Rhinitis/hay fever

Rhinitis is inflammation of the nose causing sneezing, nasal discharge or blockage for more than an hour during the day.

Rhinitis is subdivided into various types:

According to time span:--

• Seasonal rhinitis: occurs only during a limited period, usually springtime
• Perennial rhinitis: present throughout the year

According to patho-physiology:--

• Allergic rhinitis: an IgE mediated atopic disorder
• Vasomotor rhinitis: due to parasympathetic over-activity

Both allergic and vasomotor rhinitis have a strong association with asthma.

Clinical features of rhinitis

Nasal symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Nasal obstruction and congestion
• Hypersecretion: watery rhinorrhoea, postnasal drip
• Reduced sense of smell
• Itching nose (usually allergic)

Throat symptoms:

• Dry and sore throat
• Itching throat

Irritated eyes (allergic)

Abnormal nasal mucous membrane—pale, boggy, mucoid discharge.

Common Allergens:-

• Pollens from trees (spring) and grass (in summer)
• Moulds
• House dust mites (perennial rhinitis)
• Hair, fur, feathers (from cats, dogs, horses, birds)
• Some foods, e.g. cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, peanut butter

Factors aggravating rhinitis (vasomotor):-

• Emotional upsets
• Fatigue
• Alcohol
• Chilly damp weather
• Air-conditioning
• Sudden changes in temperature and humidity

Homeopathy has excellent scope in recurrent rhinitis and its associated problems. Homeopathy has more than 50 medicines for rhinitis. Appropriate medicine is selected on the basis of history of the patient.