Role of Ayurvedic treatment modalities in the managment of Dusta Pratishyaya w.s.r. to Rhinosinusitis

Abstract

Nose is considered as the gateway of head according to Ayurveda and medicine instilled through the nose provides strength to the structures above neck. Nose being exposed more to the external environment gives rise to various infectious and allergic manifestations. In present era, global warming, industrialization and urbanization had paved the way to various health issues and Rhinitis or Pratishyaya being common among them. Increased pollution, exposure to dust and smoke, seasonal changes, exposure to allergens, changing lifestyle, improper food habits are the causes of Rhinitis or Pratishyaya. Ayurveda has explained the disease Pratishyaya under Nasagata Rogas and has classified it into five types, Dustapratishyaya being one among them. If the disease Pratishyaya is not treated properly in early stage and improper Ahara Vihara is continued to be taken, it leads to the more complicated stage of the disease named as Dustapratishyaya. Improper management causing repeated attacks, resistance to antibiotics leads the disease to chronic phase called Rhinosinusitis or Dustapratishyaya. Most cases of Rhinosinusitis are caused by allergies or infection. Ayurveda treatment modalities especially Nasya Karma and other local treatment procedures arefound effective in treating such cases of Dustapratishyaya. One such case was reported with the symptoms of severe nasal discharge, sneezing, allergic manifestations and sinusitis which was recurrent since last 6 years and successful outcome was observed.