Multidimensional assessment of patient-reported outcomes and TCM syndrome improvement in allergic rhinitis: A retrospective cohort study of acupuncture combined with Yu Ping Feng San.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic condition that significantly impairs quality of life. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) recognizes lung qi deficiency and cold-type syndrome as a prevalent subtype. This study aimed to provide real-world evidence on the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with Yu Ping Feng San in treating this TCM subtype. A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 91 patients with lung qi deficiency and cold-type AR treated at the Central Hospital of Changsha between January 2024 and May 2025. Patients were divided into an observation group (acupuncture + Yu Ping Feng San, n = 45) and a control group (fluticasone propionate nasal spray, n = 46). Primary outcomes included total efficacy rate, total nasal symptom score (TNSS), rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) score, TCM syndrome score, and serum total IgE level, evaluated at baseline, after 4 weeks of treatment, and at 4 weeks posttreatment follow-up. Adverse events were also recorded. After 4 weeks, the observation group showed a significantly higher total efficacy rate (84.44%) compared to the control group (65.22%) (χ² = 4.452, P = .035). TNSS and RQLQ scores were significantly lower in the observation group (4.29 ± 1.38 and 43.92 ± 14.33) versus the control group (5.18 ± 1.43, P = .003; 52.73 ± 13.47, P = .003). At follow-up, TNSS and RQLQ scores slightly increased but remained significantly better in the observation group (P < .001). Posttreatment serum IgE levels were also significantly lower in the observation group (113.51 ± 28.57 IU/mL vs 134.82 ± 30.73 IU/mL, P = .001). Adverse event rates were comparable (13.3% vs 15.2%, P = .797), with no serious events reported. Acupuncture combined with Yu Ping Feng San demonstrates superior efficacy in relieving symptoms, improving quality of life, and reducing serum IgE levels in lung qi deficiency and cold-type AR compared to fluticasone propionate alone. The therapy is well tolerated and shows sustained benefits posttreatment.