A new analysis of existing studies suggests that acupuncture and moxibustion might help children with adenoid hypertrophy, a condition where the adenoid gland blocks nasal breathing. The review combined results from multiple trials, but the evidence is not strong enough to change practice.
The analysis looked at several techniques, including conventional acupuncture, electroacupuncture, warm acupuncture, and different types of moxibustion. The main finding was that these treatments appeared to improve the adenoid-to-nasopharynx ratio, a measure of adenoid size. One specific technique, conventional moxibustion combined with traditional Chinese medicines, showed a notable improvement in nasal obstruction compared to other treatments.
However, the researchers caution that most of the included studies had a high risk of bias, and the overall confidence in the results was very low to low. This means the findings are preliminary and not definitive. No serious side effects were reported, but safety data was incomplete.
For parents considering these options, it's important to talk to a pediatrician or an ENT specialist. This review does not prove that acupuncture or moxibustion is a reliable treatment, but it suggests that further, better-designed research might be worthwhile.
