Acoustic Vibrational Therapy for the Treatment of Pediatric Rhinitis

Acoustic resonance therapy (ART), in which individually calibrated acoustic vibratory energy is delivered to the sinonasal cavities, has been shown to be safe and efficacious to reduce symptoms in adults with allergic and/or nonallergic rhinitis. This prospective, nonrandomized, single-center feasibility study evaluated potential use in pediatric patients age 12 to 21 with a nasal congestion sub-score of ≥2 out of 3 on the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS). Nasal congestion sub-score at baseline was compared with an average of the daily score obtained over 2 weeks on treatment. 31 subjects enrolled. Nasal congestion sub-score changed by -0.76 (95% CI [-0.97, -0.54], P < .0001) for an average reduction of 35.2%, while aggregate TNSS changed by -2.74 (95% CI [-3.41, -2.06], P < .0001) for an average reduction of 40.5%. All other TNSS subcomponents demonstrated statistically significant improvements compared with their respective baseline. ART warrants further investigation as a nonpharmacologic option for treatment of pediatric chronic rhinitis.