Effect of intranasal vs. routine acupuncture in patients with allergic rhinitis

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Created On: 18/11/2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of intranasal and regular acupuncture for allergic rhinitis, as well as the effects on interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, and IL-4 in serum.

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Key take away

Compared to routine acupuncture, the use of intranasal acupuncture was associated with a better curative effect in people with allergic rhinitis.

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of intranasal and regular acupuncture for allergic rhinitis, as well as the effects on interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, and IL-4 in serum.

Method

The random number table approach was used to split 80 volunteers with allergic rhinitis into two groups: those who received standard acupuncture (40 cases) and those who received intranasal acupuncture (40 cases). Both Biqiu (Extra) and Neiyingxiang (EX-HN9) were punctured in the intranasal acupuncture arm while Hegu (LI4, bilateral), Yingxiang (LI20, bilateral), Yintang (GV24+), and Shangxing (GV23) were activated in the regular acupuncture group.

In both groups, the therapy was administered once daily for about two weeks. Rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) score, Total non-nasal symptom score (TNNSS), and Total nasal symptom score (TNSS) were assessed prior to and post-therapy. The serum levels of IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Result

The serum IL-10 content raised while TNSS, TNNSS, and RQLQ scores, along with serum IL-4 and IL-6 contents reduced post therapy in both groups contrasted to the pre-treatment values. Post-treatment, the intranasal acupuncture group's IL-10 levels were noticeably higher while TNSS, TNNSS, and RQLQ scores, as well as the serum IL-4 and IL-6 contents were lower than those of the regular acupuncture group. The total effective rate of intranasal acupuncture arm was better than routine acupuncture arm, as shown in Table 1:

Conclusion

Intranasal acupuncture effectively mitigated allergic rhinitis symptoms, enhanced quality of life, and exhibited a superior curative effect when compared to routine acupuncture.