Effects of acupoint herbal patching as an add-on to asthma medication during Sanfu days, as the hottest days in summer, on the acute attack, the immunological response, and the pulmonary function in asthmatic children: A meta-analysis

Liu X, Li J · Medicine · 2022 September 16

Objective

To investigate the effects of acupoint herbal patching as an add-on to asthma medication during Sanfu days on acute attacks, immunological responses, and pulmonary function in asthmatic children.

Conclusions

Acupoint herbal patching as an add-on to asthma medication during Sanfu days had a significantly lower frequency of acute attacks and asthma relapse, and higher forced expiratory volume in 1 second, peak expiratory flow rate, and interferon-gamma after treatment in asthmatic children than asthma medication alone.

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Insights

Herbal patches applied to acupuncture points during the hottest summer days may improve asthma control and lung function when added to children’s medication.

Researchers systematically searched published studies up to July 2021 and combined evidence from studies comparing herbal patches applied to acupuncture points alongside standard asthma medication with medication alone in children with asthma. They assessed acute asthma attacks, relapse, immune responses, and measures of lung function. Compared with medication alone, adding acupoint herbal patching was associated with fewer acute attacks and asthma relapses, improved airflow and peak breathing performance, and higher levels of interferon-gamma, indicating a potentially enhanced immune response.