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Allergic Rhinitis

Overview

Allergic rhinitis, similar to sinusitis, is a chronic condition characterized by symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, nasal stuffiness, and a runny nose. It can be classified as allergy-related (allergic rhinitis) or due to other factors (non-allergic rhinitis). In individuals with allergic rhinitis, symptoms arise from the immune system's response to certain airborne allergens, which are typically harmless substances like pollen, pet dander, dust, and grass. Non-allergic rhinitis often affects adults and may result from exposure to irritants such as pollution or smoke, or it can be triggered by certain medications. Treatment approaches for allergic rhinitis are generally similar to those for sinusitis.

Diagnostic Patterns

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the treatment of rhinitis involves determining the appropriate diagnostic pattern unique to the individual rather than just addressing the overall condition. Frequently used acupuncture points for treatment include LI4 (Hegu) and UB4 (Chuanzu). Commonly prescribed herbal formulas consist of Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, Xin Yi Wan, Yu Ping Feng Wan, and Gui Zhi Tang Wan.

Research suggests that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for allergic rhinitis, with moderate quality evidence supporting its use (Feng 2015 – SR of 13 RCTs). Additionally, there is high-quality evidence demonstrating its efficacy and effectiveness, as noted in a systematic review by Taw (2015), which analyzed two large multi-center randomized controlled trials, three RCTs comparing acupuncture to medication, and one cost-effectiveness study. According to the OHNSF clinical practice guideline, clinicians may offer acupuncture or refer patients interested in nonpharmacologic therapy for allergic rhinitis, with an aggregate evidence quality rated as Grade B (Seidman 2015). Furthermore, studies indicate that acupuncture is a cost-effective option for managing allergic rhinitis (Kim 2012; Witt 2010). A study by Reinhold (2013) found that acupuncture significantly outperformed rescue medication in quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gained.