Current status of Chinese herbal medicine to treat allergic rhinitis in children: from the perspective of Western medicine—a narrative review

Allergic rhinitis (AR) has a high prevalence and significantly affects quality of life in children. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, AR in children can be classified as BiQiu, and the etiology lies in the lung, spleen and kidney. The internal cause is primarily related to congenital deficiencies of vital qi; dysfunction of the lungs, which will lead to inhibited nose orifices; and deficiency of the spleen and kidney, which will lead to lung qi deficiency. The external cause is cold, inadequate diet and other factors. The theoretical systems of Chinese and Western medicine represent different understandings of the life science of the human body from the different perspectives of Eastern and Western culture. Therefore, ways for these approaches to communicate with and promote one another to achieve a true combination approach is the focus of our attention. In this review, we specifically discuss the mechanisms of action of herbal monomers and compounds of Chinese herbal medicines in the treatment of AR and present some results and shortcomings of Chinese herbal medicines in combination with Western medicines in the treatment of AR. We also propose future research directions and trends to enhance combined treatment with Chinese and Western medicines.