Allergic Rhinitis

As per the World Allergy Organization, allergic rhinitis and asthma are on a rise in India. Currently with an incidence rate of 26%, allergic rhinitis is more prevalent than its associated disease asthma with an incidence rate of 10-12%.

With increasing incidences of allergic disorders, it is important to take care.

Allergic rhinitis is the most common of the allergic diseases. Caused by dust, mite, animal dander and pollen, it is characterized by running nose, sneezing, congestion, itching sensation in nose and eyes.

Pollen allergy is caused by pollen grains and characterized by early morning sneezing in pollen seasons, slight rise in temperature and watery eyes. Asthma is a breathing problem that results from the inflammation and spasm of the lung's air passages (bronchial tubes). It is characterized by cough, congestion and wheezing.

What is Allergy?
Allergies are abnormal reactions of the immune system to substances that are otherwise harmless. When an allergen comes in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to react. Eyes, nose, lungs, skin and stomach are most prone to react to allergies. Allergens are foreign substances that can cause an allergic reaction. Pollen, dust, mite, food are common allergens.

Ayurvedic treatment of respiratory allergies : 
Ayurveda or the Science of Life has answers for respiratory allergic disorders. There are many preparations explained in the text books of Ayurveda and found to be useful in the management of allergic respiratory disorders. Herbs likeHaridra (Turmeric) , Tulasi (Holy Basil) and Adulasa (Vasaka) are widely used in treating such disorders. The anti-inflammatory properties of Haridra help in effectively combating allergies, Tulasi helps promote optimum respiratory comfort by reducing the symptoms of allergy, while Vasaka normalizes the lung function. It contains active compound vasicine, which is brancho-dialator.
Other common type of Allergy is Hay Fever