Ear acupressure for perennial allergic rhinitis: A multicenter randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Allergy and Immunology
• Acupuncture Research

Background:

• Perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) presents a growing global health concern.
• Ear acupressure (EAP) is a noninvasive, self-administered therapy with potential for allergic rhinitis symptom management.
• Previous evidence for EAP's efficacy in PAR was limited, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of EAP for managing symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with PAR.
• To provide robust clinical evidence for EAP as a non-invasive alternative treatment for PAR.

Main Methods:

• International, multicenter, randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled trial involving 245 PAR participants.
• Participants received real or sham EAP weekly for 8 weeks, with a subsequent 12-week follow-up.
• Symptom severity, quality of life (QoL), and adverse events (AEs) were assessed using intention-to-treat analysis.

Main Results:

• Real EAP significantly improved global QoL scores compared to sham EAP at both treatment and follow-up endpoints.
• Participants in the real EAP group experienced greater reductions in total nasal symptoms, runny nose, and eye symptoms.
• Both real and sham EAP were well-tolerated, with no severe AEs attributed to the procedures.

Conclusions:

• Ear acupressure demonstrates significant short-term and extended benefits for improving PAR symptoms.
• EAP offers a safe and effective non-invasive therapeutic option for enhancing the quality of life in PAR patients.
• The study provides strong evidence supporting EAP's role in managing perennial allergic rhinitis.