A systematic review of the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture for allergic rhinitis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Allergies cause a considerable burden to both sufferers and the National Health Service. There is growing interest in acupuncture as a treatment for a range of conditions. Since acupuncture may modulate the immune system it could be a useful treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR) sufferers. We therefore assessed the evidence for the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture in patients with AR by performing a systematic review of the literature.

Methods

Searches (to 2007) were conducted in all major databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of AR. No limits were placed on language. Studies were included if they compared acupuncture to a sham or inactive acupuncture treatment (placebo) with or

SUBMITTER: Roberts J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2386775 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature