Acupuncture for treating seasonal allergies

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

This study is testing whether acupuncture can help people with moderate-to-severe seasonal allergies feel better compared to a placebo treatment and standard medication.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 120 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Academic / other)
• Drugs / interventions: immunotherapy
• Locations: 1 site (Beijing)
• Trial ID: NCT04815668 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of acupuncture applied at the sphenopalatine ganglion for patients suffering from moderate-to-severe seasonal allergic rhinitis. Participants will be divided into three groups: one receiving acupuncture, another receiving placebo acupuncture, and a third group using rescue medication. The study aims to assess symptom relief and overall improvement in quality of life for individuals with allergic rhinitis. The research addresses a gap in existing literature regarding the efficacy of acupuncture as a treatment option for this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 75 with a history of moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms lasting more than four weeks.

Not a fit: Patients with perennial allergic rhinitis, acute sinusitis, or other significant respiratory conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-pharmacological treatment option for patients suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis.

How similar studies have performed: While acupuncture has been used for various conditions, this specific approach targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in controlled studies.

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.

Where this trial is running

Beijing

• No.731 Hospital of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation — Beijing, China (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Weiming Wang, MD,PhD — Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
• Study coordinator: Weiming Wang, MD, PhD

Conditions Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis