ACUPUNCTURE IN TREATMENT OF STABLE ASTHMA

Previous studies of acupuncture in asthma have reported conflicting re sults, some claiming benefit for some patients. We conducted a randomi zed, double-blind (patient and evaluator) study in 23 non-smoking asth matics (10 M; 13 F) aged 43 +/- 15 years with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 59 +/- 16% pred. After initial assessment (respiratory function tests and Asthma Quality Life Questionnaire) patients were ra ndomized to receive either 'real' or 'sham' acupuncture. The measureme nts were repeated within 1 h and after 2 weeks. Patients were recordin g peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) throughout the period of the study. After 2 weeks patients who received 'real' treatment on the first vis it received 'sham' treatment and vice versa. The measurements were aga in repeated within 1 h and after 2 weeks. There was no improvement in any aspects of respiratory function measured after either form of acup uncture. Despite this there was a significant improvement in AQLQ and parallel reduction in the usage of bronchodilators. We concluded that in some patients acupuncture could be useful in improving quality of l ife and reducing the need for using bronchodilators either by having a placebo effect or that the exact site of needle puncture on the chest is unimportant.