The Effects of Using Yupingfeng Powder with Variation for the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an IgE mediated chronic inflammatory disease of the upper airways characterized by symptoms of sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal itching, and nasal obstruction . However, not only this disease is difficult to cure, but also its relapse rate is high, therefore exerting a certain impact on their daily life, work and study. Nowadays, the main treatment for allergic rhinitis is the use of western medicine, such as steroids and antihistamines. However, many clinical studies have found that the curative effect of western medicine is often not ideal.

Allergic rhinitis belongs to the category of "Rhinitis" in Chinese medicine. From the perspective of Chinese medicine, this disease is resulted from the deficiency of Qi and Yang Qi in the lungs, spleen and kidneys. Therefore, according to Chinese medicine theory, tonifying lung and spleen qi is the treatment principle for AR patients. Among different Chinese herbal formulae for AR, Yupingfeng san is commonly used for allergic diseases and in AR patients, due to its warm nature and able to improve the functions of the lungs and spleen. Yupingfeng san can improve symptoms and quality of life, as well as decrease the levels of interleukin and IgE in AR patients. This study will use Yupingfeng Powder with variation to evaluate its effectiveness and safety in treating AR. Hence, this study would be able to provide evidence on the efficacy and safety of Yupingfeng Powder with variation for AR.

Rhinitis is broadly defined as inflammation of the nasal mucosa. It is a common disorder that affects up to 40% of the population. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common type of chronic rhinitis, affecting 10-20% of the population, and evidence suggests that the prevalence of the disorder is increasing. AR is a very common clinical disease that can occur at any age. Severe allergic rhinitis has been associated with significant impairments in quality of life, sleep and work performance.

Allergic rhinitis is a complex immune and inflammatory disease. Its pathogenesis has not yet been fully known, and there is no clear way to cure. It is an IgE-mediated chronic inflammatory disease of the upper airways characterized by symptoms of sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal itching, and nasal obstruction, and cytokines such as IL-17 and IL-10 play an essential role in mediating allergic inflammation. Nowadays, the main treatment for allergic rhinitis is the use of western medicine, such as steroids and antihistamines. However, many clinical studies have found that the curative effect of western medicine is often not ideal.

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is a well tolerated choice for AR patients seeking complementary and alternative therapies to reduce AR symptoms. In recent years, studies have found that Yupingfeng Powder not only has few side effects (feeling of abdominal distension or increased in acne are reported), it can al so increase anti allergic ability and improve body's resistance, thus showing the advantages of oral Chinese medicine in the treatment of AR. Accordingly, CHM may influence the gastrointestinal system, including the intestinal mucosa and gut microbiota, the latter of which is essential for health and closely linked to diseases. A few systematic reviews and studies indicate that certain probiotics are beneficial for patients with AR.

In this study, fifty-eight eligible subjects will be recruited from Paediatric out-patient clinic and community, and randomly assigned to receive orally Yupingfeng Powder with variation or placebo twice a day for 8 weeks, with follow-up for another 8 weeks after stopping the treatment to observe the duration of efficacy and to explore the mechanism of Yupingfeng Powder in treating AR with respect to the immune response and gut microbiota.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age d above 5;
* Subjects with deficiency of lung and spleen Qi;
* At least 2 or more allergic symptoms rhinorrhea , sneezing , nasal obstruction and nasal itching for a cumulative period greater than 1 hour per day. These symptoms may be accompanied by itchy and red eyes and tears;
* Positive srum IgE test;
* Voluntary written consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known chronic disease such as asthma, rhinosinusitis, nasal polyposis;
* Known severe medical conditions, such as cardiovascular, liver or renal dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, cancers, cerebrovascular diseases, blood system diseases;
* Concomitant steroid, nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticoagulant, and immunotherapy within past month;
* Impaired hematological profile and liver / renal function;
* Known alcohol and / or drug abuse;
* Known allergic history to any Chinese herbal medicines;
* Subjects who are pregnant or lactating.