Fire needle acupuncture at Neiyingxiang (EX-HN 9) in the treatment of moderate and severe refractory perennial allergic rhinitis: A case report

Abstract

Rationale: In recent decades, the incidence of perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) has been increasing annually. However, some patients could not achieve adequate symptomatic relief with routine pharmacological treatment. Consequently, there exists an urgent clinical imperative for the development of safe and efficacious treatments with sustained therapeutic impact to ameliorate the symptomatic burden and enhance the quality of life.

Patient concerns: The patient was a 35-year-old woman. She had suffered moderate and severe refractory PAR for decades and failed to sustain symptom mitigation from regular treatment.

Diagnoses: Perennial allergic rhinitis.

Interventions: The patient underwent a 4-week course of fire needle acupuncture at Neiyingxiang, administered weekly, during which all allopathic medication was discontinued.

Outcomes: The total nasal symptoms score, total non nasal symptoms score, rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire, and the total nasal resistance of the patient were decreased after treatment and achieved symptomatic relief. Follow-up conducted 3 months post-treatment revealed enduring symptom relief, with only sporadic nasal congestion elicited by cold stimulus.

Lessons: This case proves that, fire needle acupuncture at Neiyingxiang may be beneficial in treating moderate and severe refractory PAR patient and have a lasting effect.