KLINISK NEUROAKUPUNKTUR

Peder Bo Christensen

Acupuncture as a Treatment for Sinusitis: A Review of Research

Sinusitis, also known as sinus inflammation, is a condition involving inflammation of the air-filled cavities around the nose, called sinuses. This can cause symptoms such as a stuffy nose, facial pain, headaches, and thick nasal discharge. While traditional treatments like antibiotics and decongestants are common, acupuncture has emerged as a potential alternative treatment. This article explores the research behind acupuncture as a treatment for sinusitis.

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become inflamed due to infection, allergies, or other causes. This can lead to blockage of the sinuses and buildup of mucus, resulting in symptoms such as facial pain, headaches, pressure behind the eyes, reduced sense of smell, and general discomfort. Acute sinusitis typically lasts up to 4 weeks, while chronic sinusitis can persist for more than 12 weeks despite treatment.

Acupuncture as a Treatment Method:

Regarding sinusitis, it is believed that acupuncture can help alleviate inflammation, reduce mucus production, improve sinus drainage, and strengthen the immune system, which can relieve symptoms and expedite the healing process.

Research on Acupuncture and Sinusitis:

Although there are not as many studies on acupuncture and sinusitis, there are some promising results. A study published in the journal "Medical Acupuncture" examined the effect of acupuncture on patients with chronic sinusitis and found that acupuncture treatment significantly reduced symptoms such as facial pain, headaches, and nasal congestion compared to sham treatment.

Another study, conducted by "The American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy," yielded similar results and concluded that acupuncture could be an effective treatment for sinusitis by improving sinus drainage and reducing the frequency of infections.

Perspectives:

These research findings suggest that acupuncture may be a promising treatment for sinusitis. However, further research and clinical studies are necessary to understand the precise mechanisms and optimize treatment protocols.

References:

Xue CC, An X, Cheung TP, Da Costa C, Lenon GB, Thien FC, Story DF. "Acupuncture for persistent allergic rhinitis: a randomised, sham-controlled trial." The Medical Journal of Australia. 2007 Jul 2;187(1):337. PMID: 17605762.

Liang KL, Su YC, Shiao AS, Wu SH. "The efficacy of acupuncture in management of acute and chronic rhinosinusitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 2015 Feb;152(2):271-81. doi: 10.1177/0194599814557073. Epub 2014 Nov 7. PMID: 25381279.

Xue CC, Dong L, Polus B, English R, Zheng Z, Da Costa C, Liang L, Thien FC. "Acupuncture for chronic sinusitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. 2013 Jan;110(1): 52-57. doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2012.10.020. Epub 2012 Dec 1. PMID: 23217614