Gustatory Rhinitis: Ayurvedic Treatment, Symptoms, Causes

Abstract

Rhinitis is a term representing the inflammation of the nasal passages. Almost everyone faces this condition at various points of life. This inflammation results in a variety of symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, etc. The patient feels major discomfort in breathing. There are different types of rhinitis such as allergic, non – allergic, etc.  The non allergic type of rhinitis is further divided into different types such as senile rhinitis, cold air rhinitis, etc. One such type of non-allergic rhinitis is gustatory rhinitis. What is gustatory rhinitis? What are its causes and symptoms? How can ayurveda help to manage the condition of gustatory rhinitis? Let us try to get the answers to all these questions through the following content.

Introduction

Gustatory rhinitis is a condition characterised by watery nasal discharge with a sudden onset usually associated with food especially hot or excessive spicy food. As mentioned earlier, it is a non-allergic type of rhinitis. The patients suffering from gustatory rhinitis complain of sniffles or thin nasal discharge which as soon as he/she eats the trigger food item. Let us know more about these trigger foods as follows.

Causes Of Gustatory Rhinitis

There are no exact known causes underlying the condition of gustatory rhinitis. However there could be various triggers such as –

• Strong odours such as perfumes, deodorants, etc.
• Active and passive smoking
• Air pollution more specifically the emission from motor vehicles.
• Excessive spicy and hot food items, etc.

Any type of food can trigger this condition but spicy foods are the most common cause. The symptoms are seen to cease as soon as the consumption of trigger food is stopped. The elderly or old aged people are more prone to this condition as compared to the younger generation. Let us know about the symptoms of  gustatory rhinitis.

Symptoms Of Gustatory Rhinitis

The symptoms of each disease varies from patient to patient. In this case also, it will vary but the most common features will include –

• Excessive sneezing
• Runny nose
• Post nasal drip, which means the patient will complain of a feeling of mucus dripping in the back of the throat.
• Stuffy nose
• Watery nose

Some patients may also present headache as a feature along with the above described symptoms.These symptoms are seen to aggravate as the patient comes in contact with the triggering factors and disappear within minutes as the use is discontinued.

Diagnosis Of Gustatory Rhinitis

There can be a variety of conditions with nasal discharge being a presenting feature. So to differentiate them and diagnose gustatory rhinitis, one needs to study the medical history properly which will include the symptoms, and the onset of symptoms, severity, etc. This examination or history taking must be accompanied with various allergy tests. The allergy tests may include skin prick test, Immunoglobulin E (IgE) test, etc. Various other tests to observe the hormones, etc. can also be performed according to the requirement of the case. As the confirmatory diagnosis is prepared, the next step will be its treatment.

Treatment Of Gustatory Rhinitis

The treatment of gustatory rhinitis is symptomatic. Usually the line of treatment for managing the cases of rhinitis is the administration of antihistamines or anti allergic medicines, but in the case of gustatory rhinitis, as mentioned earlier, it is a non allergic type of rhinitis. So anti-allergic medicines will not benefit the patient. Hence the medicines are prescribed according to the symptoms of the patient. But is the symptomatic treatment enough? Or should the disease be treated right from its roots? Yes, the disease should be eradicated right from its roots. So, how is that possible? The most appropriate answer to this question would be AYURVEDA. Let us know the ayurvedic perspective of the gustatory rhinitis along with its management modalities.

Ayurvedic Aspect Of Gustatory Rhinitis

The condition of gustatory rhinitis can be correlated with  Kshavathu in the ayurvedic perspective. Kshavathu is the term used for the condition characterised by excessive sneezing. There could be various causes underlying this condition such as

• Inhaling strong and irritating odours
• Exposure to the excess heat or the sun for longer durations
• Excessive consumption of vata aggravating factors
• Irritating the nasal mucosa by inserting a thread, stick, etc.

These causes will give rise to the condition of kshavathu. The predominant feature of this condition is excessive sneezing. There are two types of kshavathu described in the classical texts. These two types are Nija kshavathu and aganatuj kshavathu. The nija kshavathu is a result of vitiation of the tridosha or three dosha i.e. vata, pitta, kapha. While the agantuj type of kshavathu is considered to be a result of external factors such as excess heat exposure, irritation of nasal mucosa, etc. The treatment of this condition will include administration of ayurvedic formulations to rebalance the vitiated dosha along with the removal of the causative or trigger factors. The ayurvedic herbs known to improve this condition are ginger (Zinziber officinale), pippali (Piper longum), vidang (Embelia ribes), etc. The useful ayurvedic formulations effective in the condition of gustatory rhinitis will be described as follows.

Herbal Remedies By Planet Ayurveda For Gustatory Rhinitis

When Ayurvedic herbs are used in pure form and appropriately, they show great results on health. Planet Ayurveda prepares various formulations of natural herbs such as aller-g care, chitrak haritaki, etc. which are prepared using authentic ways and provide great results in improving the condition of  gustatory rhinitis and improves the overall health of the body. All the herbal products manufactured here are free from chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colors and fillers. These products are hundred percent natural and are formulated by MD Ayurvedic doctors with deep knowledge of Ayurveda and many years of experience. The formulations are prepared strictly according to the procedures described in the samhitas (classical texts) and therefore are very effective in promoting health and curing the diseased state. The herbal products suitable for managing the condition of gustatory rhinitis are described in detail as follows –

1. Aller – G Care
2. Chitrak Haritaki
3. Pitta Balance

1. Aller – G Care

The Aller – G care capsules are being prepared by planet ayurveda. It contains a variety of natural herbs such as haridra (Boswellia curcumin), neem (Azadirachta indica), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), etc. It helps in improving the immunity of the body and is useful in various allergic conditions. The combination of these herbs are useful in improving the overall health of the one suffering from gustatory rhinitis.

Dose – One capsule two times a day, after meals.

2. Chitrak Haritaki

Chitrak haritaki is a very beneficial ayurvedic formulation which is used in a variety of allergic conditions. It is a blend of natural extracts of various herbs such as chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), amalaki (Embellica officinalis), giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), etc. It is useful in removing the vitiation from the dosha and restoring the healthy state of the body. It is also very beneficial for the respiratory system and hence improves the condition of gustatory rhinitis.

Dose – One teaspoon two times a day, after meals.

3. Pitta Balance

Pitta Balance capsules are being prepared by planet Ayurveda. These capsules contain the following beneficial medicinal components such as Coral Calcium (Praval Pishti), Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) (Giloy Satva). As the name suggests, pitta balance capsules are helpful in balancing the pitta dosha of the body. Hence, will help to balance the vitiated dosha of the body. This will help to improve the condition of gustatory rhinitis.

Dose – One capsule two times a day, after meals.

Conclusion

So, in a nutshell it can be concluded that gustatory rhinitis may not be a very severe condition but it can hinder the quality of life. It requires appropriate medical attention and should be dealt responsibly. Ayurveda describes principles for maintaining the healthy state of the body and managing the diseased condition effectively. Hence, ayurvedic formulations can be used wisely along with practice of healthy diet and lifestyle to get relief from the diseased state. Ayurvedic formulations described above are useful in managing the gustatory rhinitis effectively and should be taken under the guidance of an ayurvedic doctor to get better results.