[Observation on therapeutic effect of moxibustion at "heat sensitive points" on perennial allergic rhinitis].

Objective: To compare therapeutic effects of moxibustion at "heat sensitive points" and western medicine on perennial allergic rhinitis.

Methods: One hundred and twenty cases were randomly divided into a moxibustion group and a western medicine group, 60 cases in each group. The moxibustion group were treated with moxibustion at "heat sensitive points" on the head-face, abdomen, waist and back, once a day; and the western medicine group with oral administration of Cetirizine Hydrochloride, 10 mg each session, once daily, 10 days constituting one course.

Results: The total effective rate and the total effective rate for the cases of over effectiveness 3 months later were 85.0% and 86.3% in the moxibustion group and 63.3% and 50.0% in the western medicine group, respec tively, with significant or very significant difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

Conclusion: Moxibustion at "heat sensitive points" is an ideal therapy for perennial allergic rhinitis with low recurrence rate.