Tratamento da rinite alérgica: comparação entre acupuntura e corticóide nasal

Objective: This study compared the treatment of allergic rhinithis effect using acupuncture and topic nasal corticoids in the evaluation of the main clinical parameters ( sneezing, itching, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and postnasal drainage) either in the otorhinolaryngological examination and in the laboratorial values of blood eosinophil and total IgE serum. Method: A total of 53 patients with perennial allergic rhini- this were treated in the period from August 2004 to August 2005; that is, during six weeks. The group acupuncture comprised 29 patients, and 12 acupuncture sessions were performed in points: Yintang, IG20 (Yinxian), Ig4(Hegu), VG20 (Baihui), VG23(Shangxing), VC17(Shangzhong), P7(Lieque), E36(Suzanli), R3 (Taixi), F3 (Taichong), BP6(Sanyinjiao) and R6 (Zhaohai) and moxibustion in VG4(Mingmen), VC4 (Guanyian), B23(Shenshu), B52(Zhishi), VG14(Dazhu), B11(Dazhi), B12 (Fengmen) and B13(Feishu). The medica- tion group comprised 24 patients, being administered nasal corticoids (beclomethasone dipropionate), 100mcg, applied twice to the day. Results: There was a significant improvement in both groups regarding the clinical and otorhinolaryngological parameters and also in the evaluation of laboratorial parameters. Howe- ver, there were no significant differences in the comparison of the studied results between both groups regarding all the parameters above mentioned. Conclusion: We can consider acupuncture a treatment me- thod as effective as nasal corticoids, with the advantage of the treatment do not cause side effects.