Evaluation of the Adjunctive Effects of Moxibustion in the Treatment of Cold-Syndrome Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa characterized by one or more of the following symptoms: nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal itching. It is an IgE-mediated immune disorder that typically occurs after exposure to allergens such as pollen, house dust mites, and animal dander. The reported prevalence of rhinitis in adults ranges widely from 1% to over 60%, largely depending on diagnostic definitions and geographic regions. Allergic rhinitis is estimated to affect approximately 10% to 30% of the global population and imposes a substantial burden on sleep quality, quality of life, cognitive function, and work productivity. Due to its chronic course, frequent recurrence, and complex pathophysiology, allergic rhinitis not only adversely affects patients' physical and mental health and overall quality of life but also results in significant socioeconomic burden. Current standard management strategies include allergen avoidance and pharmacological treatments such as oral and intranasal antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and intranasal glucocorticoids. However, despite stepwise treatment approaches, a considerable proportion of patients continue to experience persistent symptoms and impaired quality of life, and may suffer from medication-related adverse effects, including drowsiness, dryness of the nasal or ocular mucosa, and nasal irritation. Allergen-specific immunotherapy is currently regarded as the only disease-modifying treatment for allergic rhinitis. Nevertheless, its long treatment duration, high cost, requirement for medical supervision, and variable patient response substantially limit accessibility and long-term adherence, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In this context, there is an increasing need to identify adjunctive therapeutic approaches that are safe, effective, cost-efficient, and culturally acceptable. Traditional medicine has been widely applied in the management of