Acupuncture for Rhinitis Complicated With Asthma

Acupuncture for Persistent Allergic Rhinitis Complicated With Asthma, A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

This randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy on persistent allergic rhinitis patients complicated with asthma.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Suffering from persistent Allergic rhinitis (PAR; nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea, sneezing and nasal itching) symptoms for more than 4 days/week, and greater than 4 consecutive weeks.
2. Moderate-severe symptoms according to Allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) criteria.
3. Positive reaction for more than or equal to one respiratory allergen (SPT or MAST)
4. Stable asthma symptoms with diagnosis of Asthma by respiratory or allergic disease specialist.
5. No changes in asthma or allergic rhinitis drugs for the past month
6. Aged greater than or equal to 18 years, either sex.
7. No problem with expression of opinion
8. Provided with written consent
9. No other disease except allergic rhinitis or asthma which could affect the disease.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Having experience using ventilator due to exacerbation of asthma symptoms within six months.
2. Experience of acute respiratory tract infection treated with antibiotics within 14 days
3. Having anatomical occlusion or deformation in nasal cavity.
4. Signs of infection in chest X-ray or having active respiratory disease except asthma
5. Below or equal to 4 on Total nasal symptom score (TNSS) in the latest week.
6. Received drugs affecting directly to allergic rhinitis such as H1-antihistamines, decongestants (nasal, oral or ocular), corticosteroids within 14 days.
7. Received following treatments for allergic rhinitis or asthma within six months ; Traditional Korean medicine interventions such as acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping therapy and herbal medication inhalation or CAM including homeopathy.
8. Received herbal medication for allergic rhinitis or asthma within 14 days.
9. Pregnant, planning the pregnancy or breast-feeding
10. Tuberculosis, hepatitis or more than 2 x normal limit of serum creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT).
11. Skin lesion on acupoint or other systemic disease insufficient for acupuncture.
12. Night-shift workers staying up all night
13. Who cannot participate clinical trial properly.