IMPACT OF SUTRA NETI ON ABSOLUTE EOSINOPHIL COUNT AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH ALLERGIC RHINITIS - A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background & Objective: Allergic rhinitis is a global health problem that contributes to missed or unproductive time at work. Inflammation associated with allergic rhinitis causes nasal venous sinusoids, swelling of the anterior and inferior nasal turbinates, and obstruction of nasal airflow, ultimately contributing to nasal congestion. Sutra Neti Kriya and Kapalabhati are practiced for more than thousands of years as part of Hatha Yoga practice. It has been used as nasal cleansing technique to clear the nasal passage from obstructions, and to improve the health of Upper Respiratory Tract and preventing infections like Sinusitis, Rhino conjunctivitis and Allergic Rhinitis. Breath awareness helps in focusing on the respiratory health and free passage of air in and out through both nostrils.

Methods: Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria total 120 subjects were selected out of 200 subjects screened. 60 subjects are recruited for group 1 and 60 subjects for group 2. Group 1 subjects are given 11 sessions of Sutra Neti followed by Kapalabhati for 4 weeks, Group 2 undergo 20min of breath awareness on same sessions as group 1. Pre and post data were collected and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods for comparison.

Results: The result is suggestive that the impact of Sutra Neti Kriya followed by Kapalabhati on variables was significant. Significant change was noted in AEC, SNOT and RQLQ each domain and total score in Group-1. In contrast, group 2 showed no significant changes.

Conclusion: Practice of Sutra Neti Kriya followed by Kapalabhati helps to ward off common cold, coughs, allergic rhinitis and tonsillitis. Result of RQLQ and SNOT questionnaire in this study shows evidence to improvement of Quality of life and wellbeing. AEC decline is also observed, so the technique also reduces the inflammation.