throat infection doctor says its allergy - #28179

In Ayurveda, a persistent throat infection and cough, especially one linked to allergies, is often seen as an imbalance of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. ​The Ayurvedic View on Allergies and Your Symptoms

​Ayurveda believes that allergies are caused by a weakened digestive fire (Agni) and the accumulation of toxins (Ama). This Ama then mixes with a specific dosha, leading to different types of allergic reactions. ​Vata Imbalance: This can cause a dry, scratchy throat and a dry cough. Your throat might feel hoarse or painful. This type of allergy is often aggravated by dry conditions, dust, and cold weather. ​Pitta Imbalance: This can lead to a burning sensation in the throat, inflammation, and a feeling of heat. Your symptoms might be triggered by spicy, sour, or fermented foods. The doctor’s suggestion about an allergy to sour and spicy foods aligns with this. ​Kapha Imbalance: This is characterized by the production of mucus, a heavy feeling in the head, and a productive, wet cough. It can also cause a feeling of sluggishness. This is often associated with damp weather and allergens like pollen and dust. ​Given your symptoms and the doctors’ varying opinions, it’s possible that a combination of these imbalances is at play, or that your primary imbalance has shifted over time. ​General Ayurvedic Recommendations ​Ayurveda focuses on addressing the root cause by balancing the doshas and strengthening the immune system. Here are some general recommendations that an Ayurvedic practitioner might suggest: ​1. Dietary Adjustments ​Avoid trigger foods: Even if you don’t eat a lot of sour or spicy foods, they might still be triggers for you. An Ayurvedic practitioner can help you identify and eliminate foods that are aggravating your specific dosha. ​Focus on warm, cooked food: Cold, raw, and heavy foods can increase Ama. Warm, easily digestible foods are generally recommended. ​Use therapeutic spices: Incorporate spices like ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and cinnamon into your cooking. They are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. ​2. Herbal Remedies and Home Treatments ​Gargling: Gargling with warm salt water or a turmeric and salt mixture can help soothe the throat, reduce inflammation, and clear out mucus. ​Herbal Teas: Sipping on warm herbal teas can provide relief. A simple tea can be made from ginger, honey, and black pepper. ​Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam with a few drops of eucalyptus oil, tulsi (holy basil) leaves, or ajwain (carom seeds) can help clear congestion and soothe the throat. ​Herbal Lozenges: Ayurvedic remedies like Khadiradi Vati or Yashtimadhu (licorice root) are often used to soothe irritated throats and reduce coughing. ​3. Lifestyle and Other Practices ​Hydration: Staying well-hydrated with warm water is key to flushing out toxins. ​Oil Pulling (Gandusha): This is a traditional practice of swishing oil in your mouth to detoxify and improve oral and respiratory health. ​Protect yourself: Wear a scarf or cover your throat in cold weather to protect it from harsh conditions.

​Since you’ve seen multiple doctors without a clear diagnosis, an Ayurvedic approach might offer a different perspective by focusing on your body’s overall balance rather than just the symptoms.

HELLO DIKSHA,

When someone has a “throat infection” repeatedly but doctors say it’s due to allergy, it usually means -Your immune system reacts strongly to things like dust, cold air, or certain foods -This produces kapha (mucus, congestion ) and vata (irritation, dryness, cough) imbalance. -Sometimes pitta adds burning sensation, redness, or throat soreness

In Ayurveda, this can be understood as -kasa (cough disorder) -partishyaya (allergic rhinitis/ post nasal drip) -urdhwajatrugata rota - diseases above clavicle, mainly throat/nose

Because of weak digestion and accumulated toxins , the body becomes sensitive, and allergens (dust, food, weather) easily trigger symptoms

TREATMENT GOALS -Strengthen digestion and metabolism-> reduce toxins -balance kapha and vata-> reduce mucus + irritation -improve throat immunity and soothe mucosa -prevent recurrence - long term management -identify and avoid allergens

