2-Year-Old Child Recovered from Peanut Allergy, Tree Nut Allergy, Angioedema and Asthma – A Case Study

Allergies represent a common and serious health problem in pediatric age groups and account for many outpatient visits. Their chronic nature and association with other comorbid conditions have influenced many parents to seek alternative treatments. Moreover, there is growing concern regarding the long-term, dose-related side effects of antihistamines, corticosteroids, and similar medications.

Considering the etiopathogenesis of allergies in children, Ayurvedic herbal treatment may show positive effects in relieving allergy symptoms in the pediatric population. This case study describes the Ayurvedic management of multiple allergic conditions, including tree nut allergy, peanut allergy, angioedema, nasal allergies, and asthma, in a male child aged over two years at IAFA, highlighting the observed clinical outcomes during the course of treatment.

Abstract

The incidence of allergic disorders in children continues to rise. Allergic diseases often occur in a time-based sequence, beginning with atopic dermatitis and food allergies in infancy and gradually progressing to allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis. This phenomenon is known as the “Allergic March” or “Atopic March.” In modern medicine, the mechanisms underlying the atopic march are still not completely understood.

Here, we explore the concept of the atopic march from an Ayurvedic perspective and discuss its management through Ayurvedic interventions at IAFA, based on the clinical observations in a male child aged over two years. The child was suffering from food allergies, particularly peanut allergy and tree nut allergy, along with angioedema, especially over the lips, nasal allergy, and associated symptoms. Vaidya had suggested the use of inhalers for asthma; however, the child’s mother did not allow their use because of concerns regarding dependency and habitual use.

At IAFA, various Ayurvedic external as well as internal treatments were prescribed. These included herbal formulations and medicated ghrita administered orally to help improve immunity. The patient showed a steady reduction in all symptoms over time. This management approach was associated with symptom improvement and may have helped reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Keywords: Ayurveda for allergy, Allergy March, treatment of peanut allergy, tree nut allergy, nasal allergy, Ayurvedic intervention, tree nut allergy treatment.

Introduction

The incidence of Allergy March in children has increased in frequency in recent decades. Children with allergy march may develop a typical sequence. Allergy March may be defined as a propensity to produce IgE antibodies and sensitization in response to certain triggers which are generally harmless. The risk of developing allergy march is complex and the temporal pattern may not be a simple progression.

The diagnosis of allergens in children is still a challenge. The atopic march may involve periods of remission and exacerbation; however, the primary goal of management is to achieve sustained symptom control and support the child’s overall health and well-being. Keeping the whole system healthy without adverse effects is the solution which is gaining maximum demand to opt for Ayurveda management especially in children.

Both Ayurveda and modern medical science agree regarding the Nidana of the disease as host factors. Therefore, Nidana Parivarjanam plays a key role in the management strategy in both sciences. 

Ayurvedic Concept

Ayurveda explains the pathology of allergies as immune dysfunction which is due to the formation of Ama (undigested intermediate product) which creates imbalance of the doshas.

Ayurveda incorporates various herbs and herbal formulations traditionally used for their potential immunomodulatory, anti-allergic, and anti-inflammatory properties. These may play a supportive role in managing allergic conditions by addressing different aspects of the underlying pathological processes and helping alleviate symptoms.

Chief Complaints

• Multiple food protein intolerance specifically with tree nuts and peanuts.
• Allergic Response: Angioedema over lips and urticarial rashes over the body after ingesting the allergen (food).
• Nasal Allergy and its associated symptoms.
• Shortness of breath

Health History

• Formula milk was introduced at the time of birth for the first 15 days.
• After that, exclusive breastfeeding up to 2 years and bloating at the time of introduction of any milk other than mother’s feed.
• Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis (extreme dryness) at the age of 3 months. 

