Osteopathic Drainage Techniques for Rhinitis
摘要
Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa that can be allergic or nonallergic in origin, characterized by symptoms of rhinorrhea (infectious or non-infectious), post-nasal drainage, nasal congestion, sneezing, and pruritus. These symptoms may be due to parasympathetic over activity that increases nasal, lacrimal, and submandibular secretions. Somatic dysfunction to cranial, cervical, and thoracic regions may be present, along with facial, glossopharyngeal, and vagus nerve dysfunction. Structural defects or somatic dysfunction to the structures along these pathways may affect the health of the nasal mucosa by altering sympathetic tone via segmental facilitation. Somatic dysfunction to the upper ribs, upper thoracic spine, and clavicle may similarly impede lymphatic flow from the nose and sinuses. Lymphatic fluid from the head and neck enters central circulation near the subclavian and internal jugular veins. An osteopathic approach to sinus and eustachian tube dysfunction incorporates lymphatic treatments, managing the most central obstruction first. This chapter aims to provide an introduction into the osteopathic techniques useful for the management of rhinitis and rhinosinusitis.