A Clinical Study of Nazla Harr (Allergic Rhinitis) to Evaluate the Efficacy of Lauq Rumman in its Management

Allergic Rhinitis is an IgE mediated immunologic response of nasal mucosa to airborne allergens and is characterized by watery nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, sneezing and itching in the nose. This may also be associated with symptoms of itching in the eyes, palate and pharynx. It is estimated that AR currently affects up to 40% of the worldwide population, and high prevalence is being recorded in developed countries. Worldwide prevalence is sharply rising as more nations adopt western lifestyles. AR is thought to affect 500 million individuals worldwide, with the second decade of life seeing the highest occurrence. In India, reported incidence ranges between 20% and 30% with increasing prevalence over past few years.

According to the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines, AR management encompasses allergen avoidance, pharmacotherapy (including intranasal corticosteroid and new second generation oral H1 antihistamines), immunotherapy and patient education. These treatments frequently have unfavorable side effects, are not always cost effective, and do not always completely relieve symptoms. Anaphylactic reactions, either local or systemic, can also result after immunotherapy.

Although AR is often considered a benign condition, it negatively impacts the quality of life (QOL) of affected individuals by impairing sleep quality and cognitive function, behavior, work performance and causing irritability, fatigue and anxiety with economic costs. Annual direct medical costs of AR are substantial, but indirect costs associated with lost work productivity are greater than those incurred by asthma.

Therefore, a safe and long--term effective treatment modality for AR is needed to provide symptom relief, decrease frequency and severity of AR recurrence and prevent the condition from progressing.

In Unani medicine, Allergic Rhinitis is treated by using Oral medicines (such as Behidana, Unnab, Sapistan, Banafsha, Kishneez, Asl--us--soos, Katira, Khatmi, Gaozaban etc.), Is’haal, Roghaniyaat either alone or in combination with Hijamat, Fasd, Qai’, Inkebab, Ghargharah, Takmeed, Nutool and Pashoya. Pharmacological studies suggest that these drugs contain pectins, mucilage, flavonoids, scopoletin, codein, polyphenols and possess anti--inflammatory, bronchodilator, anti--allergic, astringent, demulcent, expectorant, mild laxative, anti--tussive and immuno modulatory activity.

Therefore, a clinical trial entitled “A Clinical Study of Nazla Hārr (Allergic Rhinitis) To Evaluate the Efficacy of La„ūq Rummān in It‟s management” is contemplated to evaluate the efficacy of La‘ūq Rummān with the objective of improvement in symptoms and quality of life of the sufferers of Allergic Rhinitis.