Manage Allergic Rhinitis:
A Holistic Approach

1. Seasonal Rhinitis

It is also known as Hay fever, which is triggered by exposure to outdoor environmental causes like allergens, such as pollen from plants. The term hay fever is a misnomer in medical science.

NO HAY, NO FEVER SO WHY IT IS “HAY FEVER?”​

“Hay fever” is a turn-of-the-century term that has come to describe the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, especially when it occurs in the late summer. Although, the signs and symptoms are not caused by hay, in real ragweed is one of the main culprits. Secondly, seasonal rhinitis is not accompanied by fever.

Causes of Hay Fever or Seasonal Rhinitis

Summer is the main season of production of pollens, so hay fever symptoms are generally at their most intense in summers. Primary triggers of hay fever are:

• Grass pollen
• Pollen from trees
• Weed pollen
• Airborne mold

2. Perennial Rhinitis

The term perennial itself means which occurs all year round and symptoms last for an hour or more each day, however, in some cases the severity of the condition will vary over the course of the year in allergens like dust, animal hair, and mold.

Causes of Perennial Rhinitis

Perennial Rhinitis is commonly provoked by allergens:

• Dust mite feces
• Pet dander, Saliva, urine
• Cockroach and other insect feces
• Indoor mold

3. Occupational Rhinitis

The term occupational itself means the symptoms of allergic rhinitis only occur in a particular work environment, then this is known as occupational rhinitis. Allergens that cause perennial rhinitis are often involved, such as animal allergies for laboratory and farmworkers.

Causes of Occupational Rhinitis

Environments according to different work are:

• Grain dust affecting farmers and agricultural workers
• Cement factory workers
• Flour affecting bakers
• Agro mills and factories
• Latex affecting medical workers wearing gloves
• Fish and seafood proteins affecting factory and kitchen workers

Allergic Rhinitis on the Basis of Allergic and Non-Allergic:-

1. Allergic Rhinitis

The cause is weak immunity and causative factors are Pollen, Dust, Dirt, Mites, Smoke, Strong Odor, etc.

2. Non-Allergic Rhinitis

It is also named Vasomotor Rhinitis. Many odors in sufficiently high concentrations will cause nasal irritation in almost anyone. Vasomotor rhinitis seems to be an exaggeration of the normal nasal response to irritation; In this case, allergens are not culprits.

Irritants that can worsen non-allergic rhinitis:-

• Cigarette smoke or wood smoke
• Fumes
• Humidity
• Pollution
• Changes in temperature

Allergic Rhinitis is compared with Vata Kapha (are bio energies or life forces of the body) Pratishyay (Rhinitis).

In this, Virudha Aahar (wrong food combinations), Asatmya (unsuitable food), and Ama (body toxins) predict allergic conditions. The product of impaired digestion and metabolism is Ama, which affects Rasa (extract of food) and Rakta Dhatu (blood cells) producing Pratishyay. Virudha Aahar likes eating fruits mixed with milk, milk with fish, ice creams after dinner, honey with clarified butter, etc. leads to allergy.

Following are the types of allergic rhinitis according to Symptoms:

• Vataj Pratishyay – Nasal Congestion
• Vataj Pratishyay – Sneezing
• Kaphaj Pratishyay – Breathlessness
• Kaphaj Vataj Pratishyay – Nasal Discharge
• Kaphaj Vataj Pratishyay – Headache