The term prathisyaya is derived from 2 words, “prati” which means towards or in the direction of and “shaya” means moving or flowing.
“prati kshanam shyayate iti prathisyaya” continuous secretion from nose is known as pratishsayaya.
It is caused by vega dharana, indigestion, excessive speech, anger, seasonal vagaries, excessive exposure of the head to the heat, remaining awake at night, day sleep, exposure to cold water and frost, sexual intercourse and weeping in excess and exposure to the smoky atmosphere. The above mentioned factors aggravate vathadi doshas giving rise to prathishyaya.
Prathishyaya is one among the common diseases affecting respiratory system. It is a common Nasagatharoga, Here Kapha and Vata Doshas are predominant, it is characterized by Brisha Kshavathu (Paroxysmal sneezing), Acha kapha sruti (Thin watery nasal discharge), Ghranoparodha (Nasal obstruction), Nistoda in Shankapradesha, Shirovyatha (Headache) and Shosha in Gala (Dryness over throat region), keetika Eva Sarpanti (Foreign body sensation/pruritis), Swarasadha (Hoarseness of voice). Based on above symptoms it can be compared with Allergic Rhinitis (ICD-J30.2, J30.89). It is a disorder of nose induced by an IgE mediated inflammation after Allergen exposure leading to Rhinorrhea, nasal pruritus, bilateral nasal stuffiness associated with cough, chest tightness. Worldwide it effects between 10-25% of the population. In India it constitutes more than 50% of all allergies, 20 -30% people suffer from it, and are prone to bronchial asthma in later stage.
In conventional medicinal system it is treated with antihistamines, nasal decongestants, corticosteroids, topical steroids which cause different side effects like drowsiness, rhinitis medicamentosa, mucosal atrophy, several systemic disorders etc. Allergic rhinitis also affects the quality of life. By considering these facts there is a need to develop a treatment which aims at reducing symptoms and improving immunity to overcome this condition.
Nasya is a line of treatment for most of the urdhwa jatru vikaras. In Pakwa prathishyaya, nasya with theekshna dravyas can give positive results hence we can give nasya with anutaila. It can improve nasal mucosa function by direct cleansing, removal of inflammatory mediators and enhancing mucociliary function, followed by Gandusha and Dhoomapana.
Internally we can give Dashamula Katutraya Kashaya, Vyaghradi Kashaya and to improve immunity we can give rasayana chikitsa by means of administering Chyavanaprasha, Agastya rasyana, Chitraka Haritaki avaleha, Kushmanda Rasayana.
Thus, we can conclude that Allergic rhinitis should be treated by KaphaVatahara line of methods, we should concentrate more on lifestyle of the subject and should advise appropriate Pathya and Apathya to be followed. Ayurvedic line of treatment has showed less reoccurrence rate and it seems to be cost effective and less time consuming.
