• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.55-73
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• 2020

Objectives : We investigated the effectiveness and safety of intranasal phototherapy for allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods : We searched 8 electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CiNii Articles, OASIS, NDSL, KISS, KMbase) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that reported the use of intranasal phototherapy for AR from their inception until May 30, 2020. Two investigators independently searched, collected, and screened the RCTs. We performed data extraction and evaluation for risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Results : This study included 12 RCTs; six studies compared intranasal and sham phototherapy, of which four studies reported a significant inter group difference and two studies reported a significant difference partially. No significant changes in symptoms were observed between the phototherapy and conventional therapy groups. The phototherapy and concurrent acupuncture treatment group showed a significantly higher effectiveness rate compared with the group that received only acupuncture. Both the phototherapy and laser acupuncture group showed significant improvement in the symptom severity scale scores. Six studies reported mild adverse effects, such as dryness and nasal pain in the intranasal phototherapy group; however, no severe adverse effects were reported. Conclusions : This study confirmed the safety and effectiveness of intranasal phototherapy for symptom relief and improved quality of life in patients with AR. However, further studies are needed on this topic in order to demonstrate it clearly.

• Medical Lasers
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.95-102
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• 2020

Phototherapy has a profound immunosuppressive effect and is widely used for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. Since allergic rhinitis (AR) shares several common pathologic features with atopic dermatitis, intranasal phototherapy is a novel approach for treating AR. Phototherapy reduces the antigen presenting capacity of dendritic cells, induces apoptosis of immune cells, and inhibits synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory mediators from inflammatory cells. The effectiveness of phototherapy for AR has been extensively researched: from in vitro studies to several clinical trials. Data indicates the potential of intranasal phototherapy as an alternative treatment for AR as well as other inflammatory mucosal diseases. In this review, we introduce the in vitro, in vivo studies, and clinical trials which demonstrated the effect of phototherapy on AR.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.99-116
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• 2014

Objective : The purpose of this study is to analyze research trends on the effects of intranasal phototherapy on allergic rhinitis. Methods : We searched potentially relevant studies using electronic databases, such as PubMed, OASIS, KMbase, and RISS. Our review of clinical research in allergic rhinitis was restricted to an analysis of papers published within the last 5 years. Independent reviewers extracted data using a standardized form. Results : In total, twenty four studies were included. Eleven studies were analyzed, and five randomized trials were identified. They suggested to be effective and no serious side-effects. Conclusions : Intranasal phototherapy can be effectively used as an alternative to the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Further studies are needed on this topic in order to demonstrate the effectiveness clearly.