecting the respiratory system.

Also Read: IS 18750 (Part 4): 2024 Unani Medicine- Glossary of Terms Part 4 Standardized Terminology Used for Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases

Conclusion

IS 18750 (Part 6) Diseases of the Respiratory System is an important step towards promoting integration of valid Unani medicine into modern health care systems by providing a standardized set of terms. This includes a wide range of terms related to the diagnosis, causes, symptoms, treatments, and management of respiratory conditions. This determination not only increases communication between physicians but also ensures that patients get care that is both accurate and effective.

By defining key terms associated to respiratory conditions, the standards promote better understanding, research and education, thereby making Unani medicine more available and significant in today's health scenario.

Through this coordination, Unani medicine is set to offer a more integrated and reliable approach to addressing respiratory health issues, ultimately contributing to a holistic and strengthened health care system. Adopting this belief also encourages deeper association between traditional and modern medicine, which will improve patient outcomes around the world.