Abstract – Allergic rhinitis is a common chronic condition characterized by sneezing, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and itching, often triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Conventional treatments offer symptomatic relief but are often associated with side effects and recurrence. This article explores the efficacy of individualized homoeopathic treatment in managing allergic rhinitis. Based on the totality of symptoms, a constitutional remedy was selected and administered. Over the course of treatment, the patient showed marked improvement in both intensity and frequency of symptoms, with no adverse effects or recurrence noted. This case highlights the scope of individualized homoeopathic treatment in effectively managing allergic rhinitis, particularly in elderly patients, offering a safe and holistic alternative to conventional therapy.
Keywords:
Allergic Rhinitis, Homoeopathy, Case Study, Individualized Treatment, Elderly Patient
Introduction
Allergic rhinitis is a hypersensitive reaction of the immune system to environmental allergens, affecting a significant portion of the global population. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an atopic condition characterized by sneezing, nasal congestion, clear nasal discharge (rhinorrhea), and nasal itching (pruritus). It involves an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to inhaled allergens during the early phase, followed by a leukotriene-driven inflammatory response in the late phase.
In the early phase of allergic rhinitis, immunoglobulins (Ig)E responds against the inhaled allergens which causes type 2 helper cells to initiate inflammation. The initial immune response in allergic rhinitis begins within 5 to 15 minutes after exposure to an allergen, triggering degranulation of mast cells. This process releases various pre-formed and newly synthesized chemical mediators, with histamine being one of the most significant. Histamine contributes to sneezing by stimulating the trigeminal nerve and promotes rhinorrhoea by activating mucous glands. Additional mediators, including leukotrienes and prostaglandins, contribute to nasal congestion through their vasodilatory effects. Approximately 4 to 6 hours later, the late-phase response is initiated by the release of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 from mast cells. These cytokines promote the recruitment of inflammatory cells – eosinophils, T-lymphocytes, and basophils—into the nasal mucosa, leading to mucosal edema and persistent nasal congestion.
Case Presentation
Patient Profile:
- Age/Sex: 62-year-old female
- Chief Complaints: Frequent sneezing, nasal discharge (watery), itching in nose and eyes,
- Duration: Since 1 year.
History of Present Illness:
The patient was apparently well a year ago when she started working in a shop, due to dust she developed complaints of sneezing, watery coryza and itching in nose and eyes in the morning with an obstructed feeling in nose. For this she used to take allopathic medicine.
All the complaints aggravated in the morning.
Past History:
Known case of – Hypertension since 5 years
On allopathic medicine for hypertension
Family History:
Her son is also suffering from allergic rhinitis
Gynecological History-
Menopause 17 years back
Habit/ Any Addiction – Needs tea 4-5 times a day
Physical Generals:
Appetite – Normal
Thirst- 10-12glass/day
Thermal reaction – Chilly
Desire – Spicy
Aversion – Nothing specific
Sleep – sound
Dreams – Nothing specific
Bowel- Normal
Micturation- Normal
Mental General:
- Gets irritated easily
- Offended easily
- Anger from contradiction
General Examination:
GENERAL CONDITION: Stable
DECUBITUS: Of Choice
TONGUE: Clean
PULSE: 78Bpm
B.P: 120/80 mm of Hg
TEMPERATURE: Afebrile
RESPIRATORY RATE: 18/min
Diagnosis – Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis was made on the basis of symptoms and history of complaints.
Reportorial Result
Repertory or software used – Synthesis repertory app 1.3 [v.135]
Treatment & Follow-up
Remedy Selected:
Nux vomica 200 was prescribed for three days morning and evening. Final selection of medicine was done after going through homoeopathic materia medica.
Follow-up 1 (2 weeks):
Marked reduction in sneezing and nasal discharge.
Follow-up 2 (1 month):
Symptoms further improved; no need for allopathic medication.
Follow-up 3 (2 months):
No complaints, no recurrence.
Follow-up 4 (3 months):
The patient remains asymptomatic. Preventive measures discussed.
Discussion
This case underscores the effectiveness of individualized homoeopathic treatment in managing allergic rhinitis, especially in elderly patients where long-term medication can have adverse effects. The remedy was selected on the basis of holistic evaluation, addressing not only physical symptoms but also mental and emotional characteristics.
Conclusion
Individualized homoeopathic treatment can offer significant improvement in allergic rhinitis cases by addressing the root cause and enhancing overall well-being. This case demonstrates the therapeutic potential of homoeopathy in chronic allergic conditions, encouraging further exploration and documentation.
References
- Allergic Rhinitis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- Lectures on homoeopathic Materia Medica by J.T Kent
About the Author:
Dr. Ananya Jaiswal
MD Scholar, Practice of Medicine
Govt. homoeopathic medical college and hospital, Bhopal
