Allergic Rhinitis and Its Acute Management In Homoeopathy

Abstract
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent inflammatory disease affecting millions worldwide, causing significant impairment in quality of life. Conventional therapies include antihistamines and corticosteroids, which often provide only temporary relief.
Homoeopathy offers an individualized, holistic approach, viewing AR as a manifestation of a deeper systemic imbalance. This study explores the effectiveness of individualized homoeopathic treatment in five cases of AR managed at Yenepoya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, demonstrating significant improvements and symptom resolution in all cases.

Introduction
AR is an atopic condition characterized by nasal congestion, sneezing, rhinorrhoea, and pruritis, affecting up to 40% of the population globally, with around 20–30% prevalence in India¹⁻⁶. While intranasal corticosteroids remain first-line treatment, limitations such as incomplete relief and adverse effects often lead patients to seek complementary therapies⁷⁻¹⁰. Homoeopathy, based on the principle of “like cures like,” focuses on individual susceptibility and constitutional treatment rather than mere symptom suppression¹¹⁻¹³.

Pathophysiology And Conventional Treatment
AR involves both early- and late-phase IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions. Early- phase reactions are characterized by mast cell degranulation and histamine release, leading to sneezing and nasal discharge. The late phase involves recruitment of
eosinophils and cytokines, causing persistent congestion and tissue remodeling¹⁴⁻¹⁹. Conventional management includes antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, leukotriene antagonists, and immunotherapy, each with limitations²⁰⁻²².

Homoeopathic Approach
Homoeopathy treats AR as a reflection of systemic disturbance, with treatment individualized to each patient’s physical, mental, and miasmatic characteristics²³. Remedies are selected based on totality of symptoms, including modalities and
constitutional features. Literature reports successful AR cases managed with individualized remedies such as Arsenicum album and Tuberculinum²⁴,²⁵. In acute episodes of AR, the goal is to provide rapid symptomatic relief while also preventing recurrence by addressing the underlying susceptibility. In homoeopathy, acute prescribing is based on the presenting totality of characteristic symptoms and modalities rather than only the disease diagnosis. Even in acute settings, remedies are selected
based on peculiar symptoms such as specific aggravations. Modalities such as time of aggravation, influence of weather, and relief by warmth or open air help narrow down remedy choice. Immediate symptomatic remedies like sabadilla, allium cepa,
arsenicum album, wyethia etc. can be used. In acute episodes, constitutional remedies may be required if the acute state is a clear exacerbation of a chronic miasmatic condition. Low to medium potencies (6C, 30C) are often used initially, while higher potencies (200C, 1M) may be chosen for intense, rapidly progressing cases. Advantages of homoeopathic acute management are : rapid relief without suppressing symptoms, fewer side effects compared to conventional antihistamines or steroids, reduced recurrence, strengthened immunity and long term balance. Homoeopathic acute management thus combines immediate relief with long-term prevention, leading to overall improved resilience and well-being.

CASES:
Case 1
Mr. XYZ, 27, presented with sneezing, runny nose, headache, and eye itching for three months, worse in the morning, with relief after nasal discharge. He exhibited perfectionism and fear of drowning, and was short-tempered. After thorough evaluation,
initial prescription included Arum triphyllum 6C and Natrum sulph 6X. During follow- ups, Pulsatilla, Wyethia, and Natrum phos were added as per evolving symptom picture. Over four months, his symptoms reduced progressively and finally resolved completely.
Case 2
Mr. ABC, 43, a coolie worker, presented with coryza and nasal blockage for three months, aggravated by cold weather. He was initially prescribed Blatta orientalis Q and Arsenicum album 1M. On follow-ups, symptoms persisted initially, leading to the
addition of Echinacea Q. Subsequent visits showed gradual improvement, and final follow-ups noted complete resolution with supportive use of Kali mur 6X and Sac lac.
Case 3
Ms. ABC, 22, a student, presented with sneezing, runny nose, itching in eyes and throat, and headache, worsened by dust, cold air, and bathing head. She received Wyethia 6C and Calcarea carbonica 200C initially. At the first follow-up, itching improved but
headache persisted. After two rounds of adjustments, she showed complete symptom resolution within a month.
Case 4
Ms. XYZ, 23, student, had sneezing, nasal discharge, throat pain, and head heaviness for two months, aggravated by dust. She was prescribed Belladonna 200C and Ferrum phosphoricum 6X. Persistent symptoms led to a change to Sabadilla 30C and Ferrum phos 6X. Subsequent visits noted significant improvement, leading to complete relief.
Case 5
Ms. PQRS, 24, student, presented with sneezing, headache, and mild sore throat for two months, aggravated by cold weather and cold food. She was prescribed Belladonna 1M, Bryonia alba 200C, and Ferrum phos 6X. Partial improvement was noted at first follow- up, prompting a change to Sabadilla 30C and continued Ferrum phos. All complaints resolved completely by the next visit.

Discussion
This series highlights individualized homoeopathic treatment’s potential effectiveness in AR. Remedies were selected considering the totality of symptoms and miasmatic analysis, primarily revealing psoric and tubercular backgrounds. Similar to previous reports, including those by Shrivastava et al. (Arsenicum album) and Dr. Chaudhary & Dr. Singh (Tuberculinum)²⁴,²⁵, individualized prescriptions led to significant improvements. The cases showcased dynamic prescription adjustments based on
symptom evolution, an approach often underreported in single-case studies.

Summary
Five patients with allergic rhinitis were managed using individualized homoeopathic prescriptions at Yenepoya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital. Remedies such as Arum triphyllum, Wyethia, Pulsatilla, Belladonna, Sabadilla, Blatta orientalis, and others were selected based on each patient’s unique symptom picture and miasmatic analysis. All patients achieved complete symptom resolution, indicating that classical homoeopathy may provide curative benefits rather than mere palliation in allergic rhinitis.

Conclusion
This case series suggests that individualized homoeopathic treatment, guided by totality of symptoms and miasmatic understanding, can effectively manage allergic rhinitis. The approach addresses underlying constitutional and miasmatic imbalances, potentially leading to long-term relief. Further larger-scale studies are encouraged to substantiate these results and refine treatment protocols.

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