Ayurvedic Treatment for Allergy starts by identifying the reason for the disease. Allergy can be described as an immune system response to some foreign substances which are known as Allergens. This typically may not be harmful to the body. The common allergens include dust, pollen grains, some food items, pet dander, etc. Allergic sensations to each particle will be different individuals.
- Signs and symptoms of Allergy
- Causes of Allergy
- Pathophysiology of Allergy
- Diagnosis of Allergy
- Treatments of Allergy
- Prognosis of Allergy
- Complications of Allergy
- Allergy in Ayurveda
- Nidana- Causes of Allergy
- Purvaroopam (Premonitory Symptoms) of Allergy
- Samprapthi (Maturation) of Allergy
- Lakshana of Allergy
- Prognosis of Allergy
- Chikitsa (Treatment) of Allergy
- Commonly used medicines for Allergy
- Diet desirable to prevent Allergy
- Yoga
- Research articles link.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms vary depending on the type of allergen. It may include inflammation, sneezing, or a host of other symptoms. A hypersensitivity reaction to certain stimuli is known as the Allergy. The most commonly seen symptoms in allergy include,
- Running nose, itching or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- Watering of eyes, there may be itching and redness in the eyes.
- Wheezing, chest tightness, and also associated with the shortness of breath cough.
- Itchy and raised rashes in the skin. There is redness associated.
- Swollen lips, tongue, face.
Causes
Allergy is a disorder of the immune system and is a hypersensitivity to articles like drugs, foods, environmental irritants. They are generally known as allergen. An allergic reaction starts when the body identifies a harmless substance for a dangerous invader. The body then produces antibodies against that allergen. The immune system produces chemicals called histamines that cause allergic symptoms.
Pathophysiology
In allergic reactions when the immune system first exposed to an allergen, it produces a type of antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) and this IgE binds to basophils, a type of white blood cells in the bloodstream, and to a similar type of cell called mast cells in the tissues.
Diagnosis
Allergic reactions can be diagnosed by assessing the history of illness along with signs and symptoms. The diagnosis can be confirmed by,
Skin test
Blood test – Specific IgE (radioallergosorbent test (RAST) or ImmunoCAP testing)
Treatments
The initial step in treating allergy is avoiding allergen exposure. Other medications include,
- Medications include those which can reduce the immune system reactions and ease the symptoms.
- Immunotherapy is considered if the allergy is severe. Here a series of injections of purified allergic agents are given for a few years.
- Emergency epinephrine.
Prognosis
People with allergies have an excellent prognosis. In the case of children, they outgrow allergies over time, particularly food and medication allergies, such as penicillin. Allergies can develop at any age.
Complications
- In the case of severe allergies, there is an increased risk of this serious allergy-induced reaction
- Asthma- if allergic reactions involve airways.
- Sinusitis and infections of the ears or lungs.
Disease and Ayurveda
The symptoms of allergy are seen in diseases like Seetapitta and udarda.
Nidana- Causes
Seetapitta :
Caused due to exposure to cold and vitiated wind. Vitiated wind can be considered as polluted air.
Purvaroopam- Premonitory Symptoms
- Thirst
- Impaired taste sensation
- Tiredness
- Heaviness of body
- Redness of eyes.
Samprapthi Maturation
Vitiated Vata when combines with pitta dosha it travels both inside and outside the body producing symptoms.
Lakshana Signs and Symptoms
- Itching
- Pricking pain
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Burning sensation
Prognosis
Usually subsides by treatment
Chikitsa- Treatment
Medicines are given internally considering the dosha and suitable topical applications are also used. In severe conditions, emesis or purgation can be given.
Commonly used medicines
- Amritarajanyadi Kashayam
- Patolamooladi kashayam
- Patolakadurohinyadi Kashayam
- Vilwadi Gulika
- Dooshivishari Gulika
- Mahathiktakam Kashayam
- Haridrakhandam with milk
- Rajanyadi choornam with honey
- Guloochyadi kashayam
- Nimbarajanyadi choornam
- Avipathi choornam
- Shadpala Ghritham
- Indukantham Ghritham
Topical application
- Eladi keram
- Durvadi keram
- Satadauta ghritam, etc.
Brands available
- Vaidyaratnam Oushadasala
- Aryavaidyasala Kottakkal
- SNA Oushada saala, etc.
Home Remedies
- Avoid those causing allergy
- Turmeric powder with honey or milk
- Basil leaf juice with turmeric in water boiled with leaves of neem externally
Diet
- That food is not allergic.
- Food with Omega-3 fatty acid like tuna fish
- Vitamin C rich foods
Yoga
Yoga, Pranayam, and Meditation can help to stay the body healthy and keeps the immune system patent. Sooryanamaskara, breathing exercises can be daily practiced.
Research articles link.
https://www.jaims.in/index.php/jaims/article/view/807
https://www.jrasccras.com/doi/JRAS/pdf/10.5005/jp-journals-10064-0014