Allergic Rhinitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Homeopathy treatment

Published On9 September, 2022

Dr. Vaseem Choudhary M.D
Allergic rhinitis treatment

INTRODUCTION OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Allergic rhinitis also known as hay fever is a chronic inflammatory condition of the nasal mucosa caused by an exaggerated immune response to inhaled allergens such as pollen, dust, mites,mold and animal or bird fur. 

It occurs due to IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction, by exposure to allergens triggers the release of histamine from mast cells. This leads to irritation and swelling of the nasal passages.

CAUSES OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS 

Allergic rhinitis is caused by an exaggerated immune response to allergens. The causes can be divided into allergens and predisposing factors.

  1. Environmental Allergens

  • Outdoor allergens:Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds and mold spores.
  • Indoor allergens: house dust mites, animal and bird fur.

  1. Predisposing Factors

  • Genetic susceptibility – Family history of allergies, asthma or tendency to develop allergic conditions.
  • Environmental pollution – By cigarette smoke, traffic fumes, strong odors.
  • Climate and lifestyle – By cold air and sudden temperature changes.
  • Immune dysregulation – Imbalance in immune response, in children exposed to microbes.

  1. Other Contributing Factors

Stress and hormonal changes: Occupational exposure such as chemicals, dust, flour or wood causes repeated respiratory infections that sensitize the nasal mucosa.

TYPES OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Allergic rhinitis can be classified based on duration, pattern of exposure and clinical course:

  1. Based on Duration

Persistent allergic rhinitis present less than 4 days per week or less than 4 consecutive weeks, caused by dust mites, animal fur.

  1. Based on Pattern of Exposure

  • Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds. Symptoms occur at specific times of the year.
  • Perennial Allergic Rhinitis caused by indoor allergens such as dust mites, molds, pet dander, and cockroaches.
  • Occupational Allergic Rhinitis triggered by allergens in the workplace such as flour in bakers, wood dust in carpenters.

  1. Based on Clinical Severity

  • Mild Allergic Rhinitis present but do not interfere with daily activities, sleep, or quality of life.
  • Moderate to Severe Allergic Rhinitis has intense, persistent, and interferes with work, school, sleep, and overall quality of life.

SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS 

Allergic rhinitis symptoms affect the nose, eyes, and throat, and are triggered instantly after allergen exposure.

  1. Nasal Symptoms

a.Sneezing 

b.Clear, watery nasal discharge

c.nasal congestion

d.Nasal itching.

  1. Ocular Symptoms

a.Red, itchy, watery eyes

b.Swelling around the eyelids

c.Sensitivity to light

  1. Throat and Ear Symptoms

a.Itchy throat or palate

b.Cough due to post-nasal drip

c.Ear fullness or popping 

d.Itchy ears

  1. General Symptoms

a.Headache or sinus pressure

b.Fatigue and irritability

c.Disturbed sleep due to congestion

d.Reduced concentration and productivity

GENERAL APPROACH OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS:

Management of allergic rhinitis is to reduce allergen exposure, controlling symptoms, and improving quality of life.

  1. Allergen Avoidance: 

Identify exposure to triggers such as dust mites, mold, pollen, pet fur. Use dust-proof bedding covers in hot water, avoid pets in bedrooms.Stay indoors during high pollen seasons and use air purifiers is advised.

  1. Pharmacological Treatment:

a.Antihistamines→ To relieve sneezing, itching, rhinorrhea.

b.Intranasal corticosteroids → To reduce inflammation, nasal congestion; most effective for long-term control.

c.Decongestants → For short-term relief of nasal blockage.

d.Leukotriene receptor antagonists → It’s useful in patients with co-existing asthma.

e.Mast cell stabilizers→ To prevent allergen exposure.

  1. Immunotherapy

Allergen-specific immunotherapy is given to patients with severe symptoms,  not controlled by medications. It helps to modify the immune response and to prevent progression to asthma.

  1. Supportive Measures
  • Saline nasal irrigation → To help clear allergens and mucus.
  • Lifestyle changes → By regular exercise, adequate sleep, helps stress management.

SIDE EFFECTS AND COMPLICATIONS OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS

If untreated, allergic rhinitis causes  side effects and complications:

1.Side Effects are:

a.Antihistamines → It causes drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision and urinary retention.

b.Intranasal corticosteroids → It causes nasal dryness, irritation, nosebleeds and sore throat.

c.Decongestants → It affects sleep, pulse rate, blood pressure and repeated nasal congestion.

d.Leukotriene receptor antagonists→ It causes headache and mood changes.

