OBJECTIVETo observe the improvement of the quality of life (QOL) of patients with bronchial asthma treated with acupuncture based on the interior-exterior relationship of the lung and large intestine, in terms of meridian-collateral theory and through the lung and large intestine meridians.

METHODSAccording to the random number table, 52 cases of bronchial asthma at chronic persistent stage of the middle degree in accordance with the inclusive criteria were divided into a lung meridian acupoint group (group A), a large intestine meridian acupoint group (group B), a lung and large intestine meridian acupoint group (group C) and a control group at the ratio of 1:1:1 = 1, 13 cases in each one. In the control group, according to the requirement, Ventolin aerosol was used, one spray/time, < or = 4 times/day. The treatment of 12 weeks was required. In the first 3 groups, on the basis of the treatment as the control group, acupuncture was supplemented. In group A, Chize (LU 5), Kongzui (LU 6), Lieque (LU 7), etc. were selected. In group B, Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Tianshu (ST 25), etc. were selected. In group C, Chize (LU 5), Kongzui (LU 6), Lieque (LU 7), Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI4), etc. were selected. Acupuncture was given once every two days, 3 times a week. Totally, 12 treatments made one session and 3 sessions (12 weeks) were required. The Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) was adopted to assess the total score and four subscales, named activity limitation, environment stimulation, emotion and symptom, and determine the efficacy.

RESULTSIn comparison before and after treatment in the same group, AQLQ total score, emotion score and symptom score were all increased significantly in group A and group C separately (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The environment stimulation score was increased in group C (P < 0.05). In group B, AQLQ total score and the activity score were increased remarkably (both P < 0.05). In comparison among groups: compared with the control group, AQLQ total score and symptom score in group A and group C were improved obviously (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); the emotion score was increased obviously in group B and group C (both P < 0.01) and the environment stimulation score was increased obviously in group C (P < 0.05). Compared with group B, the symptom score was improved much obviously in group C (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture improves the quality of life much more obviously for the patients with bronchial asthma in terms of the lung and large intestine theory.