Dose-effect relationship of ginger-partitioned moxibustion for allergic rhinitis: Study protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled and parallel clinical trial

Introduction Allergic rhinitis has a severe impact on patients’ life quality, and the incidence rate keeps increasing. Moxibustion is widely used for treating allergic rhinitis, and quantity is the basis of moxibustion efficacy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the different quantities of moxibustion and the efficacy of moxibustion in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. This study may be conducive to the standardization of moxibustion and explore the dose-effect relationship of moxibustion providing data and new ideas. Methods This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial will include 33 patients with allergic rhinitis who will be randomly assigned into three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio:high-dose moxibustion group, low-dose moxibustion group and sham moxibustion control group. All groups will be treated once every other day, 20 days for one treatment course. The patients will receive treatment for 2 courses with an interval of 2 days between courses. We will conduct follow-up 30 days later after completion of treatments. The primary outcome measure is the Total Nasal Symptom Score, carried out at baseline, 3, 6 and 10 weeks. Secondary outcome measure is Rhino Conjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, carried out at baseline, 6 and 10 weeks. Discussion This trial is expected to reveal the preliminary dose-effect relationship of moxibustion in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and provide a reference for the objective development of moxibustion. Trial registration number ChiCTR2100050373. Prospective registration.