OBJECTIVE:To compare the curative effects of heat-sensitive moxibustion with conventional drugs on chronic persistent asthma and seek a valuable therapy to replaceWestern Medicine.METHODS:The participants in this multi-center,randomized,and controlled study were randomly divided into two groups:group A(n=144),treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion(50 sessions)and group B(n=144),treated with Seretide(salmeterol50μg/fluticasone 250μg,twice a day).The scores of asthma control test(ACT),forced expiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1),peak expiratory flow(PEF),and attack frequency were measured after 15,30,60,and 90 days of treatment.Patients followed up3 and 6 months after treatment.RESULTS:There was a significant difference(P=0.0002)in the ACT score and lung function between the two groups after 3 months of treatment and(P=0.000 03)during the follow-up visits.In addition,heat-sensitive moxibustion reduced attack frequency in the period from inclusion to the6-month follow-up visit.CONCLUSION:This study shows that heat-sensitive moxibustion may have a comparable curative effect toSeretide(salmeterol/fluticasone)on asthma.
