ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Allergic rhinitis or Hay fever is an allergic response of the body to exposure of certain tiny particles present in air like pollens , dusts etc. Body reacts by releasing a chemical called Histamine when allergens enter body through mouth or nose .

Most common seasonal allergen is pollens from flowers and trees .

Allergic rhinitis have cold like symptoms which include sneezing , nasal congestion ,irritation of nose ,throat, mouth and eyes. It is not contagious like common cold .

CAUSES OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS –

Allergic rhinitis happen due to immune system reaction against certain allergen which are otherwise harmless to most people. The immune system try to protect the body from the allergen as it thinks of allergen as intruder. Immune system release chemical named Histamine in blood stream in response of allergen

Histamine cause inflammation of the mucous membrane in nose , eyes and throat to eject the allergen from the body.

Common allergens include :

OUTDOOR ALLERGENS-

• Grass pollens
• Mold spores

INDOOR ALLERGENS-

• Dust mites
• Pet dander

SYMPTOMS –

Usually person experience one or more symptoms immediately after coming in contact with allergen like :

• Nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• Itchy nose , eyes and throat
• Running nose
• Coughing
• Frequent headache
• Under eye dark circles
• Watery eyes
• Sore throat and troubled breathing
• Excessive fatigue and malaise
• Eczema -like symptoms , such as dry, itchy skin
• Hives

Some of the symptoms, like recurrent headache and fatigue occur after long-term exposure to allergens .Allergy due to outdoor allergens like pollens peaks in summer , spring and early fall as pollen counts are high in these seasons .Allergy due to indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander peaks in winter because people spend more time indoors.

TYPES OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS –

SEASONAL

• Usually occur during spring and fall season
• They are in response to outdoor allergens

PERENNIAL

• Occur all year or at time of the year
• They are in response to indoor allergens

RISK FACTORS –

Person with family history of allergy may have high chances of developing  allergic rhinitis, although allergies can affect any one. People suffering from eczema and asthma are at high risk of having allergic rhinitis.

Some factors that can trigger or worsen the condition are :

• Humidity and Cold temperature
• Air pollution
• Colognes, perfumes and hairspray
• Wind
• Wood smokes and fumes
• Cigarette smoking
• Chemicals

DIAGNOSIS –

Physical examination is sufficient in case of minor allergic reaction however , certain test are performed to determine best treatment and prevention plane .

Skin prick test is painless and most accurate test to determine allergen causing symptoms . Small sample of different allergens are injected on your forearm  . If person is allergic to a substance the red bump appear where it was injected .

Blood test called Immunoglobulin -E test is also done to determine the allergen .

COMPLICATIONS –

Allergic rhinitis can lead to complications in some case like :

• Nasal polyps – Abnormal benign sacs of fluid growing inside nasal passages and sinuses.
• Sinusitis- Infection caused due to nasal swelling and inflammation preventing mucus drainage from sinuses .
• Middle ear infection

AYURVEDIC APPROACH –

Allergic rhinitis is compared with Vata-kaphaja pratishaya in ayurveda .Main dosha aggravated in this is kapha due to accumulation of ama in the body .  Ama is the formed due to impaired digestion and metabolism .ama effect the rasa and rakt dhatu leading to development of pratishaya.

AYURVEDIC PROCEDURES-

• Deepanam
• Swedan
• Vamana
• Virechana
• Nasya treatment

CHANDIGARH AYURVEDIC CENTER MEDICATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS –

1. Detox Premium Powder

The powder is very beneficial to cure anybody pain as it removes excess toxins from the body and balances the aggravated pitta and vata dosha. It consists of several herbs and bhasmas such as shukta pishti, giloy satv, parwal pishti, kamdudha rasa, moti pishti, gandhak rasayan, akik pishti, etc. The ingredients help in reducing swelling, redness, shrinkage of tear lining in the anus, burning sensation, etc.

Recommended Dosage: Take one sachet twice daily.

2. Nerve up tablet

Nerve up tablets help in balancing the vata doshas. It reduces kapha dosha, and acts as nervine stimulant. It shows effective results in improving the central nervous system. It contains natural ingredients like shudha kuchala, shudha shilajeet, abhrak bhasma, praval pishti, shankh bhasma etc. This tablet helps in the symptoms related to Allergy.
Recommended Dosage– Take 1 tablet twice daily.

3. Curcumin Capsule

Curcumin Capsule helps in pacifying all three doshas. Curcumin Capsule is beneficial for variety of skin conditions like Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, and Dermatitis. This Capsule contains standardized extract of the herb Curcumin (Curcuma longa). Curcumin is the active ingredient in Turmeric having powerful Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-microbial and Antioxidant properties.
Recommended Dosage: Take 2 capsules twice daily.

4. Amrit Tulsi Ras

This herbal preparation is in drops form prepared from five types of Tulsi. Shama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Rama Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum), Kapoor Tulsi (Ocimum canum), Shwet Tulsi (Ocimum basilicum), Nimba Tulsi (Ocimum citriodorum) that provides good result in all allergic reactions.
Recommended Dosage: Take two to three drops twice daily.

5. Immuno Booster Tablet

It is a pure herbal combination that helps to build up immunity. It consists of effective levels of antioxidants. vitamin C and E circulate in the body to protect it against the damage caused by free radicals. It has natural immunity-boosting properties to prevent and ease cough, cold, headache, and infections. it provides quick relief from early signs of running nose, itching throat, body ache, and weakness.
Recommended Dosage– Take 1 tablet twice daily.