Analytical Review of Vataja Pratishyaya and Allergic Rhinitis
Keywords:
Allergic rhinitis, Nasya, Rasayana, Shamana, Shodhana, Vataja pratishyayaAbstract
Background: Pratishyaya is one among the 31 Nasagata Roga described in the Ayurvedic classics, with Vataja Pratishyaya being one of its five types. Based on its clinical presentation, Vataja Pratishyaya may be correlated with allergic rhinitis (AR), a common inflammatory disorder of the nasal mucosa characterized by paroxysmal sneezing, watery nasal discharge, nasal itching, and nasal obstruction. AR significantly affects sleep, daily activities, academic and occupational performance, and quality of life.
Materials and Methods: A conceptual and analytical review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts, including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Yogaratnakara, relevant commentaries, and contemporary medical literature on AR. The review analyzed Nidana, Purvarupa, Lakshana, Samprapti, Samprapti Ghataka, clinical manifestations, triggering factors, diagnosis, management, Pathya-Apathya, and preventive measures. Classical descriptions were compared with the contemporary understanding of AR.
Results: Considerable clinical similarity was observed between Kshavathu and paroxysmal sneezing, Tanustrava and watery nasal discharge, Aanaddha/Pihita Nasa and nasal obstruction, Nasa Kandu or Kitika-like sensation and nasal itching, and Ghrana Uparodha and reduced sense of smell. Ayurveda explains Vataja Pratishyaya through Dosha Prakopa, localization in the Shira and Nasa Pradesh, Srotodushti, and abnormal Dosha movement, whereas contemporary medicine describes IgE-mediated inflammation, mast-cell degranulation, and early and late-phase responses. Ayurvedic management includes Nidana Parivarjana, Shamana, Shodhana, Nasya, Snehana, Swedana, Pathya-Apathya, and Rasayana.
Discussion and conclusion: Vataja Pratishyaya may be clinically correlated with AR based on similarities in symptoms, triggers, and nasal involvement; however, this correlation is conceptual and does not imply complete equivalence further clinical research is required to re-establish the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic intervention in AR.
References
1. Shastri KA. Sushruta samhita with ayurveda tattva sandipika hindi commentary. Uttara sthana. Ch. 24, Ver. 5. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2013.
2. Dhingra PL, Dhingra S. Diseases of ear, nose and throat and head and neck surgery. 8th ed. New Delhi: Elsevier; 2022.
3. Agnivesha DC. Charaka samhita. Revised by charaka and dridhabala. with ayurveda dipika commentary. Sutra sthana, Chikitsa sthana. Ch. 8, 26-28. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan; 2019.
4. Thakral KK, Gayadasa. Sushruta samhita with nibandha sangraha commentary by dalhanacharya and nyayachandrika commentary. Uttara tantra. Pratishyaya pratishedha. Ch. 24. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2019.
5. Datta A, Vagbhata. Ashtanga hridaya. With sarvangasundara commentary and ayurveda rasayana commentary by hemadri. Uttara tantra. Ch. 19-20. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan; 2019.
6. Shastri L edited by Brahamasamkara SS Yogaratnakara. Yogaratnakara with vidyotini hindi commentary. Nasa roga chikitsa. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Prakashan; 2018.
7. Wise SK, Damask C, Roland LT, Ebert C, Levy JM, Lin SY, Luong A, Rodriguez K, Sedaghat AR, Toskala E, Villwock J, Abdullah B, Akdis C, Alt JA.,… & Zhang L. International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: Allergic rhinitis-2023. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2023;13(4):293-859. doi: 10.1002/alr.23090
8. Bansal M. Diseases of ear, nose and throat with head and neck surgery. 2nd ed. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2018.
9. Brozek JL, Bousquet J, Baena-Cagnani CE, Bonini S, Canonica GW, Casale TB, Van Wijk RG, Ohta K, Zuberbier T, Schünemann HJ, Global Allergy and Asthma European Network, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Working Group. Allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) guidelines: 2010 revision. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010;126(3):466-76. doi:
10.1016/j.jaci.2010.06.047 10. Durham SR, Church MK. Second generation antihistamines. Allergy. 2001;56(Suppl 65):7-14.
11. D’Amato G, Vitale C, Lanza M, Molino A, D’Amato M. Climate change, air pollution, and allergic respiratory diseases: An update. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2016;16(5):434-40.
12. Greiner AN, Hellings PW, Rotiroti G, Scadding GK. Allergic rhinitis. Lancet. 2011;378(9809):2112-22. doi: 10.1016/S0140- 6736(11)60130-X
13. Shastri KA. Sushruta samhita with ayurveda tattva sandipika hindi commentary. Uttara sthana. Ch. 22., Ver 3-5. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2013.
14. Gupta A. Uttara sthana. In: Upadhyaya Y, Vagbhata, editor. Ashtanga hridaya with vidyotini hindi commentary. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Prakashan; 2007. p. 515-8.
15. Bulusu S, Bhavamishra. Bhava prakasha with commentary. Madhyama and uttara khanda. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2010. p. 649-50.
16. Shastri KA. Sushruta samhita with ayurveda tattva sandipika hindi commentary. Uttara sthana. Ch. 24., Ver. 19. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2013. p. 155.
17. Thakral KK, Sushruta. Sushruta samhita with nibandha sangraha commentary by dalhanacharya and nyayachandrika panjika by gayadasacharya on nidana sthana. Uttara sthana. Ch. 24. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2019.
