Treatment of allergic rhinitis and pollinosis

Allergic rhinitis is an IgE-mediated inflammatory reaction of the nasal mucous membrane, which, depending on the causative allergens that are inhaled, occurs either perennially or seasonally. Seasonal allergic rhinitis and its special form pollinosis, otherwise known as hay fever, affects roughly 25 per cent of the population. It therefore ranks amongst the most common allergic conditions, the incidence of which has increased greatly in recent decades [1]. Allergic rhinitis not only has a negative effect on the quality of life of those suffering from it, it also constitutes a major risk factor for eventual bronchial asthma. Like every other allergic condition, allergic rhinitis is also preceded by sensitisation, which, in turn, stimulates the immune system to produce specific antibodies in response to a high concentration of natural environmental allergens [2]. The most effective way of managing allergic rhinitis is to avoid contact with the allergens that cause it. This is usually not possible, however, during everyday life. Various topical and systemic medicines are available for treating allergic rhinitis. When used correctly, they bring about a rapid and prolonged improvement to symptoms [3, 4]. Minor seasonal rhinitis is normally treated with oral or topical second generation antihistamines, which are aimed primarily at relieving itching, sneezing attacks and eye symptoms. In addition to antihistamines, intranasal or oral decongestants may also be used. These reduce mucosal swelling in the nose and, as a result, lead to a reduction in nasal obstruction [5]. The only causal therapy available today for the management of allergic rhinitis is specific immunotherapy. This form of treatment is, however, only suitable for patients who are sensitised to only a few allergens or who are ill for a short time only [6]. Because alternative healing methods are becoming more and more accepted, there is also a growing demand for homeopathic remedies for the symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinitis. These remedies help to rapidly relieve symptoms and are extremely well tolerated by users. In this context, a clinical post-marketing surveillance study showed that the orally administered homeopathic complex Pollinosan consisting of Ammi visnaga D6, Aralia racemosa D6, Cardiospermum halicacabum D6, Larrea mexicana D6, Luffa In patients with allergic rhinitis or pollinosis taking the homeopathic A. Vogel Hay Fever Spray a trend in reduction of evening symptoms was observed, whereas the morning symptoms remained unchanged. The majority of the patients as well as investigators assessed the therapy to have a good or very good efficacy, and about two thirds of the patients would use the spray again. Furthermore the treatment with the spray lead to a significant increase in quality of life, with almost half of the patients noticing an improvement. The tolerability of the A. Vogel Hay Fever Spray was judged by the vast majority of patients and investigators to be very good or good, and in only one patient occurred side effects which were related to the study medication.