Abstract

*Dr. Jisha Mol K. R., Dr. Geetha Kumari V., Dr. Prashanth Shetty, Dr. Sujatha K. J. and Mr.Balakrishna Shetty

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives: Facial steam and acupuncture are a part of naturopathy based drugless systems of medicine and are commonly used by naturopathy physicians as a treatment of choice in Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This study was done to investigate the effects of facial steam and acupuncture in patients with CRS and thereby substantiate the clinical understanding of its effect. Methodology: A total of 60 participants, were randomly assigned into 2 groups. One group received facial steam as intervention & other acupuncture for 10 days. Assessments were made on 1st day and after 10 day of intervention. The assessment tools included were 22-item Sino nasal outcome test (SNOT-22) and a global questionnaire regarding symptom frequency. Results: Data was checked for normal distribution and SNOT-22 scores were analysed by using Independent‘t’ test and symptom frequency scores were analysed by Mann-Whitney U test with SPSS (Version 20.0) package. In both the groups significant decrease in the scores of severity of symptom, measured by SNOT-22 and severity of frequency of symptoms, measured by Global question were found. Interpretation and Conclusion: Facial steam and acupuncture were found to be very effective in patients suffering from CRS by reducing the clinical symptoms and improvement in the quality of life. There were no adverse effects reported among the subjects across all the groups who received the respective interventions.