Q How is treatment handled when allergic rhinitis and sinusitis occur together?
A Allergic rhinitis is the most common condition that accompanies sinusitis. In Korean medicine, the two are grouped together as an immune problem of lung qi deficiency (pye-gi-heo) and defensive qi deficiency (wi-gi-heo) and treated together.
Detailed Answer
Strategy for Treating Both Together
When allergic rhinitis is present, the mucosa's hypersensitive reaction persists, so the sinus openings repeatedly swell and become blocked. Treating only the rhinitis while neglecting the sinusitis, or the reverse, leads to repeated recurrence.
Integrated Korean Medicine Prescriptions
- Socheongryong-tang (Minor Blue Dragon decoction): effective for the watery nasal discharge and sneezing of allergic rhinitis, and stabilizes the sinus mucosa
- Changija-san (Xanthium powder): clears the sinuses and removes pus, acting on both conditions at once
- Bojungikgi-tang: strengthens defensive qi (wi-gi) to improve the allergy-prone constitution and prevent sinus recurrence
At Dongjedang, after analyzing the allergic constitution, we manage rhinitis and sinusitis together as a single treatment plan. When both conditions are present, treatment may require 1-2 months longer than for a single condition.
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