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.
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The change of nasal and non nasal symptom scores
Timeframe: Assessments were conducted before intervention and after each intervention week throughout the four weeks (Week 0, Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4)