CompletedNot Applicable

Ear Acupuncture for Acute Sore Throat.

United States56 participantsStarted 2011-10

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to compare ear acupuncture plus standard of care versus standard therapy (anti-inflammatory medications) in the reduction of pain, reduction in oral anti inflammatory medication use, hours lost from work in acute sore throat.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion: * Male and female subjects (DoD beneficiaries), 18 years or older, with upper respiratory complaints and their primary symptom being acute sore throat. * Minimum pain score of 5 points on an 11 point scale (0-10 with 10 being the worst pain) Exclusion: * History of significant gastrointestinal bleed * Previous documented history of stage 2 kidney disease or worse * Known Pregnancy * History of gastric bypass surgery * Known Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) * Throat, mouth or esophageal cancer * Chronic oral steroids use * Absence of one or more ears * Active cellulitis of ear * Ear anatomy precluding identification of acupuncture landmarks * Non-English speaking * Use of Hearing Aids that preclude the use of ear acupuncture * Allergy to Ibuprofen

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Reduction in Pain

Timeframe: 48 hours per subject

Ibuprofen Doses Taken

Timeframe: 48 hours per subject

Missed Work Hours

Timeframe: 48 hours per subject

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01302769

SponsorMike O'Callaghan Military Hospital

Sponsor typeFED

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2014-08

Results submitted2020-06-24

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Acute Sore Throat trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.