Clinical Effects of Far-Infrared Therapy in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the sixth most common chronic illness worldwide, which has a significant impact on patients' quality of life. The actual cost of AR is staggering, approximately $5.6 billion being spent annually in direct medical costs and other indirect costs. Therefore, it should be taken seriously upon its evaluation and treatment. AR is an IgE-mediated inflammation, which symptoms are likely due to increased vascular permeability. Current therapeutic options such as avoidance of allergen, medication and immunotherapy are unsatisfactory. Far-infrared (FIR) is an invisible electromagnetic wave with a wavelength longer than that of visible light. It has been used to treat vascular diseases as a result of an increase in blood flow. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of FIR therapy in patients with AR. Thirty-one patients with AR were enrolled in this study. A WS TY101 FIR emitter was placed to face the patient's nasal region at a distance of 30 cm. The treatment was performed for 40 min every morning for 7 days. Every day, patients recorded their symptoms in a diary before and during treatment. Each symptom of rhinitis was rated on a 4-point scale (0-3) according to severity. During the period of FIR therapy, the symptoms of eye itching, nasal itching, nasal stuffiness, rhinorrhea and sneezing were all significantly improved. Smell impairment was not improved until after the last treatment. No obvious adverse effect was observed in the patients during treatment and follow-up. We concluded that FIR therapy could improve the symptoms of AR and might serve as a novel treatment modality for AR.

Allergic rhinitis: An update on disease, present treatments and future prospects

“…Significant improvement in the symptoms of AR has also been claimed in one study after far infrared radiation (FIR) therapy [85]. FIR with an invisible electromagnetic wave of wavelength between 5.6 and 1000 μm is perceived as heat by thermo-receptors.…”

Heating and Compression Bandage Treatment Is Effective for Chronic Lymphedema with Dermatolymphangioadenitis—A Case-Controlled Study

“…This positive effect of thermal energy on the soft tissues has been demonstrated by Hu et al who have confirmed that local hyperthermia can also help to increase the microcirculatory blood flow, eliminate chronic inflammation, and promote tissue recovery. [34][35][36] We have demonstrated that the therapeutic effect on DLA in the HBT group is superior to that in the SBT group ( p < 0.05). This illustrates the therapeutic advantage that far infrared rays in combination with compression bandaging can have on DLA compared to SBT alone.…”

Phototherapy for the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

“…By applying FIR therapy to the nasal region in the patients with AR, our study demonstrated that FIR therapy could improve significantly for the clinical symptoms of eye itching, nasal itching, nasal stuffiness, rhinorrhea and sneezing during period of therapy (Hu & Li, 2007). Thirty-one patients with perennial AR enrolled in the study completed the FIR therapy.…”