Clinical observation on gastroesophageal reflux asthma treated with tongdu jiangni needling technique

OBJECTIVE To compare the clinical effect on gastroesophageal reflux asthma between the tongdu jiangni needling technique of acupuncture (acupuncture for promoting the circulation of the governor vessel and reducing the reversed qi) and omeprazole enteric capsules (OME). METHODS A total of 60 patients with gastroesophageal reflux asthma were randomized into an acupuncture group and a western medication group, 30 cases in each one. The basic treatment for anti-bronchial asthma was provided in both of the groups. Additionally, OME was prescribed for oral administration in the western medication group, twice a day, 20 mg each time, for 8 weeks. In the acupuncture group, the tongdu jiangni needling technique of acupuncture was added. The needles were inserted at the sites inferior to the spinous processes of T3 to T12. Acupuncture was given once in the morning on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday respectively, totally for 8 weeks. Separately, before and after treatment, the score of reflux disease diagnostic questionnaire (RDQ), the score of asthma control test (ACT) and the tenderness threshold at the sites inferior to the spinous processes of T3 to T12 were observed and the clinical effect was evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS ①The remarkably effective and curative rate was 46.7% (14/30) in the acupuncture group, higher than 3.3% (1/30) in the western medication group (P<0.01). The asthma control rate was 66.7% (20/30) in the acupuncture group, higher than 13.3% (4/30) in the western medication group (P<0.01). ②RDQ score after treatment was lower than that before treatment in either group (P<0.05). The decrease range of RDQ score in the acupuncture group was larger than that of the western medication group (P<0.05). After treatment, ACT score was increased as compared with that before treatment in either group (P<0.05) and the increase range of ACT score in the acupuncture group was larger than that of the western medication group (P<0.05). ③The tenderness thresholds at the sites inferior to the spinous processes of T3 to T8 and T10 to T12 were all increased after treatment as compared with those before treatment in the acupuncture group separately (P<0.05). In the western medication group, the thresholds were only increased at the sites inferior to the spinous processes of T6, T7 and T9 after treatment as compared with those before treatment separately (P<0.05). After treatment, the tenderness thresholds at T6 to T8 in the acupuncture group were all higher than the western medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The tongdu jiangni needling technique of acupuncture effectively relieves the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux asthma and improves the quality of life in the patients and its effect is better than omeprazole enteric capsules.