Randomized clinical trial of intranasal PBMT for allergic rhinitis relief

Summaries 1 min 169

Font Size

Created On: 18/06/2025

For AR, emerging research has increasingly focused on innovative, non-invasive therapies that are free from side effects.

See All

Key take away

In patients with allergic rhinitis, photobiomodulation significantly improves nasal airflow, obstruction symptoms, and overall rhinitis control, though it does not affect olfactory function.

Background

For AR, emerging research has increasingly focused on innovative, non-invasive therapies that are free from side effects. One such approach, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), leverages red to infrared light wavelengths to influence cellular activity, offering anti-inflammatory and tissue-repairing effects. This study sought to assess the clinical effectiveness of PBMT in AR.

Method

In this randomized clinical trial, 62 AR-affected patients were enrolled. Participants received PBMT twice a week, totaling 8 sessions over a month. The placebo group (n=29) underwent treatment using a sham device without light emission, while the active treatment group (n=33) was administered 6 J of red and infrared light intranasally, supplemented with 1 J of infrared light externally over the nasal area. Evaluations of nasal obstruction and olfactory function—using objective, psychophysical, and subjective measures—were carried out both pre- and post-treatment.

Result

The PBMT group exhibited remarkable improvements in several respiratory and nasal function metrics. Peak nasal inspiratory flow substantially increased (p < 0.001), and nasal obstruction symptoms improved as shown by the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale (p = 0.048). The Rhinitis Control Assessment Test also revealed notable symptom relief over the preceding week (p = 0.035). However, olfactory performance, assessed via the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, exhibited no statistically significant change (p = 0.251).

Conclusion

PBMT appeared to be a safe and effective treatment option for AR patients, offering a promising alternative for those who cannot tolerate conventional medications.