Integrative Management of Allergic Rhinitis: Bridging Traditional Unani Medicine with Contemporary Evidence-Based ENT Practice

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis is among the most common upper respiratory conditions with a chronic inflammatory
component, which affects millions of people all over the world and whose impact on quality of life,
productivity and health care services is substantial. Although significant improvements have been
made in established evidence-based otorhinolaryngology (ENT) techniques, patients still suffer from
lasting symptoms, side-effects of drugs or long-term failure of disease control, which has led to a
strong interest in complementary and integrative therapeutic methods. Unani medicine as one of
traditional healing methods has a long history and its terminology for the allergic rhinitis is quite
similar with the above conditions, it promotes the treatments of diseases by controlling diet (Ilaj bill
Ghiz), medicine (Ilaj bil Dawa) and regimen (Ilaj bill Tad beer). This paper aims to critically explore
the scientific grounds of combining Unani medicine with evidence-based practice in ENT among those
suffering of allergic rhinitis. It summarizes the epidemiologic status of SLE, its immunopathogenesis,
conventional drugs used and current evidences supportive of the use of Unani herbal formulations and
therapeutic regimens. Moreover, the study highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each system,
suggesting that they complement each other's effectiveness in symptom control, symptom modulation
and patient-centred care. A proposal for an evidence-informed integrative clinical management model,
which is suitable for multidisciplinary practice and the goals of safety, efficacy and regulatory
compliance, is put forward. The paper finally pinpoints the present research gaps and suggests high-
quality clinical trials for solid evidence of incorporating Unani medicine as an integral part of treating
allergic rhinitis with modern medicines.