Rhinitis Treatment in Ayurveda

What is Rhinitis?

Rhinitis is a condition of inflammation of the nose. It typically involves nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy nose, sneezing, postnasal drip. The nose continuously generates a fluid called mucus. This fluid is otherwise helpful because it keeps the dust, allergens from entering the lungs. Mucus is sticky, so it traps particles including dust and pollen, bacteria, viruses.

Mucus usually clears down the back of the throat. Most of the time, you are not even aware of the process because mucus is very slow and thin. When the nose becomes infected or irritated, the result is more mucus which is thick and pale. The mucus may begin to exist from the front as well as back. When it goes from the back, the substances in the mucus may irritate the back of the throat and cause coughing.

Postnasal drip means more mucus drains down the back of the throat.

There are various causes for inflammation in the nose, although they depend on the type of rhinitis: allergic rhinitis (nasal symptoms related to allergy) and non-allergic rhinitis (symptoms that are not related to allergy), while other types include:

Seasonal allergic rhinitis: It is characterized by hay fever. But, people with seasonal allergic rhinitis may not be exposed to hay and experience fever. It is an allergic reaction to pollen from trees, weeds, and grasses. It is called seasonal because it usually occurs in the spring and fall when pollen from the grass or weeds float in the air.
Infectious rhinitis: It is the most common type of rhinitis caused by infections in the upper respiratory system or cold common. The cause of the common cold or infection is the virus that settles in the mucous membranes of the nose and sinus cavities.
Perennial allergic rhinitis: The allergens that cause perennial allergic rhinitis are present all year long. The most common allergens include dust mites, mould, insects debris, animal dander, etc.
Non-allergic rhinitis: It is not caused by allergens, so smoke, chemicals, or other environmental triggers could be the possible cause of non-allergic rhinitis. Less likely, it is also caused by defects in the structure of the nose, hormonal changes, and the excess use of nose sprays. The signs are much similar to an allergy, while it is more prominent in patients with non-allergic asthma.
Irritants or allergens: Irritants or allergens may also trigger rhinitis. The cells of the body react to the irritants or allergens by secreting a substance called histamine.

Rhinitis is a temporary allergic condition for many. It clears up on its own after a while. But for those with some ongoing allergic condition, it could turn out to be something serious. If this happens, you may experience signs flaring up from time to time.

Rhinitis can last for months if there is an allergic exposure.

Signs

Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:

sneezing
a runny or stuffy nose
an itchy nose
coughing
a sore throat
itchy eyes
watery eyes
frequent headaches
eczema-based symptoms, such as sheerly dry skin that can blister
hives
excessive fatigue

The sign may worsen after you come in contact with an allergen. Hay fever may or may not be prominent in people with allergic rhinitis.

Signs like headaches and fatigue may appear only after long-term exposure to allergens.

Talk to your doctor about the signs of allergy you are already experiencing. Only after the diagnostic tests, your doctor can learn about the type of rhinitis you are going through and the need for ayurvedic treatment.

Causes

Many conditions or substances may induce rhinitis, including:

Environmental or occupational irritants. Dust, smog, and pungent odours, such as perfumes, can trigger non-allergic rhinitis. Chemical fumes due to occupational hazards can also be blamed for non-allergic rhinitis.

Weather changes. Humidity, temperature changes can also affect the membrane inside the nose to swell and result in a runny or stuffy nose.

Food and beverages. Non-allergic rhinitis is also when you eat something hot or spicy. Even some drinks can also cause the membranes inside the nose to swell and result in nasal congestion.

Infections. Viral infections, including cold or common flu, may also induce non-allergic rhinitis.

Certain medications. Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and those meant for high blood pressure, such as beta-blockers, are also to blame for rhinitis. Oral contraceptive drugs, sedatives, antidepressants, etc., can also cause a type of rhinitis called medicamentosa.

Hormone changes. Hormonal fluctuations due to menstruation, pregnancy or conditions such as hypothyroidism, etc., may also cause non-allergic rhinitis.

Sleeping on your back and acid reflux. Lying on your back at night and acid reflux can also result in allergic symptoms.

Causes of allergic rhinitis may include:

grass pollen
dust mites
animal dander
animal saliva
mould

Ayurvedic treatment for rhinitis

Rhinitis is a condition in which the tissues in the nose become inflamed, and it is characterized by a runny and itchy nose, eyes with a watery discharge followed by sneezing. The result is low immunity which makes a person more susceptible to allergic infections.

Ayurvedic theories claim rhinitis to be an outcome of toxins or Ama buildup in the body, which aggravates the Dhatus and Doshas even more. Primarily it is the Kapha which is affected in the first place and results in the level of Kapha in the body, giving rise to different signs of allergies.

Ayurveda also relates allergies to hypersensitivity of the nervous system. The treatment in Ayurveda is customized according to the health demand of the patients and the body type. Hence, the treatment is also beneficial for individual health.

At AyuKarma, we employ procedures and therapies that are helpful for our patient's health. Ayurveda has always been a thing of support for patients who did not get much help from allopathic interventions. This science evades the disease of its roots and is supportive in permanent health recovery.

If you want to learn more about the treatment, you can always reach us.