Acupuncture for chronic asthma

Abstract

Background: Acupuncture has traditionally been used to treat asthma in China and is used increasingly for this purpose internationally.

Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of acupuncture for the treatment of asthma or asthma-like symptoms.

Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trials register, the Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field trials register and reference lists of articles.

Selection criteria: Randomised and possibly randomised trials using acupuncture to treat asthma and asthma-like symptoms. Acupuncture could involve the insertion of needles or other forms of stimulation of acupuncture points.

Data collection and analysis: Trial quality was assessed by at least two reviewers independently. A reviewer experienced in acupuncture assessed the adequacy of the sham acupuncture. Study authors were contacted for missing information.

Main results: Seven trials involving 174 people were included. Trial quality varied and results were inconsistent. No statistically significant or clinically relevant effects were found for acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture. However the points used in the sham arm of some studies are used for the treatment of asthma according to traditional Chinese medicine. Only one study used individualised treatment strategies. Lung function could be compared statistically in only 3 trials. Peak expiratory flow rate showed a statistically insignificant increase of 8.4 litres/minute weighted mean difference (95% confidence interval -29.4 to 46.2) when acupuncture was compared to sham acupuncture.

Reviewer's conclusions: There is not enough evidence to make recommendations about the value of acupuncture in asthma treatment. Further research needs to consider the complexities and different types of acupuncture.