Acupuncture at the Sphenopalatine Ganglion in the Treatment of Moderate-to-severe Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Launched by GUANG'ANMEN HOSPITAL OF CHINA ACADEMY OF CHINESE MEDICAL SCIENCES · Mar 23, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of acupuncture on a specific area in the head called the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) to help relieve symptoms of moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), which is a condition that causes sneezing, runny nose, and other allergy symptoms when exposed to pollen. Researchers want to see if acupuncture at this point can provide better relief than a fake treatment (sham acupuncture) or just using standard allergy medications.

To participate in the trial, you need to be between 18 and 75 years old and have a history of moderate to severe allergy symptoms that last for at least four days a week over a period of two years. You should also have a positive allergy test for certain types of pollen. However, people with other serious health conditions, recent use of certain allergy medications, or those who are pregnant cannot join. If you take part, you can expect to receive acupuncture treatment, and researchers will monitor your symptoms to see how well it works compared to other options.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age ≥18 years and ≤ 75 years;
• • 2. History of moderate to severe SAR symptoms (Visual analog scale(VAS) \>50 mm, range, 0 cm\[not at all bothersome\] to 100 mm\[extremely bothersome\]) for more than 4 days/weeks, and more than 4 consecutive weeks with at least two years' duration;
• • 3. Positive skin prick test to grass and birch pollen or/and serum-specific IgE test;
• • 4. Ability to complete the medical information form and sign a written informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. History or current evidence of perennial allergic rhinitis, acute sinusitis, allergic asthma, pneumonia; autoimmune disorders, or severe chronic inflammatory diseases;
• • 2. History of nasal rhinopolypus or abnormalities;
• • 3. Intake of antihistamines, anticholinergics, corticosteroids, decongestants, or antibiotics during the 1 month prior to beginning the study;
• • 4. History of systemically administered corticosteroids within 6 months or specific immunotherapy, allergy desensitization therapy within 1 year before enrollment;
• • 5. Serious uncontrolled blood coagulation disorder, cardiovascular disorder, severe hepatic/renal insufficiency or mental disorder;
• • 6. Pregnancy or planning for pregnancy;
• • 7. Known allergy, or contraindication to rescue medication or related drugs;
• • 8. Known phobia to acupuncture or having received acupuncture treatment, or sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation or other complementary and alternative medicine within 1 months prior to enrollment.