Viral rhinitis
It is the ‘Common Cold’, whose nonspecific symptoms are present in the early phases of many diseases that affect the upper aerodigestive tract. As there are numerous serologic types of viruses, patients remain susceptible throughout life. Headache, nasal congestion, watery rhinorrhoea, sneezing and a scratchy throat accompanied by general malaise are typical in viral infections. Nasal passage usually shows reddened, oedematous mucosa and a watery discharge. The presence of purulient nasal discharge suggests bacterial infection.
Sinusitis
Secretions produced by the mucous membranes of the paranasal sinuses drain into the nasal cavity. An inflammation of the membranes due to an allergic reaction or infection is called sinusitis. If the membranes swell enough to block drainage into the nasal cavity, fluid pressure builds up in the paranasal sinuses, and a sinus headache results. Sometimes this headache is associated with swelling and tenderness over the cheek bones and forehead. Sometimes the pain becomes very severe and is accompanied by irritation in the eyes.
If the sinusitis is not managed properly, it may become a chronic disease and lasts for months and years together. During the chronic state of sinusitis, a seat of infection develops, which becomes unmanageable through conventional medical devices. This may also cause initiation of several other respiratory diseases.
Allergic rhinitis (Hay fever)
Hay fever contains the symptoms similar to those of viral rhinitis but are usually more persistent and show seasonal variation. Nasal symptoms are often accompanied by eye irritation, which causes pruritis, erythema and excessive tearing. Medical science recognises it as an allergic state that may develop from the exposure to certain allergens, found in house dust, dietary substances and pollens. Pollens are most common in spring, grasses in summer and ragweed in the fall. Dust and household units may produce year-round symptoms. Household food materials, which may contain allergens producing hay fever are chocolate, milk, bananas, strawberries etc.
The root cause of hay fever is the hypersensitivity of the individual’s T-cell and B-cell immune surveillance system, which sets to start an aggressive inflammatory reaction following contact with a particular allergen.
Preksha — Yoga management
Shat kriyas – Jal neti, kapal bhati and kunjal
Yogic kriyas – Of head and neck
Asanas – Surya Namaskar, Pawan muktasana, Uttanpadasana, Simhasana, Bhujang-asana, Dhanurasana and Matsyasana
Pranayama – Nadi shodhan, Suryabhedi and Bhastrika — five rounds each of 5 minutes
Kayotsarga – 20 minutes daily
Preksha – Concentration of mind on nasal passages and mouth with yellow colour
Anupreksha – Contemplation of the correction of sinusitis and hay fever
Diet –
• To drink plenty of water of normal temperature only
• To consume light and non-mucous forming food
• To avoid heavy and fatty food including sweets and fried items
• To avoid consuming ice, frozen and refrigerated food materials
Life style –
• To take steam inhalation
• To keep the body warm
• To avoid cold exposure
• To stop the tobacco smoking