Ayurvedic management of chronic rhinitis (vata-kaphaja pratishyaya) in an eleven-year-old boy with pratimarsha nasya and shamana chikitsa: A case study

Background

Chronic rhinitis in children disturbs sleep, school performance and quality of life, and conventional treatment relies on long-term antihistamines and nasal steroids. In Ayurveda, a chronic course with sneezing, watery discharge and cough with expectoration corresponds to Vata-Kaphaja Pratishyaya. Aim and objectives: To document the Ayurvedic management of an eleven-year-old boy with chronic rhinitis and to describe the clinical and laboratory response over 28 days. Observations: The boy had a two to three year history of running nose, recurrent sneezing and cough with expectoration. Baseline total nasal symptom score was 10 of 12, absolute eosinophil count 720 cells per microlitre, serum total immunoglobulin E 310 kIU per litre and nasal smear eosinophils 15 percent. Radiography of the paranasal sinuses showed turbinate hypertrophy and mild maxillary mucosal thickening. He was admitted for four days and received Gojihvadi kwatha orally, Pratimarsha nasya with Anu taila, steam inhalation with arka of Tulsi, Vasa and Nilgiri, and Sitopaladi churna with honey, along with dust avoidance and dietary advice. Main findings: The symptom score fell to 6, 3 and 0 on days 7, 14 and 28. Cough resolved by day 14. Eosinophil count fell to 380 cells per microlitre and immunoglobulin E to 185 kIU per litre on day 28. Oral medicines were stopped and daily Nasya was continued as a preventive measure.