Efficacy and Safety of Auricular Acupressure in Treating Allergic Rhinitis

NCT ID: NCT06323304

Last Updated: 2024-10-29

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

90 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2024-03-13

Study Completion Date

2024-08-30

Brief Summary

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Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global health problem affecting approximately 10% to 40% of the population worldwide, with an increasing trend. It significantly impacts health and quality of life. Current treatments for AR include allergen avoidance, symptom-relieving medications, anti-inflammatory therapy, and allergen-specific immunotherapy. However, many patients still experience uncontrolled symptoms despite these approaches, either as monotherapy or in combination, along with medication side effects such as drowsiness, dry eyes, nasal mucosal damage, and immunosuppression.

Auricular acupressure therapy (AAT) utilizes ear acupoints by applying pressure with ear seeds. The neurobiological mechanisms of AAT on the human body have gained increasing attention in clinical and experimental studies, involving anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. Its efficacy has been recognized, becoming a potential alternative therapy for various conditions such as sleep disorders, obesity, and chronic pain. Previous clinical studies have reported the efficacy and safety of AAT in treating AR. However, the primary outcomes of these studies remain inconsistent and lack specific criteria for evaluating AR treatment efficacy.

This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of AAT in treating AR based on the ARIA guideline 2019 treatment efficacy criteria. It will provide a basis for applying AAT as a complementary approach in the multimodal treatment of AR.

Detailed Description

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Patients with allergic rhinitis who have typical symptoms such as nasal itching, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and are indicated for corticosteroid nasal spray according to the ARIA 2019 diagnostic and treatment guidelines will be registered for this study. They will then be randomly assigned to two groups: Intervention group (auricular acupressure therapy + fluticasone propionate nasal spray), and control group (sham auricular acupressure therapy + fluticasone propionate nasal spray). The allocation ratio for the two groups is 1:1.

The intervention period for both groups is four weeks. Auricular acupressure therapy or sham acupressure therapy will be performed every week. Fluticasone propionate nasal spray will be used whenever symptoms occur. Patients will also be encouraged to adjust their lifestyle and living environment.

Data on the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms (including nasal itching, sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, eye symptoms, and headache), the Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ), and side effects of auricular acupressure therapy will be recorded before the study and weekly for 4 weeks.

Conditions

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Itching Runny Nose Sneezing Nasal Congestion

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

TRIPLE

Participants Investigators Outcome Assessors
Triple-blind method (Participant, Investigator, Outcome assessor) Participants will be blinded to their randomization assignment, either to the intervention group or the control group. Sham acupressure therapy will be performed at acupoints that have no therapeutic effect on allergic rhinitis, and the procedures will be similar to auricular pressure therapy. Both groups will be treated with fluticasone propionate nasal spray, which is the standard treatment.

The physician who perform auricular acupressure therapy or sham acupressure therapy will be aware of the intervention assignment for each group, but they will not be involved in data analysis or outcome assessment. The data analysts and outcome assessors will be blinded to the treatment assignment.

Study Groups

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Auricular acupressure + fluticasone propionate nasal spray

Auricular acupressure therapy (AAT) once a week on the left ear for a total of four weeks (4 sessions). Fluticasone propionate nasal spray will be used whenever symptoms occur.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Auricular acupressure

Intervention Type OTHER

Auricular acupressure therapy will be performed once a week for 4 weeks using Vaccaria seeds, which is an herb in traditional medicine. The acupoints on the ear that will be treated with auricular acupressure therapy are Shenmen (TF4), Internal nose (TG4), Lung (CO14), Wind stream (SF1,2i), Adrenal gland (TG2p). These acupoints are believed to be effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The patches will be kept on the auricle for one week.

Standard treatment

Intervention Type OTHER

Standard treatment, continuously administered over the 4-week intervention period, involves standard doses of fluticasone propionate nasal spray as needed, and lifestyle modifications.

Sham acupressure + fluticasone propionate nasal spray

Sham acupressure therapy (SAT) once a week on the left ear for a total of four weeks (4 sessions). Fluticasone propionate nasal spray will be used whenever symptoms occur.

Group Type SHAM_COMPARATOR

Sham acupressure

Intervention Type OTHER

Sham acupressure therapy will be performed once a week for 4 weeks using Vaccaria seeds. The acupoints that will be treated with auricular acupressure therapy are Helix 2 (HX10), Shoulder (SF4), Clavicle (SF6), Anus (HX5) and Tooth (LO1). These acupoints are not used to treat allergic immune-related problems or respiratory diseases. The patches will be kept on the auricle for one week.

Standard treatment

Intervention Type OTHER

Standard treatment, continuously administered over the 4-week intervention period, involves standard doses of fluticasone propionate nasal spray as needed, and lifestyle modifications.

Interventions

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Auricular acupressure

Auricular acupressure therapy will be performed once a week for 4 weeks using Vaccaria seeds, which is an herb in traditional medicine. The acupoints on the ear that will be treated with auricular acupressure therapy are Shenmen (TF4), Internal nose (TG4), Lung (CO14), Wind stream (SF1,2i), Adrenal gland (TG2p). These acupoints are believed to be effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The patches will be kept on the auricle for one week.

Intervention Type OTHER

Sham acupressure

Sham acupressure therapy will be performed once a week for 4 weeks using Vaccaria seeds. The acupoints that will be treated with auricular acupressure therapy are Helix 2 (HX10), Shoulder (SF4), Clavicle (SF6), Anus (HX5) and Tooth (LO1). These acupoints are not used to treat allergic immune-related problems or respiratory diseases. The patches will be kept on the auricle for one week.

Intervention Type OTHER

Standard treatment

Standard treatment, continuously administered over the 4-week intervention period, involves standard doses of fluticasone propionate nasal spray as needed, and lifestyle modifications.

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Patients must be diagnosed with allergic rhinitis according to the ARIA 2019 (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) diagnostic criteria, must be between 18 and 60 years old.
* Must have had typical symptoms of allergic rhinitis for at least 2 years.
* Must provide written informed consent to participate in the study.
* Must be mentally alert and able to communicate effectively.
* Must have vital signs within normal limits (pulse, blood pressure, temperature, respiratory rate, SpO2).
* Must not have any other chronic diseases, including respiratory diseases (asthma, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.), thyroid disease, autonomic nervous system disorders, hypertension, or diabetes, as determined by medical history.
* Must not have any knowledge of auricular therapy.

Exclusion Criteria

* Have used decongestants, antihistamines, anticholinergics, or oral corticosteroids within the past 1 week.
* Have undergone auricular acupuncture, auricular acupressure, or other forms of acupuncture for the treatment of other respiratory diseases within the past 6 months.
* Have used stimulants (alcohol, beer, coffee, tobacco) within 24 hours of the study.
* Lesions (scars, tears, scratches, bites) on the left auricle.
* Allergic rhinitis with secondary infection, acute sinusitis or acute exacerbation of chronic sinusitis, or chronic sinusitis.
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

60 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Bui Pham Minh Man

Principal Investigator

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

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University of Medical Center HCMC - Branch no.3

Ho Chi Minh City, , Vietnam

Site Status

Countries

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Vietnam

References

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Related Links

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Other Identifiers

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701/HDDD-DHYD

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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