An Engineering Student’s 5-Year Struggle with Allergy Ends With Homeopathy

An 18-year-old male engineering student (Patient ID-16639) presented with a long-standing history of allergic rhinitis since the year 2000. His primary complaints include recurrent bouts of sneezing 15–20 times each time, nasal blockage mostly right-sided, coryza, itching in the nostrils and pain at medial canthi, lachrymation following sneezing, and irritation in the throat. These episodes were frequently triggered by exposure to dust, cold air, cold foods, air conditioning, seasonal weather changes, and particularly after waking up at night. He also experienced forehead pain, predominantly in the left supraorbital region, during intense episodes. His symptoms improved temporarily with pressure on the medial canthi.
Associated Complaints—Urticaria eruptions after bathing since April 2024, scaly dandruff with itching due to inadequate hair care, and frequent episodes of acidity with abdominal pain and reflux—especially after consuming outside food.
Past medical history: Recurring respiratory infections in childhood, including severe rattling coughs with weakness and thick phlegm, particularly aggravated by cold weather and outside food. He also had a history of falls in childhood requiring stitches on the chin and a recent episode of dengue in October 2023. The patient had recurring abdominal pain episodes without a specific diagnosis. 
Physical Generals: The patient has average mixed meals, having cravings for salty and sour foods, an aversion to sweets, and perspiration mostly on soles and back, and was thermally hot. He slept well and had satisfactory bowel and bladder habits.
Mental Generals: The patient was shy and introverted, wanted to stay alone, and took time to open up to others. He disliked loud noises and flashing lights. He has a caring nature and typically shared his problems only in extreme situations. He was having stage fear but managed once comfortable, and fear of insects. He sometimes expressed anger if things didn''t go according to him. 
Family History: His father is hypertensive, and his mother is suffering from IBS, hair loss, and hypertension, and his paternal grandmother has psoriasis.
On examination, his throat appeared congested, and both nasal turbinates were hypertrophied, with approximately 70% nasal blockage bilaterally.
Based on a thorough case-taking and individualized totality of symptoms, Dr. Rajesh Shah prescribed a constitutional homeopathic remedy.
Follow-ups:
The first follow-up was taken on 24th October 2024, where the patient was significantly improved; he had no major episodes, but only occasional sneezing. 
Second follow-up on 19th December 2024—He was 80% better in his complaints; symptoms occurred only with direct exposure to dust or cold air.
Continued progress was noted on 01st Feb 2025, with no major episodes and only mild nasal symptoms on exposure to known triggers. 
The last follow-up was taken on 29th March 2025, where the patient was 85-90% improved, having only occasional, mild sneezing and nasal blockage, with no other symptoms present.

Conclusion: This case highlights the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment in managing chronic allergic rhinitis and associated conditions by addressing both physical symptoms and psychological disposition.

- Case study written Dr. Shreya Hedaoo, an associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah, MD (Homo)