ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To observe and compare the clinical efficacy on allergic rhinitis and the impacts on the expression of serum interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) between intranasal acupuncture and routine acupuncture. METHODS: According to the random number table method, 80 patients of allergic rhinitis were divided into an intranasal acupuncture group (40 cases) and a routine acupuncture group (40 cases). In the intranasal acupuncture group, Neiyingxiang (EX-HN9) and Biqiu (Extra) were punctured. In the routine acupuncture group, Yingxiang (LI20, bilateral), Yintang (GV24~+), Shangxing (GV23) and Hegu (LI4, bilateral) were stimulated. In both groups, the treatment was given once daily, for 2 weeks. The total nasal symptom score (TNSS), the total non-nasal symptom score (TNNSS) and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) score were observed before and after treatment; the contents of IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 in serum were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Compared with the values before the treatment, the scores of TNSS, TNNSS and RQLQ, as well as the contents of serum IL-4 and IL-6 were all decreased after treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), while the content of serum IL-10 was increased (P<0.05). After the treatment, in comparison with the routine acupuncture group, the scores of TNSS, TNNSS and RQLQ, as well as the contents of serum IL-4 and IL-6 were decreased and IL-10 was increased significantly in the intranasal acupuncture group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the intranasal acupuncture group was 90% (36/40), better than 80% (32/40) of the routine acupuncture group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Intranasal acupuncture can effectively relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, and improve the patient's quality of life, and has a better curative effect than routine acupuncture.