Acupuncture at the Sphenopalatine Ganglion in the Treatment of Moderate-to-severe Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Exclusion Criteria

• •1. History or current evidence of perennial allergic rhinitis, acute sinusitis, allergic asthma, pneumonia; autoimmune disorders, or severe chronic inflammatory diseases;
• •2. History of nasal rhinopolypus or abnormalities;
• •3. Intake of antihistamines, anticholinergics, corticosteroids, decongestants, or antibiotics during the 1 month prior to beginning the study;
• •4. History of systemically administered corticosteroids within 6 months or specific immunotherapy, allergy desensitization therapy within 1 year before enrollment;
• •5. Serious uncontrolled blood coagulation disorder, cardiovascular disorder, severe hepatic/renal insufficiency or mental disorder;
• •6. Pregnancy or planning for pregnancy;
• •7. Known allergy, or contraindication to rescue medication or related drugs;
• •8. Known phobia to acupuncture or having received acupuncture treatment, or sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation or other complementary and alternative medicine within 1 months prior to enrollment.