ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture for persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR).Methods: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.Results: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).Conclusion:Acupuncture is effective for PAR,and acupuncture at meridian points can produce a better effect than acupuncture at non-meridian points.