Objective

2

To observe the clinical efficacy of acupoint thread-embedding therapy of regulating governor vessel

dispersing lung

and suppressing reflux for gastroesophageal reflux cough (GERC).

Methods

2

A total of 120 GERC patients were randomly assigned to an observation group (60 cases

1 case dropped out) and a control group (60 cases

1 case was eliminated). The observation group received acupoint thread-embedding treatment at positive response points of governor vessel. If no such points were detected

the following acupoints were used: Dazhui (GV14)

Fenghu (Extra)

Shendao (GV11)

Lingtai (GV10)

and Zhiyang (GV9). Treatment was administered once every two weeks. The control group received oral rabeprazole enteric capsules at 20 mg twice daily. All the treatment was given for 6 weeks. Clinical outcomes were assessed using cough symptom score

reflux disease questionnaire (RDQ) score

and Leicester cough questionnaire (LCQ) score before and after treatment in the two groups. Clinical efficacy was also compared between the two groups.

Results

2

After treatment

both groups showed decreased cough symptom scores and the each item scores and total scores of RDQ (

P

<

0.001)

and increased LCQ scores (

P

<

0.001) compare with those before treatment. The observation group exhibited lower cough symptom score and chest pain

reflux and total score of RDQ

and higher LCQ score compared to those in the control group (

P

<

0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 94.9% (56/59)

which was higher than 84.7% (50/59) in the control group (

P

<

0.05).

Conclusion

2

Acupoint thread-embedding therapy of regulating governor vessel

dispersing lung

and suppressing reflux could effectively alleviate cough and reflux symptoms in patients with GERC and improve their quality of life.