Illustrated Series on Natural Therapies for Common Diseases - Allergic Rhinitis

Author: Yang Jianmin / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-14
Features: The normal nasal function is managed by the nasal nervous system. In a healthy state, the nose maintains a balance with the external environment. The glands and goblet cells of the nasal mucosa secrete a mucus layer that captures, removes, and blocks foreign substances while promoting ciliary movement. Cilia transport foreign substances within the nasal cavity through orderly movement. The nasal glands secrete mucins and various enzymes to maintain a stable pH in the nasal cavity. Together, these factors maintain a stable internal environment in the nasal cavity. As long as this balanced internal environment is maintained, it means the human nasal cavity is in a healthy state, the central nervous system is satisfied, and the person is happy. Allergic rhinitis is the same. When allergens enter the body of a person with an allergic constitution, they disrupt the nasal balance, stimulating lymphocytes in the nasal cavity. The local nasal mucosa and its associated lymph nodes produce corresponding immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE). Antibodies are a double-edged sword for the body. When viruses and other harmful substances invade, they can play a powerful role in killing harmful substances. However, when the body's immune system is not perfect, they may trigger allergic reactions. IgE produced by allergens invading the human body attaches to the surface of certain cells (mast cells, basophilic leukocytes) in the body, placing the body in a sensitized state. When the same antigen (e.g., fungi) invades this body again, it triggers a series of biochemical changes in the cells, causing them to degranulate and release active substances such as kinins, histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and chemokines. Histamine is a major mediator in allergic rhinitis. It can cause vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and enhanced exocrine activity, which are the important material foundations for the edema of the nasal mucosa in patients with allergic rhinitis, increased nasal breathing resistance, and increased secretions. Kinins can cause peripheral vasodilation, hypotension, increased vascular permeability, and tissue edema. They can also cause reactions such as pain and smooth muscle contraction. (Figure 18) Leukotrienes can increase nasal mucosal blood flow and may be an important mediator for neutrophil and eosinophil infiltration in tissues during acute allergic reactions. P10