2. Complications of Untreated Allergic Rhinitis are:

a.Recurrent sinusitis, otitis media or nasal polyps.

b.Sleep disturbances, obstructive sleep apnea.

c.Poor concentration, daytime fatigue, reducing work performance.

d.Increased risk of developing asthma.

DIET PLAN OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS

 Daily Diet Plan:

Early Morning : Warm water with a few soaked almonds.

Breakfast: Oats porridge or Dosa, idli with chutney can be preferred.

Mid-morning snack: Buttermilk or turmeric milk can be taken.

Lunch: Salad, Brown rice/chapati,  dal with steamed vegetables should be taken.

Evening snack: Herbal tea, roasted chana or seeds mix can be preferred.

Dinner: Light vegetable soup, chapati, green leafy vegetable curry should be taken.

Before bed:  Chamomile tea or warm water can be taken.

HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS:

Homeopathy aims to treat allergic rhinitis by stimulating the body’s own healing mechanism, reducing hypersensitivity, and improving overall immunity.

Few Homeopathic Medicines are

  1. Allium Cepa: This medicine is used for profuse: watery and burning nasal discharge that irritates the skin, teary eyes. It’s worse in warm rooms, better in open air.
  2. Arsenicum Album: This medicine is used for thin, watery, acrid nasal discharge with nosy burning and blockage at night. It’s worse from the cold air.
  3. Sabadilla: This medicine is used for violent sneezing, watery discharge with itchy nose and eyes. It’s worse from seasonal changes and cold air.
  4. Natrum Muriaticum: This medicine is used for sneezing, watery nasal discharge like egg white, with nasal blockage alternating between sides.
  5. Arundo Mauritanica: It is used for intense itching of nose, eyes, and palate. It’s useful in early stages of allergic rhinitis.

FAQs OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS:

  1. Is allergic rhinitis the same as a common cold?

No. A cold is caused by a virus and lasts 7–10 days, with fever and body ache. Allergic rhinitis can last weeks to months, occur every season and has no fever.

  1. Can allergic rhinitis be cured permanently?

There is no complete “cure,” but it can be well-controlled with allergen avoidance, medications, immunotherapy, diet, and lifestyle changes.

  1. Is allergic rhinitis dangerous?

Not life-threatening, but if untreated causes complications like sinusitis, ear infections, nasal polyps.

  1. Can children have allergic rhinitis?

Yes. It often starts in childhood, in children with family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema.

  1. Can diet make a difference?

Yes. A diet rich in Vitamin C, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants helps reduce inflammation. It’s advised to avoid processed foods, alcohol, and excessive dairy products.

 

Start your journey towards better focus today.

Homeo Care Clinic offers a holistic approach to treating the disease. The remedies mentioned above can treat the underlying causes of the condition and offer relief from the discomfort. However, it is important to consult a qualified homeopathic practitioner for the correct dosage and duration of treatment. Homeo Care Clinic provides comprehensive care for various ailments, and offers customized treatment plans based on individual requirements.

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About the Author Bio:

Dr. Vaseem Choudhary, is a seasoned classical homeopath with over 16 years of experience, dedicated to treating patients with compassion, precision and holistic care. Mainly in Pune & Mumbai, serving both national and international patients from UK, USA, Germany, France, Canada, Bhutan, Dubai & China. With a wide range of acute and chronic conditions—from skin disorders, hormonal issues, and digestive problems to autoimmune diseases and mental health concerns.

Dr. Vaseem is widely respected for his unique approach that combines classical homeopathy, personalized diet planning, lifestyle guidance, and a spiritual perspective on healing. He is known for his detailed and empathetic case-taking process, which focuses on treating the root cause rather than just symptoms.

In recognition of his dedication and clinical excellence, Dr. Vaseem has been honored with the Best Homeopathic Doctor in Pune award by leading platforms such as:

  • Hindustan Times
  • National Health Care Awards
  • Punekar News Health Excellence Forum

He is also a contributing author to the International Journal of Homeopathy and Natural Medicines (IJHNM), where he shares his research and clinical experiences with the global medical community.

With a passion to take homeopathy to new heights, Dr. Vaseem continues to guide patients towards natural, safe, and sustainable healing.