Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory condition of the nasal cavity triggered by any allergen like dust particles, pollens etc. The nasal cavity is lined with mucous membrane which does many important functions like conditioning of the air entering the nasal passage, prevents dust, insects and some micro organisms from entering the body. Hence is acts as an defensive mechanism for the body. But during some instances, the mucous membrane become sensitive and becomes inflamed when comes in contact with some particles like smoke particles, dust, animal fur, room sprays etc.
Symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Running nose
- Watering of eyes
- Irritation in the nose
- Itching sensation in the throat, roof of mouth etc.
- Nasal congestion
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Irritability
Management Of Allergic Rhinitis:
Anti histamines, nasal decongestants, corticosteroidal sprays and other symptomatic relief etc are the main modalities of treatment in modern medicine. But the understanding of a disease in Ayurveda is based on the Tridosha theory (the 3 bio regulating principles of the body) Health and disease is a resultant of normalcy and disturbance of these 3 principles respectively. The pathology is understood by the features of the disease exhibited.
Allergic rhinitis is a condition caused by vitiated Pitta and Kapha. The nose and the head is the seat of kapha. Due to activities and diet such as use of hot, spicy foods, exposure to very dry conditions (which increases the probability of dust exposure), in the autumn and spring seasons, Exposure to cold and dry wind, intake of curd and cold substances like cold beverages, ice cream etc causes vitiation of pitta. This Pitta reaches the seat of Kapha especially nose and causes the condition. The Pitta causes the liquifaction of the Kapha which causes the typical running nose and irritation of the nasal cavity.
Management of this condition basically depends on pacification of Pitta and correction of kapha. In addition correcting the digestion and bowels gives lot of improvement in the condition when Vata is also involved. Identification and avoidance of the cause triggering the allergic reaction plays an important role in the management of the disease. The factors which aggravate kapha like
- Cold, heavy, hard to digest foods.
- Exposure to cold
- Day sleep.
- Bath with cold water
- Intake of cold beverages
- Excessive sleepiness
- Sedentary lifestyle etc has to be avoided.
Among panchakarma therapies, Nasya helps in this condition. Nasya is administeration of oil in the nostrils, with proper pre and post procedure care. Administeration of oil clears the passage of the bose and prevents accumulation of Kapha in the head. It also strenghtens the nasal mucosa against undue sensitization by the triggering factors. Hence it acts as both preventive and curative measure. When the Kapha is accumulated excessively in the body, it has to be eliminated by Vamana (emesis). Later internal medicines are to be taken to regulate the body, increase the Agni, regulate the bowels and tone up the health of the respiratory system.
People having chronic and recurrent sinusitis will be greatly benefitted by Yoga and Pranayama. The breathing practices involved in Pranayama helps in proper circulation of Prana Vata which effectively drains the nasal sinuses and prevents any blockages from developing. Jala neti kriya is very effective for this condition.
Diet and Lifestyle:
- One must avoid cold, oily and heavy foods.
- Digestion and bowels should be regulated with healthy and light foods.
- Head bath with cold water must be avoided.
- After head bath, one can apply Rasnadi churnam on the vertex of the head which will prevent seepage of moisture into the sinuses.
- Ice creams and cold beverages should be strictly avoided.
- At the first sign of flu and common cold, one must take precautionary measures like steam inhalation, fumigation, hot fomentations and warm soups etc.
- Regular use of Nasya with Anu tailam is beneficial.
- Regular practice of yoga and Pranayama.
- Day sleep should be avoided.
- Avoid exposure to cold.
- Use of warm caps and coats while going out in the cold
- Sudden exposure to sun after prolonged stay in a cold temperature(air conditioned room) has to be avoided.
- Alternating use of cold and hot things has to be avoided.
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