Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR CHRONIC SINUSITIS: CASE STUDY ON THE EFFICACY OF APEENASA THERAPIES

*Dr. Saurabh S. Gobade, Dr. Vinod M. Jadhav and Dr. Santosh Pujari

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Abstract

Background: Sinusitis, or inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, is a common condition affecting a significant portion of the global population. In India, approximately 134 million individuals suffer from chronic sinusitis. Conventional treatments often include antibiotics, which may not be necessary for most cases. Ayurvedic medicine offers alternative therapeutic approaches for managing sinusitis, particularly through the principles of Shalakya Tantra, which addresses diseases of the head and neck. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a comprehensive Ayurvedic treatment regimen for managing chronic rhinosinusitis, specifically the condition of Apeenasa, characterized by nasal obstruction, loss of olfactory and gustatory sensations, and sinusrelated headaches. Methods: A 42-year-old female patient diagnosed with Apeenasa, chronic nasal congestion, and frequent sneezing for the past five years was treated using a combination of Ayurvedic therapies including Deepana Pachana (digestive stimulation), Snehana (oleation), Swedana (fomentation), Nasya Karma (nasal medication), Shodhana (purification), and Dhoomapana (smoke inhalation). The treatment also involved dietary modifications and lifestyle changes. Clinical assessments and diagnostic studies were performed before and after the 12-week treatment period. Results: The treatment led to significant improvements in symptoms. Nasal obstruction severity reduced from 8 to 0, nasal discharge from 7 to 0, headache from 6 to 0, and loss of smell/taste from 8 to 1 over 12 weeks. Follow-up visits confirmed sustained symptom relief and no recurrence of symptoms. Discussion: The Ayurvedic approach demonstrated effectiveness in managing chronic rhinosinusitis through a holistic treatment regimen that addressed both local symptoms and systemic imbalances. The combination of therapies resulted in marked improvements in symptom severity and overall quality of life for the patient. Conclusion: This case study supports the potential of Ayurvedic treatments in managing chronic rhinosinusitis. Future research with larger sample sizes and standardized protocols is needed to further validate these findings and explore the integration of Ayurvedic practices into conventional therapeutic frameworks for chronic sinusitis.

Keywords: Chronic Rhinosinusitis, Apeenasa, Ayurveda, Nasya, Sinusitis Management, Deepana Pachana, Snehana, Shodhana.