Allergic Rhinitis - Overview

'Achoo…God bless you!'

Do you experience frequent bouts of sneezing and an itchy, runny nose that affects your daily work? If you are presenting these symptoms more than once every day, you are suffering from allergic rhinitis. It is time for you to seek medical advice for treating your allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis, also known as nasal allergy, is not considered to be life-threatening. However, it can drastically affect a patient's quality of life. It has been documented that approximately 20% of the general population gets affected by allergic rhinitis. It is one of the common chronic complaints that influence health in long period of time. Therefore, early therapeutic help is necessary to avoid health consequences.

Homeopathy is an effective medical option that offers significant relief in patients affected by allergic rhinitis. It also effectively boosts patients, immunity, which prevents them from getting succumbed to allergens. Benefits of homeopathy in seasonal allergic rhinitis have been documented in a double-blind study performed at Phoenix metropolitan area.

What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis or nasal allergy is described as a condition which is characterised by inflammation of the nasal passages that causes a combination of symptoms such as sneezing, nasal itching, nasal congestion, and discharge from the nose. In a nutshell, in this condition, when you come in contact with any potential allergen, it makes you sneeze, develop an itchy and runny nose, and watery eyes. Exposure to dust, dander, certain seasonal pollens, etc., mainly precipitates allergic rhinitis in sensitive individuals.

It can affect people of all age groups. However, two-third of all patients mostly report this ailment before the age of 30. It is not commonly reported in elderly patients. It affects both males and females equally; but boys are more affected than girls among children.

Types: Allergic rhinitis is classified into two categories – seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis. To know more about the types, Read more.

Causes: When a person with allergic rhinitis breathes in an allergen such as pollen, dust, mold, or animal dander, the body releases chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. To know about other causes, Read more.

Symptoms: Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include constant sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy nose, ear, throat, and eyes, and watery eyes. To know about other symptoms, Read more.

Diagnosis: Our homeopaths will perform physical exam and ask about your symptoms. You will be asked about your lifestyle, work and home environments (including whether you have a pet), your family’s medical history, and the frequency and severity of your symptoms. If needed, they may suggest you skin prick test or intradermal test to identify allergens and figure out the best treatment and prevention plan for you. To know more about diagnosis, Read more.

Treatment approach at Dr Batra’sTM:

Step 1: First Consultation – Our homeopaths will spend 30-45 minutes with you to understand the exact cause of allergic rhinitis. We will take into account your medical history, genetics, lifestyle, work and home environment. Depending on all these factors, our homeopaths suggest customized homeopathic treatment that will help you cope with allergic rhinitis.

Step 2: Medical Diagnosis – Our homeopaths will perform physical exam and ask about your symptoms. You will be asked about your lifestyle, work and home environments (including whether you have a pet), your family’s medical history, and the frequency and severity of your symptoms. If needed, they may suggest you skin prick test or intradermal test to identify allergens and figure out the best treatment and prevention plan for you.

Step 3: Personalized Treatment - Natural homeopathic medicines are suggested based on the diagnosis made and extent of the condition.

Step 4: Advice on lifestyle – Our homeopaths will guide you on to how you can do certain things to reduce allergens and minimize your exposure to allergy triggers. The tips will help you manage the symptoms and help us achieve the desired treatment result. Read more.