Therapeutic efficacy observation on acupuncture for persistent allergic rhinitis

Abstract

To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture for persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR). A total of 154 PAR patients were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 78 cases in the treatment group received acupuncture at meridian points, while 76 cases in the control group received acupuncture at non-meridian points. The treatment was done every other day, 3 times a week for a total 4 weeks. The total nasal symptom score (TNSS), the total non-nasal symptom score (TNNSS) and the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) were measured before the treatment and after 2 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment, as well as 1 month and 3 months after the treatment to compare the clinical effect between the two groups. After 4 weeks of treatment, the total effective rate in the treatment group was 92.3%, versus 76.3% in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Intra-group comparisons of TNSS, TNNSS and RQLQ scores after 4 weeks of treatment showed statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Between-group comparisons of TNSS, TNNSS and RQLQ score after 4 weeks of treatment and in follow-up visits showed statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Acupuncture is effective for PAR, and acupuncture at meridian points can produce a better effect than acupuncture at non-meridian points.