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Research: MAGNUSSON and co-workers,
Listed in Issue 105
Abstract
MAGNUSSON and co-workers, Bollebygd's Primary Health Care Center, Bollebygd, Sweden, anna-lena.magnusson@vgregion.se, have conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial of acupuncture for allergic rhinitis.
Background
Allergic rhinitis (hayfever) is a common condition usually treated with drugs. However some patients experience side effects from the drugs, while other fear the use of drugs. Acupuncture is an alternative approach to drug treatment.
Methodology
This study compared active and sham acupuncture in 40 patients with a history of allergic rhinitis. Patients were randomized and assessed pre treatment, and assessed again 12 months post treatment. Symptom improvements (using visual analogue scales), reductions in skin test reactions, and levels of immunoglobulin E were used as outcome measures.
Results
For one allergen, mugwort, a greater reduction in IgE levels (p = 0.019) and skin test reactions (p = 0.004 ) was seen in the treatment group as compared to the control group. This may be an artifact. For all other allergens, no differences were seen in clinical symptoms between active and sham acupuncture.
Conclusion
The effect of acupuncture on allergic rhinitis needs to be further investigated in larger studies.
References
Magnusson AL, Svensson RE, Leirvik C, Gunnarsson RK. The effect of acupuncture on allergic rhinits: a randomized controlled clinical trial. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine 32 (1): 105-115, 2004.
