Actively Recruiting
Effect of Acupuncture at the Sphenopalatine Ganglion in the Treatment of Moderate-to-severe Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Led by Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences · Updated on 2025-07-16
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
G
Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
Lead Sponsor
A
Aerospace 731 Hospital
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (SAR) is an inflammatory condition caused by an immune system reaction to allergens such as grass and birch pollen. It affects millions worldwide and causes bothersome nasal symptoms for weeks during allergy seasons. This trial studies acupuncture targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a nerve cluster near the nasal area, to see if it can better relieve SAR symptoms compared to sham acupuncture or medication alone. The study is randomized and aims to provide evidence on acupuncture's safety and effectiveness for SAR. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: an acupuncture group receiving needles inserted near the SPG to stimulate the nerve, a placebo acupuncture group receiving shallow needle insertion without stimulation, or a rescue medication group receiving no acupuncture but allowed to use medication if needed. Acupuncture sessions involve specific needle placement and stimulation lasting about 30 minutes. The rescue medication group may choose to receive acupuncture after the study period. During the study, participants' allergy symptoms and medication use will be tracked daily for up to eight weeks, with additional follow-up during the next allergy season. Researchers will assess changes in combined symptom and medication scores, quality of life, and global improvements. Participants will complete symptom questionnaires and medication diaries, and their safety will be monitored throughout the trial lasting until the end of 2026.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Acupuncture at the Sphenopalatine Ganglion in the Treatment of Moderate-to-severe Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 years and up to 75 years
- History of moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms for more than 4 days per week, lasting at least 4 consecutive weeks, and persisting for at least two years
- Positive skin prick test or serum-specific IgE test to grass and birch pollen
- Ability to complete medical forms and provide written informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- History or current evidence of perennial allergic rhinitis, acute sinusitis, allergic asthma, pneumonia, autoimmune disorders, or severe chronic inflammatory diseases
- History of nasal polyps or nasal abnormalities
- Use of antihistamines, anticholinergics, corticosteroids, decongestants, or antibiotics within 1 month prior to the study
- Use of systemic corticosteroids within 6 months or allergy desensitization therapy within 1 year prior to enrollment
- Serious uncontrolled blood clotting problems, cardiovascular issues, severe liver or kidney failure, or mental disorders
- Pregnancy or planning pregnancy
- Known allergy or contraindication to rescue medication or related drugs
- Phobia of acupuncture or prior acupuncture treatment, sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation, or other complementary medicine within 1 month prior to enrollment
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants receive acupuncture treatment or placebo acupuncture, or use rescue medication only, to manage moderate-to-severe seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Weekly visits for up to 8 weeks
Duration - 1 week
Participants are monitored during the first week following symptom onset in the second year to assess long-term effects of treatment.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
No.731 Hospital of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation
Beijing, China
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
W
Weiming Wang, MD, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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