Objective To observe and compare the clinical efficacy on allergic rhinitis and the impacts on the expression of serum interleukin-4(IL-4)

interleukin-6(IL-6) and interleukin-10(IL-10) between intranasal acupuncture and routine acupuncture. Methods According to the random number table method

80 patients of allergic rhinitis were divided into an intranasal acupuncture group(40 cases) and a routine acupuncture group(40 cases). In the intranasal acupuncture group

Neiyingxiang(EX-HN9) and Biqiu(Extra) were punctured. In the routine acupuncture group

Yingxiang(LI20

bilateral)

Yintang(GV24

+

)

Shangxing(GV23) and Hegu(LI4

bilateral) were stimulated. In both groups

the treatment was given once daily

for 2 weeks. The total nasal symptom score(TNSS)

the total non-nasal symptom score(TNNSS) and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire(RQLQ) score were observed before and after treatment; the contents of IL-4

IL-6 and IL-10 in serum were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results Compared with the values before the treatment

the scores of TNSS

TNNSS and RQLQ

as well as the contents of serum IL-4 and IL-6 were all decreased after treatment in the two groups(P

<

0.05)

while the content of serum IL-10 was increased(P

<

0.05). After the treatment

in comparison with the routine acupuncture group

the scores of TNSS

TNNSS and RQLQ

as well as the contents of serum IL-4 and IL-6 were decreased and IL-10 was increased significantly in the intranasal acupuncture group(P

<

0.05). The total effective rate of the intranasal acupuncture group was 90%(36/40)

better than 80%(32/40) of the routine acupuncture group(P

<

0.05). Conclusion Intranasal acupuncture can effectively relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis

and improve the patient's quality of life

and has a better curative effect than routine acupuncture.