Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the role of acupuncture in treatment of allergic rhinitis.
Patients and Methods: Sixty patients with Allergic rhinitis were selected randomly from the ENT outpatient clinic of Benha University Hospital. Patients underwent an initial total nasal symptom score (TNSS). These patients were divided into three groups: Group A: treated with real acupuncture (20 patients). Group B: treated with sham acupuncture (20 patients). Group C: treated with conventional methods for treatment of allergic rhinitis (20 patients). Participants received real or sham acupuncture twice weekly for 4 weeks (number of sessions 8). Each session lasted 20-25 minutes.
Results: out of 60 patients, 20 patients received real acupuncture. Also 20 patients received sham acupuncture. Another 20 patients received medical treatment. We have shown that there was no effect of the age, sex on the outcome of acupuncture treatment, but it is evident that the total nasal symptom score is an important factor in determination of the success rate gained by acupuncture. We have shown that acupuncture succeeded in treating allergic rhinitis patients. The success rate after real acupuncture was (75%) in comparison to sham acupuncture (30%) and medical treatment (85%). Finally there were no considerable side effects recorded during or after treatment with acupuncture.
Conclusion: acupuncture seems to be effective method for treatment of allergic rhinitis without any considerable side effects.