Introduction

Allergic rhinitis (AR) causes symptoms such as hyper-rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, and pain by triggering inflammation in the nasal mucosa and an immune response caused by antigen-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE). This prospective multicenter observational study aimed to evaluate the symptoms change and safety of combined Korean medicine (KM) therapy in patients with AR.

Methods

This study was conducted in HAMSOA Korean Medicine Clinics, a network specializing in treating pediatric patients in Korea, and 15 centers participated. The patients were divided into three groups (mild, moderate, and severe) according to their baseline total nasal symptom score. The patients were treated with herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping therapy, and moxibustion therapy.

Results

The study involved 72 subjects aged 6.47±2.37 years. The average Numeric Rating Scale for allergic rhinitis symptoms at the baseline and final follow-up were 4.39±2.14 to 3.47±2.51, respectively, indicating a significant improvement over an average of 4 weeks. The Pediatric Allergic Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire scores at the final screening improved in all three groups. The mean difference was -10.44, with a 95% confidence interval of -15.35 to -5.54 (p<0.01.). Furthermore, no adverse events were reported in any patient in this study.

Conclusion

The results provide preliminary evidence suggesting that KM treatment may be a safe and effective option for reducing symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis in children. Additional prospective studies are required to confirm the results of the present study.

中文翻译：

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韩医联合疗法治疗过敏性鼻炎儿童：初级保健网络诊所的一项前瞻性、多中心、观察性登记试验

介绍

过敏性鼻炎 (AR) 通过引发鼻粘膜炎症和抗原特异性免疫球蛋白 E (IgE) 引起的免疫反应，导致鼻漏过多、打喷嚏、鼻塞、瘙痒和疼痛等症状。这项前瞻性多中心观察性研究旨在评估韩药联合疗法 (KM) 治疗 AR 患者的症状变化和安全性。

方法

这项研究是在 HAMSOA 韩国医学诊所进行的，该诊所是韩国专门治疗儿科患者的网络，共有 15 个中心参与。根据基线总鼻部症状评分，将患者分为三组（轻度、中度和重度）。对患者进行中药、针灸、拔罐、艾灸等治疗。

结果

该研究涉及 72 名年龄为 6.47±2.37 岁的受试者。基线和最终随访时过敏性鼻炎症状的平均数字评分量表分别为 4.39±2.14 至 3.47±2.51，表明平均 4 周内有显着改善。最终筛查时的小儿过敏性疾病生活质量问卷分数在所有三组中均有所改善。平均差为 -10.44，95% 置信区间为 -15.35 至 -5.54（p<0.01）。此外，本研究中没有任何患者报告不良事件。

结论

结果提供了初步证据，表明 KM 治疗可能是减轻儿童过敏性鼻炎相关症状的安全有效的选择。需要更多的前瞻性研究来证实本研究的结果。