Work

Evaluating efficacy and safety of auricular acupressure in treating allergic rhinitis: A randomized controlled trial

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Background Allergic rhinitis significantly impacts health and quality of life, and symptom management remains a considerable challenge. This study aims to compare the treatment efficacy of auricular acupressure combined with fluticasone propionate versus fluticasone propionate alone for allergic rhinitis. Methods A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial study was conducted with 90 patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis according to ARIA 2008 guidelines. The control group (n=45) received standard treatment, including fluticasone propionate, and sham auricular acupressure (SA), performed four times over four weeks. The intervention group (n=45) received standard treatment with actual auricular acupressure (AA), performed four times over four weeks. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) weekly and after four weeks of treatment, along with monitoring for adverse effects of auricular acupressure. Results After four weeks, the reduction in VAS scores for individual symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, blocked nose, and itchy nose, showed mean differences between the control and intervention groups of 17.71 (95% CI, 10.60–24.82); 22.73 (95% CI, 15.71–29.76); 22.33 (95% CI, 15.30–29.37); and 21.29 (95% CI, 14.27–28.31) points, respectively (p<0.0001). The RQLQ score, medication usage decreased significantly more in the intervention group than in the control group. Adverse effects were reported in 11.11% of cases, mostly mild, transient, and not requiring additional treatment. Conclusion Auricular acupressure combined with fluticasone propionate provides effective and safe treatment for allergic rhinitis patients. Further interventional studies based on the classification of clinical syndromes in traditional medicine are warranted.

Source: Integrative Medicine Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2025.101177

Authors: Ngoc-Chau Le, Minh-Man Pham Bui, Dieu-Thuong Thi Trinh

Institutions: University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam University Of Traditional Medicine, Ministry of Health

Language: English

Topic: Acupuncture Treatment Research Studies

Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,700