Effect of Combined Chinese and Western Nursing on Allergic Rhinitis: A Controlled Trial Assessing Symptoms, Quality of Life, Nasal Function, and Inflammation

Fang Wang; Jun Wang

doi:10.3791/68914

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Method Article

Effect of Combined Chinese and Western Nursing on Allergic Rhinitis: A Controlled Trial Assessing Symptoms, Quality of Life, Nasal Function, and Inflammation

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DOI:

10.3791/68914

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October 14th, 2025

Fang Wang¹ , Jun Wang²

¹Department of Operating Room, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, ²Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Tongji Shanxi Hospital

Summary

In the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR), integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine therapy has gained increasing attention. This article comprehensively evaluates the effectiveness of this combined therapy and explores the potential application of external traditional Chinese medicine therapies in the nursing care of AR.

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of an integrated nursing approach (combining traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine) for patients with AR, including symptom relief, nasal function improvement, enhancement of quality of life, and regulation of inflammatory responses. A total of 120 patients with AR were randomly divided into a control group (n = 60, receiving standard Western medical care) and an observation group (n = 60, receiving additional integrative nursing interventions based on TCM). The intervention period lasted 8 weeks, with follow-ups at 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-intervention. Outcome measures included rhinitis symptom scores, treatment effectiveness, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 (SNOT-20), EuroQol five-dimensional (EQ-5D) scores, olfactory function (University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test), inflammatory cytokine levels, regulatory T cell percentages, and rescue medication use. At 6 months post-intervention, the observation group showed considerably greater improvements than the control group: lower rhinitis symptom scores, higher treatment effectiveness, improved SNOT-20 and EQ-5D scores, enhanced olfactory function, reduced use of rescue medications, decreased levels of inflammatory markers, and increased regulatory T cell counts. The integrative nursing approach demonstrates promising therapeutic effects in managing AR. It effectively alleviates symptoms, improves nasal function and overall well-being, modulates immune-inflammatory pathways, and reduces reliance on symptomatic medication. These findings support further investigation of this approach in broader clinical settings.

Introduction

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a clinically common non-infectious disease characterised by inflammation of the nasal mucosa¹. It is a global health concern, affecting up to 40% of the population worldwide². The aetiology of AR is associated with environmental and genetic factors, although its exact cause and pathogenesis have not yet been fully understood.

Typical symptoms of AR include nasal congestion, runny nose, decreased nasal ventilation, and nasal itching, which can considerably affect patients' respiratory function and daily life, including sleep disturbances and daytime fatigue