Long standing occupational allergic rhinitis improved with homeopathy

A 41-year-old male, Mr. R.D.B. (Patient ID: 40831), came with complaints of allergic rhinitis. He visited the clinic on 6th August 2019, and a detailed case taking was done. The patient was a civil engineer. Due to long exposure to dust, an occupational hazard, the patient suffered from allergic rhinitis in 2016. The patient experienced daily episodes of nasal blockage, headache, sneezing (50-55 bouts), lachrymation, and a runny nose, particularly in the early morning and after exposure to dust, pollen, perfumes, and strong fragrances. Due to a nose block, he also had anosmia. He had swollen bilateral nasal turbinates. IgE levels were borderline raised to 120 IU/ml. The patient took antihistamines frequently.

Associated complaints:

The patient had complaints of acid peptic disease since 2021, which was also under homeopathic treatment.

Physical generals:

The patient was thermally hot, appetite and thirst were normal, bowels were satisfactory, and sleep was sound.

Personal details:

The patient’s childhood and adulthood were happy, and he had cordial relations with everyone in the family. He married in 2012. His spouse is a homemaker, and they have a 6-year-old son.

Family History:

He had a strong genetic history of diabetes mellitus in the family. His grandmother, mother, and uncle had diabetes.

Past History:

In the past, he only suffered from typhoid, and there was no history of any other condition.

After studying the case in detail, Dr. Shah prescribed research-based homeopathic medicines along with dietary advice to the patient.

Follow-ups:

In the first follow-up taken on 17th September 2019, it was observed that the patient was overall 20% better. The frequency of episodes was the same, but the intensity decreased. Sneezing bouts decreased to 10-15/day. The headache, lachrymation, and nasal block decreased.

On 20th November 2019, there was further improvement observed, and the patient was better up to 70%. The frequency of episodes, which was daily, had become once a month. The intensity of all complaints had reduced, and the patient did not take any conventional medicine.

On 13th March 2020, it was observed that the patient had 3-4 episodes of rhinitis, and the intensity was reduced.

Further, on 6th July 2020, there was an overall improvement of up to 80%.

On 7th September 2020, the patient was better up to 90%, and the intensity of complaints was better. The patient showed partial cure and wanted to stop the treatment.

After 3 months, the patient again reverted to his complaints. The patient suffered from 3-4 episodes of rhinitis, but the severity of the episodes decreased, so the patient started treatment again. In the last episodes, the patient was not having lachrymation or headache, and the sneezing frequency was reduced.

On 6th February 2021, it was observed that within the last 2 months, there was no episode of rhinitis.

On 2nd April 2021, it was 70-80% better. There were no measured episodes. He once suffered from a runny nose, but it did not require any conventional treatment.

In the follow-up of 31st August 2021, it was seen that there were 1-2 sneezing episodes that happened within the last few months and which were not for a longer duration of time.

On 17th January 2022, the patient was overall stable. There were no major episodes of rhinitis and no need for conventional medicine. IgE levels decreased to 95 IU/ml.

On 13th June 2022, it was observed that the patient’s disease was stable and no major episode had presented in the past few months.

Conclusion:

This case study demonstrates the successful long-term management of allergic rhinitis in a 41-year-old male using individualized, research-based homeopathic treatment. Over a structured follow-up period from August 2019 to June 2022, the patient experienced a significant and sustained reduction in the frequency and intensity of allergic rhinitis episodes. Notably, the dependency on conventional antihistamines diminished, and the patient’s IgE levels decreased from 120 IU/ml to 95 IU/ml, indicating immunological improvement.

When applied after detailed case analysis and supported by lifestyle advice, Homeopathy can effectively manage chronic allergic conditions. The patient achieved up to 90% relief at the peak of treatment and showed overall disease stability with minimal relapses, which were shorter and less severe. This case supports the role of homeopathy as a complementary approach for chronic allergic rhinitis, particularly when environmental and occupational factors are significant contributors.

• Case study written by Dr.Unnati, an associate doctor to Dr.Rajesh Shah, MD (Hom)