INTERNALLY

1) SHITOPALADI + TALISADI + YASHTIMADHU CHURNA= 1 gm each with honey daily twice after meals for 4 weeks =reduces cough, acts as natural expectorant, balance kapha, relieves throat heaviness, soothes throat lining, reduces irritation

2) TRIKATU CHURNA= 1/2 gm with honey before meals =improves digestion, clears mucus

3) HARIDRAKHANDA= 1 tsp with warm milk at night for 6 weeks =excellent anti-allergic, reduces itching and hypersensitivity

4) CHYAWANPRASHA= 1 tsp daily =builds long term immunity

EXTERNAL TREATMENT

1) NASYA= 2 drops of Anu taila in each nostril daily after mild massage and steam in morning =clears sinuses, reduces dust/pollen allergy effect, strengthen ENT region

2) GANDUSHA (oil pulling) = sesame oil gargling for 2-3 min daily =lubricates throat, reduces dryness and irritation

3) STEAM INHALATION= with ajwain, tulsi or eucalyptus

LIFESTYLE CHANGES -avoid cold exposure- ice creams, cold drinks, sleeping under direct fan/Ac -keep throat warm; sip warm water throughout the day -dont eat late at night or heavy meals -avoid smoking, second hand smoke, dust exposure -sleep early 10-11 pm, wake up early

YOGA ASANA= helps in improving lung function and immunity -Bhujangasana -matsyasana -dhanurasana =expand chest and throat

PRANAYAM -anulom vilom= balances vata and kapha -bhramari= soothes throat and nerves -kapalbhati= only if no severe irritation, helps kapha clearance

MEDITATION -stress worsens allergies, calming mind helps immunity

DIET -warm, freshly cooked meals -light foods= moong dal khichdi, vegetables soups, rice gruel -spices= turmeric, black pepper, ginger, garlic -herbal teas= tulsi, ginger, cinnamon, licorice -fruits= apples, pomegranate papaya avoid banana and citrus if aggravates

AVOID -cold,refrigerated, stale food -fermented foods= pickles, vinegar, bakery items -excess dairy curd, panner, cheese -oily, fired, junk food -very sour or very spicy food

HOME REMEDIES -turmeric milk daily -tulsi honey mic once a day 5 crush tulsi leaves + 1 tsp honey -black Pepper + honey= for dry cough -warm salt turmeric water gargle. twice daily -steam inhalation with tulsi/ajwain seeds

INVESTIGATIONS NEEDED -Allergy testing- skin prick or IgE test -CBC with differential count -ENT examination -CHest X-ray

-This is not and infection but an allergic tendency, which Ayurveda calls asatmya (intolerance to environment -cure is not overnight, it needs 3-6 months of regular care -Ayurveda aims not just at temporary relief, but strengthening immunity and preventing recurrence -Identify your specific allergens is key to protection

THANK YOU

DR. MAITRI ACHARYA

HELLO DIKSHA,

Ayurvedic view -likely due to kapha vitiation (allergic cough, mucus , throat irritation) with some vata involvement (dryness, irritation) -common triggers= dust, cold food/drinks , excess sour/spicy, fried food

MANAGEMENT

1) PATHYA (diet and lifestyle) -warm water sip through the day -Avoid= curd, cold drinks, ice cream, bakery food, excess fried/spicy -Include= ginger, turmeric, tulsi, black pepper, honey in moderation -Steam inhalation with ajwain/peppermint leaves

INTERNAL MEDICATIONS

1) SHITOPALADI CHURNA + HONEY = 2-3 times/day

2) YASHTI MADHU POWDER= for soothing throat

3) TULSI, GINGER, PIPPALI TEA= daily

IF KAPHA IS HEAVY= TRIKATU CHURNA with honey 1/2 tsp after meals

PROCEDURES

-Gargle with salt water

NASYA= 2 drops of cow ghee in each nostril, morning =helps reduce dust allergy

Regular Pranayam=anulom vilom, bhramari -adequate rest, reduce stress

THANK YOU

DR. HEMANSHU MEHTA