Study of Acupuncture at the Sphenopalatine Ganglion for Treating Moderate-to-Severe Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis in Adults

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 acupunctures 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.

Acupuncture at the Sphenopalatine Ganglion in the Treatment of Moderate-to-severe Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis