Intranasal acupuncture therapy for allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent allergic condition that affects the nasal mucosa. Intranasal acupuncture therapy (IAT), an innovative therapy that involves precisely inserting acupuncture needles into specific nasal acupoints, has demonstrated potential effects in managing AR. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of IAT in the management of AR.

Methods

Nine databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from their inception to September 2024. We included participants diagnosed with AR who received IAT alone or as add-on treatment to conventional treatment. The Cochrane risk of bias 2.0 tool and GRADE approach were applied to assess methodological qualities. A meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 software.

Results

Twenty-one RCTs with 1889 participants were included. The certainty of evidence was generally low and moderate. Compared to sham acupuncture, IAT significantly reduced the total nasal symptom score (MD −2.65, 95% CI −4.01 to −1.29, 1 RCT, 30 participants, moderate evidence). Compared to an antihistamine, IAT was associated with a lower total non-nasal symptom score (MD −0.44, 95% CI −0.64 to −0.25, 5 RCTs, 295 participants, moderate evidence) and a better quality of life measured by the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (MD −13.72, 95% CI −18.01 to −9.43, 4 RCTs, 255 participants, moderate evidence). No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

IAT may be beneficial in improving AR-related symptoms and quality of life. However, the safety of IAT remains unclear due to inadequate reporting. Further high-quality, rigorously designed, and well-reported trials are required.

Protocol registration

PROSPERO, CRD42024526357.