Combining Chinese medicine acupoint application with montelukast improved allergic rhinitis control and shifted immune balance more favourably than either treatment alone.
Children with perennial allergic rhinitis were randomly assigned to receive Chinese medicine acupoint application plus montelukast, acupoint application plus a placebo tablet, or placebo acupoint application plus montelukast. Acupoint applications were administered across six sessions over two weeks, while tablets were taken daily for twelve weeks. Symptom severity and rhinitis control were assessed repeatedly, and blood samples were analysed for immune signalling proteins and the balance between helper T cell types.
All treatment groups showed improved symptoms and rhinitis control over time. The groups receiving acupoint application experienced faster improvements in nasal congestion, sneezing, sleep problems, and overall symptom control than the montelukast-only group. The combined treatment produced the strongest improvement in immune balance, with fewer type two helper T cells and a more favourable balance between type one and type two helper T cells.
