ALLERGIC RHINITIS AND ITS AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

MODERN DISEASE EXPLANATION

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is a type of inflammation in the nose which occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. Signs and symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, red, itchy, and watery eyes, and swelling around the eyes. The fluid from the nose is usually clear.

Hay Fever Triggers

Outdoor allergens, such as pollens from grass, trees and weeds
Indoor allergens, such as pet hair or dander, dust mites and mold
Irritants, such as cigarette smoke, perfume and diesel exhaust

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis
• sneezing
• a runny nose
• a stuffy nose
• an itchy nose
• coughing
• a sore or scratchy throat
• itchy eyes
• watery eyes
• dark circles under the eyes
• frequent headaches

Hay Fever Management and Treatment

• Avoid triggers by making changes to your home and to your behavior.
• Keep windows closed during high pollen periods; use air conditioning in your home and car.
• Wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to keep pollen out of your eyes.
• Use “mite-proof” bedding covers to limit exposure to dust mites and a dehumidifier to control mold (if you smell mildew, you likely have mold).
• Wash your hands after petting any animal and have a nonallergic person help with pet grooming, preferably in a well-ventilated area or outside.

DISEASE- AYURVEDA CONCEPT
Allergic Rhinitis from an Ayurvedic perspective is caused due to the ama (toxins) present in the body and due to low immunity. Accumulated ama aggravates the levels of Kapha (Water) in the body, giving rise to different symptoms of allergies.Ayurveda believes in balancing the three doshas present in the human body, thus treating the disease on the whole. Treatment involves clearing the sinuses and expelling phlegm, alleviating the relevant dosha and detoxification. To permanently resolve this disorder, dietary and lifestyle adjustments may be necessary in addition to the strengthening of the immune system. The term Ama means uncooked, unripe, undigested and immature material. Ama of an type produced at anystage and in any Dhatu stimulates intrinsic factor which are responsible for allergic disorders. Asatmya to an individual in the form of aahara and vihara when consumed may lead to an altered response in the body of that individual. These manifestation in the form of altered response of the body towards that particular Asatmya substance are that of allergy. Viruddha aahara means combination of two or more food material having antagonist properties which may lead to allergic response.
TREATMENT PROTOCOL

Panchakarma is an effective means of treating Allergic Rhinitis. Allergic Rhinitis is well known for its recurrence & chronicity. Recurrance of disease happens only when the vitiate dosha have not been eradicated completely. This doshas reside in the body in their latent stage & when they come in contact with aggravating factors give rise to same disease again. Viewing to this concept the Ayurvedic line of treatment of Allergic Rhinitis includes, avoid allergens causing reaction (Nandan Parivarjan). Detoxification (Shodhan), Pacification (Shaman) & rejuvenation (Rasayana).


CLASSICAL MEDICINES

VYAKRADHI KASHAYAM
HARIDHRA KHANDAM
TALEESAPATHRADI CHOORNAM
VYOSHADI VADAKAM
VILWADI LEHYAM
AGASTHYA RASAYANAM
TWAKELADI LEHYAM
DASAMOOLAM COUGH SYRUP

AHARA VIHARAM

Pathya:

Use of Kaphanashaka Dravyas i.e. Ahara and Vihara such as yusha of Mungakullatha, Saindhava salt, luke warm water, green leafy vegetables, pranayam light exercises and various Aasanas may help in improving the immunity of individuals and thereby preventing various disorders including Allergic Rhinitis.

Apathaya:

Snana, Kroadh suppression of natural urges, shoka etc. are some of apthyas for Allergic Rhinitis.