Result of chromic catgut implantation in treatment Allergic Rhinitis.

Abstract

Background : Chromic catgut implantation has been introduced into acupuncture clinic of Prapokklao Hospital to treat asthma since revelation of its effectiveness in the conference of acupuncture association of Thailand in 2007.Although it has a promising result, only small number of patients in the clinic got benefit because the number of patients with asthma was much less than those with allergic rhinitis.

Objective : To see whether chromic catgut implantation can also effectively treat allergic rhinitis, which may help lessen medical expenses and the frequency of leaving their work to visit doctor.

Methodology : From December 2007 to December 2008, twenty patients were enrolled.All had symptoms of nasal congestion and were diagnosed to have allergic rhinitis by physician who specialized in diseases of ear, nose and throat. They also had been treated with oral pills and/or nasal spray.The implantation was done on both sides of the back, with chromic catgut #0 being inserted through acupuncture point of Feng Men (BL12) and emerged on Fei Shu (BL13). The results were assessed at the end of each week either at acupuncture clinic or by telephone using self-constructed questionnaire. Those who were assessed by telephone were also later assessed at acupuncture clinic 4th and 8th week after implantation.

Results : In 19 patients (95%), of which 13 were moderate-to-severe cases, allergic symptoms became improved which sustained for more than 6 months without complications. Seven patients no longer required anti-allergic medication, with 3 of them being completely free from allergic symptom and medication requirement could be reduced in another 12 patients.There had been improvement from within the first week until the fourth week after implantation, with 20% and 40% of cases within the first and fourth week respectively. There was only 1 patient showing unsatisfied result.

Conclusion : Using implantation of chromic catgut for treatment of allergic rhinitis likely demonstrates satisfied results. This could be an alternative way to treat the allergic rhinitis patients.

Keywords : Acupuncture, Implantation, Allergic rhinitis