Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou decoction combined with acupuncture and moxibustion in treating allergic rhinitis (AR) and its effect in regulating serum Thl/Th2 and IgE level. Method: Totally 121 patients with severe persistent AR were divided into the control group (60 cases) and the observation group (61 cases) according to the random number table method. Patients in the control group was given budesonide aerosol inhalation

200-1 600 μg · d-1

once in the morning or twice separately in the morning or at night

and desloratadine tablets

10 mg · d-1. Patients in the observation group took Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou decoction combined with acupuncture and moxibustion. The treatment course for both groups lasted for 14 days. The rhinobyon

rhinocnesmus

sneezing

shed tears and other relevant accompanying symptoms were scored. Patients' living quality was evaluated by rhino conjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ). And levels of serum total IgE (T IgE)

γ-interferon (IFN-γ)

interleukin-2 (IL-2)

interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Interleukin-5 (IL-5) were detected before and after the treatment. Result: The scores of rhinobyon

rhinocnesmus

sneezing

shed tears and other relevant accompanying symptoms in the observation group were less than that in the control group (P <0.05 or P <0.01). After the treatment

the total scores of non-nasocular symptoms

nasal symptoms

ocular symptoms and RQLQ in the observation group were also lower than that in the control group (P <0.05 or P <0.01). The levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 in the observation group were higher than that in the control group

but with lower IL-5 and T IgE levels than that in the control group (P <0.01). Conclusion: Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou decoction combined with acupuncture and moxibustion can effectively control clinical symptoms of patients with severe persistent AR and improve their quality of life. Its mechanism of action may be achieved by regulating Thl/Th2 cytokines and reducing serum IgE level.