What is Allergic rhinitis -AR

ALLERGIC RHINITIS -AR Meaning

Allergic rhinitis or AR refers to the condition that causes symptoms such as a runny nose, itching sensation in in eyes, nasal congestion, continues sneezing & heaviness in head. It is also known as ‘Hay fever’. In-spite of the symptoms being similar to that of common cold it is a different condition as it is not caused by a virus but due to allergy. AR is due to an allergic response to allergens such as pollen, chemical particle, dust, insects’ etc.¹

AR affects the day to day quality of life and interferes with daily life. It can be avoided by avoiding the triggers.¹

In Ayurveda, texts describe conditions with symptoms similar to those of Allergic rhinitis under the heading of Vataja Pratishyaya (Symptoms of cold due to Vata dosha). The onset of symptoms and continual episodes of these nasal/nose related symptoms also indicate the control of Vata dosha in the condition.²

Factors like dust, fumes, cold breeze etc. drive the symptoms of the condition through abhighata (morbidity) in Nasa (nose) organ of Pranavaha strotasa (Respiratory tissues) and the resultant provocation of Vata, Rasa, Rakta Dhatu (tissues). Extended and ceaseless exposure to causative factors may lead to vitiation of mansa (Muscles), meda (Lipids) etc. This further leads to many respiratory conditions like bronchitis, bronchial asthma etc.²