Abstract
Allergic rhinitis is a common atopic disorder affecting the nasal mucosa, triggered by environmental allergens such as dust, pollen, or animal dander. Characterized by sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and itching, it significantly impairs quality of life. Homoeopathy approaches allergic rhinitis by addressing the root cause, considering constitutional tendencies, and targeting individual susceptibilities. This article outlines the homoeopathic perspective, including etiology, pathophysiology, materia medica, repertory, and management.
Keywords- Allergic Rhinitis, Homoeopathy, Sneezing, Nasal Congestion, Constitutional Remedy, Miasm, Repertory
Definition
Allergic rhinitis is an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction of the nasal mucosa to airborne allergens, presenting with sneezing, nasal obstruction, clear nasal discharge, and itching of the nose, throat, or eyes.
Etiology
– Genetic predisposition to atopy
– Environmental allergens (dust mites, pollen, molds, animal dander)
– Change in weather, temperature, humidity
– Occupational exposure (chemical fumes, flour, latex)
– Emotional stress and lifestyle-related factors
Pathophysiology
Exposure to allergens leads to sensitization and subsequent release of histamines, leukotrienes, and other inflammatory mediators by mast cells. This results in vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and stimulation of nerve endings, causing sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion. Chronic exposure causes mucosal hypertrophy and persistent symptoms.
Clinical Features
– Paroxysmal sneezing
– Profuse watery nasal discharge (rhinorrhea)
– Nasal blockage
– Itching of nose, eyes, palate
– Postnasal drip
– Headache or facial pressure
– Disturbed sleep or fatigue due to nasal obstruction
Homoeopathic Approach
Homoeopathy considers allergic rhinitis as an expression of internal susceptibility. It focuses on:
– Constitutional treatment based on totality of symptoms
– Identifying underlying miasms (Psora and Sycosis predominantly)
– Addressing triggers and maintaining causes (e.g., stress, suppressed emotions)
– Acute intercurrent remedies during exacerbations
Homoeopathic Materia Medica
– Arsenicum Album: Sneezing with burning, excoriating watery discharge; worse at midnight; anxious and chilly.
– Sabadilla: Violent spasmodic sneezing with copious nasal discharge; marked itching in nose and throat; better with warmth.
– Allium Cepa: Acrid nasal discharge with bland lachrymation; worse in warm rooms, better in open air.
– Nux Vomica: Obstructed nose at night and fluent in morning; oversensitive, irritable constitution.
– Natrum Mur: Sneezing in morning; discharge like egg-white; aversion to sun; reserved emotional nature.
Repertorial Approach
– Kent’s Repertory:
– Nose – Coryza – hay fever
– Nose – Discharge – watery
– Nose – Sneezing – paroxysmal
– Generalities – Weather – change of, agg.
– Boericke’s Repertory:
– Coryza – with acrid discharge: Arsenicum, Allium Cepa
– Coryza – from flowers/pollen: Sabadilla, Natrum Mur
Management & Auxiliary Measures
– Allergen avoidance and air purification
– Steam inhalation to relieve nasal blockage
– Adequate hydration and nasal saline rinses
– Adequate rest and stress management
– Avoidance of suppressive medications
– Long-term constitutional remedy to boost immunity
Review of Related Literature
– Dr. P. Sankaran emphasized the role of maintaining causes and importance of mental generals in allergic cases.
– Dr. Hahnemann in Organon, §5 and §153, advised individualized remedy selection based on peculiar and striking symptoms.
– Dr. Clarke and Allen underline the importance of modalities in selection of allergic remedies.
Conclusion
Homoeopathy offers a holistic approach in treating allergic rhinitis by focusing not only on symptom relief but also on modifying the individual’s hypersensitive response. Remedies such as Arsenicum Album, Sabadilla, and Natrum Mur provide relief when selected based on totality. Constitutional treatment enhances long-term control and prevents recurrence.
References
Hahnemann, S. Organon of Medicine, 6th edition. B. Jain Publishers.
Boericke, W. Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica with Repertory. B. Jain Publishers.
Allen, H.C. Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons. B. Jain Publishers.
Kent, J.T. Repertory of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica. B. Jain Publishers.
Sankaran, P. The Elements of Homoeopathy. Indian Books & Periodicals Publishers.
Clarke, J.H. A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica. B. Jain Publishers.
