Natural treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis.

Perennial allergic rhinitis is an IgE-mediated inflammatory disorder of the nasal mucosa characterized by paroxysms of sneezing, nasal congestion, pruritus, and rhinorrhea. The condition may be caused by certain environmental agents, food sensitivities, structural abnormalities, metabolic conditions, or synthetic drugs. Recent health impairment outcome studies on allergic rhinitis sufferers reveal a measurable decline in physical and mental health status and the inability to perform daily activities. Antihistamines, decongestants, anticholinergic agents, and corticosteroid drug therapy, alone or in combination, are typically used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Reported adverse side effects include sedation, impaired learning/memory, and cardiac arrhythmias. Therapeutic strategies should seek to decrease the morbidity already associated with this condition. Urtica dioica, bromelain, quercetin, N-acetylcysteine, and vitamin C are safe, natural therapies that may be used as primary therapy or in conjunction with conventional methods.