OBJECTIVETo observe the immediate efficacy difference of relieving asthma for patients with the a cute attack of bronchial asthma between acupuncture and salbutamol and make the comparison of the efficacy at different time points during the needle retaining.

METHODSFive hundred and seventy-seven cases were randomized into two groups, an acupuncture group (289 cases) and an inhalation group (288 cases). All the patients received oxygen intake and anti-infection treatment with azithromycin. At the acute attack of asthma, acupuncture was applied immediately at bilateral Yuji (LU 10) in the acupuncture group. The needle was inserted obliquely towards the palm, 20-35 mm in depth, remained for 60 min. The needle was rotated once every 5 min. In the inhalation group, the salbutamol aerosol was provided, 200 microg, less than 8 sprays in 24 h. The changes in the indices of the pulmonary function and the symptom score of TCM were observed at the acute attack, right after acupuncture 5 min, 30 min and 60 min of the needle retaining in the acupuncture group, as well as 5 min after spraying in the inhalation group separately. The differences between groups were compared.

RESULTSThe indices of the pulmonary function and the symptom scores of TCM were all improved remarkably right after acupuncture in the acupuncture group and 5 min after spraying in the inhalation group (all P < 0.05), and the results in the inhalation group were superior to those in the acupuncture group (all P < 0.05). There were no remarkably differences between the results in 5 min of the needle retaining in the acupuncture group and those immediately after acupuncture. The indices were improved remarkably after the needle retaining for over 30 min in the acupuncture group as compared with those at the moment of acupuncture (all P < 0.05), which was similar to the effect of the inhalation group (all P > 0.05). The differences in the above indices were not significant statistically in 60 min of the needle retaining in the acupuncture group as compared with those in the needle remaining for 30 min (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture at Yuji (LU 10) acts on asthma relieving for the acute attack of bronchial asthma. It achieves the immediate effect quickly and the efficacy is the best in 30 min of needle retaining, which is equal to salbutamol aerosol.