OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of modified
acupuncture at sphenopalatine
ganglion for
allergic rhinitis (AR).@*
METHODS@#A total of 80
patients with AR were randomly divided into an
observation group and a
control group, 40 cases in each group. In the
observation group, modified
acupuncture at sphenopalatine
ganglion was given, 30 min each
time, 2 times a week and with an interval of 3-4 days. In the
control group,
budesonide nasal spray was given. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and total non-nasal symptom score (TNNSS) were observed before
treatment, after first
treatment, after last
treatment and 4 weeks
after treatment; the scores of visual analogue scale (VAS) and rhinoconjunctivitis
quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) were observed before
treatment, after last
treatment and 4 weeks
after treatment; the
recurrence condition was evaluated 4 weeks
after treatment; the
clinical efficacy was evaluated after last
treatment in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared with before
treatment, the total scores and each score of TNSS, TNNSS scores after first
treatment, after last
treatment and 4 weeks
after treatment were decreased in both groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). After first
treatment, the total score, stuffy
nose score, itchy
nose score of TNSS and TNNSS score in the
observation group were lower than the
control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). After last
treatment, the total score, stuffy
nose score, itchy
nose score of TNSS in the
observation group were lower than the
control group (P<0.01). Four weeks
after treatment, the total score and each score of TNSS, TNNSS score in the
observation group were lower than the
control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with before
treatment, the scores of VAS and RQLQ after last
treatment and 4 weeks
after treatment were decreased in both groups (P<0.01), and those in the
observation group were lower than the
control group (P<0.01). The
recurrence rate was 13.5% (5/37) in the
observation group, which was lower than 44.8% (13/29) in the
control group (P<0.01). The total effective rate was 92.5% (37/40) in the
observation group, which was higher than 72.5% (29/40) in the
control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Modified
acupuncture at sphenopalatine
ganglion could effectively improve symptoms and
quality of life in
patients with AR, and the
recurrence rate is lower.