Causes
Generally allergies can be classified as seasonal allergies and perennial allergies.
Seasonal allergies occur during certain seasons of the year. They are caused by inhaling microscopic particles in the air and substances like pollen released by plants, grasses and weeds.

Perennial allergies occur throughout the year. They occur due to mould, fungi and dust found indoors also by fur from cats and dogs and other pets.

Identifying the specific allergen- or the substance which triggers the allergy is of help in certain cases, where the substance can be avoided. In most cases though, the substance is a part of the air and the general environment, and are unavoidable without major changes in lifestyle, like moving out of a city to a different place. Specific allergens can be pollen, dust mites, animal fur/hair- from dogs or cats. Cigarette smoke is another big trigger. Strong smell of perfume, or flowers; smoke from agarbathis or crackers; and paint or turpentine are strong triggers.

Allergies are also generally worse in dry cold climates, and are typically better in humid or coastal climates. With low humidity, the constant dryness can lead to chronic respiratory conditions. Added to this the increasing pollution and dust in most cities only aggravates the condition.

Allergies- the symptoms
This may be typically allergic rhinitis, or allergic bronchitis.
• Frequent and continuous sneezing
• Watery nasal discharge
• Nasal obstruction or block
• Itching and watering of the eyes
• Swelling of eyelids
• Loss of sense of smell
• Throat irritation and dryness, with constant clearing of the throat
• Dark rings around the eyes
• Dry cough with wheezing
• These symptoms may be accompanied by Fatigue, sleeplessness and headaches.
When left untreated, the local irritation to the respiratory system, can lead to chronic conditions like nasal polyps, chronic bronchitis and asthma.

Home remedies
- Gargle with warm- hot water. Even if there is no throat irritation, the steam that rises up from the throat while gargling, will help with the nose irritation and nose block.
Steam inhalation every night at bedtime, will clear the nose block. This when done regularly, will help cut down on the use of inhalers.

- Drink a glass of warm water first thing in the morning and at bedtime. Have a good water intake through the day.

- At night, keep an open vessel or bowl of hot water close to where you sleep. The moisture level in the room will combat the excess dryness and the resultant irritation.

- Eat a citrus fruit (oranges, sweet lime etc.) or drink its fresh juice daily. The vitamin C in citrus fruits is very good for this condition. Adding a few grains of pepper and salt to the juice will prevent it from affecting the throat.

- Make a decoction of pepper with ginger and turmeric, and drink once a day.

- Practicing pranayama can provide good relief. It will help prevent nasal blocks. Regular and continued practice is curative to the condition. Even simple deep breathing techniques can improve the oxygenation of the blood, and bring down the fatigue associated with the allergies.

- Regular exercise routine can help the respiratory system strengthen and the immunity to improve.

Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathic medicines are the one effective cure for allergies, where the abnormal immune reactions are brought down, and the over reaction or the allergic reactions to normal substances are reduced.

The immunity treatment is done for a few months, where the problem is chronic. When the immunity is

Sinusitis is an infection of the para nasal sinuses that occurs due to obstruction or bacterial growth.
Acute sinusitis is the most common form. It lasts no longer than eight weeks or occurs less than four times a year with each attack lasting no longer than 10 days. Acute sinusitis can be successfully treated with medications, leaving no residual damage to the mucous linings.
Chronic sinusitis lasts for eight weeks or longer or occurs more than four times a year with symptoms persisting for more than 20 days. Chronic sinusitis can be long term conditions, affecting the lifestyle, and hampering everyday activity.

Causes
The cause for chronic sinusitis is sometimes unclear. Stress and exposure to cold wind can also cause the chronic inflammation. Bacteria are the most common cause of acute sinusitis, and a pre existing lowered general immunity. Structural abnormalities, like a deviated nasal septum, can lead to a chronic sinusitis.

Symptoms
• Congestion and obstruction of the nose.
• There may be a thick yellow or greenish mucous discharge from the nose.
• There is persistent heaviness of the head through the day.
• Headache in the forehead and temples which can be severe. The headache associated with sinusitis can be severe and mistaken for migraine headaches.
• Pain is generally worse in the mornings and gets worse on bending the head.
• Postnasal drip, which can cause repeated throat clearing.
• Facial tenderness or pain may be present. This is due to inflammation of the frontal sinuses which usually results in a dull, constant ache. The face may also look swollen or puffy.
• Bad breath, loss of sense of smell, or a constant bad smell internally
• Symptoms can be worse during winters or in the rainy season with relief during the summers. Direct exposure to an AC can also worsen the symptoms.

General care
Drink plenty of fluids. Water is the best fluid and helps lubricate the mucous membranes.

They are pale, swollen, mucosal covered masses commonly seen in patients with allergic rhinitis within the nose. They are freely moveable and non-tender. They may result in chronic nasal block and a loss of sense of smell.

Symptoms:
• Discharge from the nose
• Nose block constantly
• Mouth breathing
• Loss of smell (Anosmia)
• Secondary infection leading to headache and Sinusitis
• A grayish grape-like growth is seen in the nasal cavity

Causes:
Asthma; Chronic sinus infections; Hay fever (allergic rhinitis); cystic fibrosis
Homoeopathic treatment:
Homoeopathic medicines very effectively treat nasal polyps.

It is a condition wherein there is a complex of diseases which give rise to airway obstruction or difficulty in breathing. The complex of diseases in this condition is made up of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Causes
• Cigarette smoking or passive smoking
• Occupational dusts and chemicals
• Outdoor air pollution
• Frequent infections and Allergies
• hereditary factors

Symptoms

It mostly affects the age group of 50 to 60 yrs
• Excessive and continuous cough
• Sputum production
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty in breathing is seen initially only on heavy exertion, later as the disease progresses even in mild activity breathing becomes difficult.
• There might be pinkish or bluish discoloration of face
• The main sign is the recurrence and increase in the intensity of symptoms as the condition progresses

General measures
It is largely preventable through elimination of long-term exposure to tobacco smoke or pollution. Smoking an be slowly reduced if possible stopped

Homoeopathic treatment
Since this is a chronic condition it has very good treatment in homoeopathy.
A detailed case history is taken after which the treatment is started with a regular follow up.
Follow up has to be regular so as to fully recover from this condition. After the treatment is started the cough will be better and the immunity is made strong. The duration of treatment will depend on the intensity of the condition

Definition:
Frequent cold which includes allergic cold, viral cold, etc. is a major cause of human discomfort and loss of human hours in the world. Colds being the most common of the ailments that the humanity suffers from, it is called common cold!

Introduction:
Bronchitis simply means an inflammation of the bronchus, the windpipe. This is usually caused by infection (viral, bacterial, fungal, etc) or allergy or both. This condition is widely prevalent throughout the world and is a frequent cause of absenteeism from school and work.