Complementary and Alternative Treatment Methods for Allergic Rhinitis: A Short Narrative Review

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a highly prevalent chronic condition affecting hundreds of millions worldwide, with incidence continuing to rise. Conventional pharmacotherapy (antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, leukotriene antagonists, and immunotherapy) is effective but can be limited by side effects, cost, and long-term adherence issues. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches, including acupuncture, herbal therapies, saline irrigation, and others, are widely used globally and particularly in Asian countries. This updated review synthesizes evidence from the literature up to April 2026 on common CAM modalities for AR symptom relief and quality-of-life improvement. While recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses provide supportive data for certain interventions (e.g., acupuncture and select herbal preparations), the overall evidence base remains limited by methodological heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and variable study quality. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to establish efficacy, mechanisms, safety, and optimal integration with conventional care.