Pratishyaya (Rhinitis)

Pratishyaya: Ayurvedic Rhinitis

Pratishyaya manifests as excessive nasal discharge (praseka), sneezing (chhink), anosmia (ghananasa), headache (shirashula), and throat irritation from Kapha dosha vitiation due to cold exposure, dust, or heavy foods. Classified by dosha—Kaphaja (thick white mucus, heaviness), Pittaja (yellow burning discharge), Vatika (dry scanty flow, pain), and Sannipataja (mixed symptoms)—it correlates to allergic or vasomotor rhinitis.

Prodromal features include eye watering, palate itching, and cough; chronic Jirna Pratishyaya leads to nasal polyps or deviated septum, obstructing airflow and voice. Pathogenesis involves ama accumulation in uttara sthana (upper body), blocking nose channels (nasavaha srotas), worsened by viruddha ahara like milk-fish combos.

Treatment prioritizes Nasya (e.g., Anu Taila or Shadbindu drops) for local cleansing, Vamana for Kapha expulsion, and Shamana with herbs like Haridra, Tulsi, or Shirishadi Kwath to enhance immunity. Lifestyle includes steam inhalation, avoiding cold drinks, and Pathya like ginger tea; early intervention prevents chronicity.