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Related Concept Videos

Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview01:16

Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview

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Upper respiratory tract disorders, including viral infections and allergic rhinitis, cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. Managing these conditions involves a variety of drugs, such as antihistamines, intranasal steroids, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics. Specific examples of drugs in each category are provided.
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
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Lower respiratory tract disorders present challenges that often require skilled and nuanced approaches for effective management. Common ailments, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have prompted the development of intricate treatment strategies involving bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, each tailored to ease breathing and revitalize the lungs.
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Upper Respiratory Drugs: Decongestants01:27

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Decongestants

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Decongestants are a class of medications used primarily to alleviate nasal congestion, a common symptom resulting from allergies, colds, sinusitis, and other upper respiratory tract infections. These drugs work by activating α-adrenergic receptors, constricting small blood vessels in the nasal membranes. This action results in the opening of clogged nasal passages, thereby facilitating sinus drainage and relieving congestion.
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Chronic Pharyngitis01:23

Chronic Pharyngitis

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Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
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Updated: Dec 27, 2025

Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Managing Allergic Rhinitis
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Alternative therapies for sinusitis and rhinitis: a systematic review utilizing a modified Delphi method.

Arthur W Wu1, John D Gettelfinger2, Jonathan Y Ting2

  • 1Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA.

International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology
|February 28, 2020
PubMed
Summary

This study evaluated alternative therapies for sinusitis and rhinitis, finding limited evidence for most. Acupuncture, capsaicin, bromelain, and butterbur showed some promise, but comparisons to conventional treatments are scarce.

Keywords:
acupunctureacute sinusitisallergic rhinitisallergychronic rhinosinusitiscomplementary and alternative therapyhomeopathysinusitistraditional Chinese medicine

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Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Integrative Medicine
  • Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

  • Sinusitis and rhinitis are prevalent conditions driving significant patient healthcare utilization.
  • The alternative therapy market is substantial, yet scientific validation of efficacy and safety remains limited.
  • This research aimed to systematically identify and evaluate evidence supporting alternative treatments for these common respiratory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and grade the scientific evidence for alternative therapies used in treating sinusitis and rhinitis.
  • To assess the efficacy, potential harms, and future research directions for these complementary treatments.
  • To provide an expert consensus on the current state of evidence for alternative sinusitis and rhinitis therapies.

Main Methods:

  • A modified Delphi method engaged rhinology experts to establish consensus on evidence, harm, and research needs.
  • Systematic literature searches were conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases.
  • Evidence levels and recommendations were assessed using Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) criteria.

Main Results:

  • Over 60 alternative therapies were identified; 220 full-text articles were reviewed.
  • Most therapies demonstrated minimal to no scientific evidence of effectiveness.
  • Acupuncture, capsaicin, bromelain, and butterbur extract received low to moderate-high GRADE ratings, particularly for allergic rhinitis.

Conclusions:

  • Certain alternative therapies, including acupuncture and specific botanical extracts, show potential benefits, primarily in placebo-controlled trials.
  • Robust comparative studies against conventional medical treatments for sinusitis and rhinitis are largely absent.
  • Unsubstantiated claims and overlooked side effects on numerous alternative therapy websites necessitate careful patient counseling and further rigorous research.