Treatment Plan

External Procedure

1.  For Nasal: Pratimarsha Nasya with: Nasa Yoga Grutham 
2.  For Skin: IAFA Shishu Diaper Rash Oil for Local Application (Enriched with Karanj Oil)

Internal Medication

1.  IAFA Swaras Chikitsa with: Aahar Amrutham Ras
2.  Aahar Amrutham Bindu
3. Shishu Laxoherb

Dosage/Method of Usage:

1.  Nasa Yoga Grutham: 1-2 drops of lukewarm grutham to be instilled in bilateral nostrils twice a day in the morning and at bed time.
2. IAFA Shishu Diaper Rash Oil: 3-5 ml IAFA Shishu Diaper Rash Oil to be applied over the affected body part during allergic response over the affected area. 
3.  Aahar Amrutham Ras: 7.5 ml to be taken with equal quantity of water after meals.
4.  Aahar Amrutham Bindu: 1 ml with 10 ml water to be taken twice a day anytime.
5.  Shishu Laxoherb:  2 ml with 20 ml water to be taken once a day at bedtime.

This treatment was started on 12/02/2022 and is advised to follow the same for three months. In between three months, regular follow-ups were scheduled to track the health status of the patient. After three months, it was found that nasal and skin allergies were settled, so the treatment was modified specifically on food protein intolerances.

After Three Months, the Child was Having the Following Complaints

• Multiple food protein intolerances specifically with tree nuts and peanuts.

Treatment Plan Based on the Symptoms

External Procedure:

1. For Nasal: Pratimarsha Nasya with: Nasa Yoga Grutham: 1-2 drops of lukewarm grutham to be instilled in bilateral nostrils twice a day in the morning and at bed time.
2.  For Skin: IAFA Shishu Diaper Rash Oil for Local Application (Enriched with Karanj Oil): 3-5 ml IAFA Shishu Diaper Rash Oil to be applied over the affected area during allergic response.

Internal Medication:

1.  IAFA Swaras Chikitsa: Aahar Amrutham Ras: 7.5 ml with water twice a day with equal amount of water after meal.
2. Anthra Mithram Gulika: 1 tablet to be taken once a day after meals. Mash the tablet and give it with lukewarm water.
3. Shishu Laxoherb: 1 ml with 20 ml water once a day at bedtime.

Along with the treatment, the patient’s parents were strictly advised to follow the restrictions in the patient’s diet regarding food. 

Do’s (Pathya)

• More fiber and seasonal fruits and vegetables, old rice, buckwheat, ragi, whole corn, millets, gluten free oats, frequent intake of small amounts of lukewarm water.

Don’ts (Apathya)

• High fat foods such as cream, butter, greasy food, spicy food, fermented, stale, preserved and packaged food.

Following one month of the modified treatment regimen, the child showed considerable improvement in symptoms. The child has reportedly been able to tolerate sesame seeds, which previously triggered an allergic reaction, without experiencing the same symptoms. To date, the child has not experienced any reported exacerbation of symptoms or adverse events during the course of treatment.

The child’s mother expressed satisfaction with the improvement observed in her child following Ayurvedic treatment administered by IAFA® over a relatively short period.

Conclusion

The Ayurvedic approach to allergy management emphasizes supporting immune function and maintaining physiological balance, while aiming to reduce allergic symptoms and improve the individual’s overall well-being. Thus, this case study suggests that the treatment provided by IAFA may have a supportive role in the management of pediatric allergic disorders, with potential benefits in symptom management and the overall quality of life of patients. This finding is particularly significant considering the severity of the disease, its prognosis, and the limited response to established conventional therapies.

IAFA aims to support individuals and families in managing allergic conditions of various etiologies through an approach rooted in Ayurveda. IAFA offers Ayurvedic products and therapies intended to support the management of conditions such as peanut allergies, tree nut allergies, asthma, and other allergic disorders. If you or your loved ones are experiencing similar health concerns, you may consider consulting IAFA to explore suitable Ayurvedic management options under professional guidance and take an informed step toward better health and well-being.