Compared to the use of Budesonide nasal spray, modified acupuncture targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion for allergic rhinitis led to remarkable improvements in symptoms and quality of life, as deciphered from a recent randomized controlled trial. Investigators aimed to examine the impact of modified acupuncture at sphenopalatine ganglion on allergic rhinitis.

A group of 80 volunteers diagnosed with allergic rhinitis participated in the study, where they were randomized into an observation group and a control group, each comprising 40 cases. In the observation group, patients received modified acupuncture targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion, with sessions lasting 30 minutes, twice a week, and spaced 3-4 days apart. The control group received Budesonide nasal spray. Both groups underwent a 4-week treatment period.

The researchers evaluated the following parameters: total non-nasal symptom score (TNNSS) and total nasal symptom score (TNSS) prior to treatment, following the initial treatment, following the last treatment, and 4 weeks post-treatment; rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) scores and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores prior to treatment, following the last treatment, and 4 weeks post-treatment.

They also assessed the recurrence of symptoms 4 weeks after treatment and evaluated the clinical efficacy after the last treatment in both groups. In comparison to the pre-treatment stage, both groups exhibited reduced total scores as well as individual scores for TNSS and TNNSS following the first treatment, after the last treatment, and four weeks post-treatment. Following the initial treatment, the observation group displayed lower itchy nose scores, stuffy nose scores, and total scores for both TNSS and TNNSS when compared to the control group.

Similarly, after the final treatment, the observation group had lower total scores, stuffy nose scores, and itchy nose scores for TNSS compared to the control group. Four weeks after treatment, the observation group demonstrated lower total scores and individual scores for TNSS and TNNSS in comparison to the control group. In terms of the VAS and RQLQ scores, both groups exhibited reduced scores after the last treatment and four weeks after treatment when compared to the pre-treatment stage.

Notably, the observation group displayed lower scores for VAS and RQLQ compared to the control group. The recurrence rate in the observation arm was significantly reduced than the control group's rate. Furthermore, the observation group had a higher total effective rate contrasted to the control group (Table 1).

Modified acupuncture at sphenopalatine ganglion can improve symptoms and quality of life in allergic rhinitis sufferers, and the rate of recurrence is lower. The use of modified acupuncture targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion has been shown to effectively alleviate symptoms and enhance the quality of life for individuals with allergic rhinitis. Additionally, this approach has demonstrated a lower recurrence rate. Thus, acupuncture may be a promising treatment option for allergic rhinitis management.