To Study the Effects of Hypnosis on Patients of Allergic Rhinitis using Total Nasal Symptom Score (Tnss)

Abstract

Background: Allergic rhinitis is a common chronic condition that can significantly affect quality of life. Hypnosis has been proposed as a complementary approach for symptom management. This study evaluated the effect of hypnosis on allergic rhinitis symptoms using the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS).

Methods: An interventional study was conducted among 47 patients with allergic rhinitis at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, A.J. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Mangalore, from August 2022 to December 2023. Participants were assessed using TNSS before the hypnotic intervention and at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days after intervention. Changes in individual nasal symptoms and overall TNSS were evaluated.

Results: The mean pre-intervention TNSS was 7.28 ± 2.42. Following hypnosis, the mean TNSS decreased to 6.85 ± 2.03 at 15 days, 5.19 ± 1.34 at 30 days, 4.87 ± 1.17 at 45 days and 3.53 ± 1.23 at 60 days. A reduction in several individual allergic rhinitis symptoms was also observed during follow-up. Positive correlations were observed between baseline TNSS and TNSS at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days (r = 0.982, 0.861, 0.768 and 0.531, respectively; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Hypnotic intervention was associated with a progressive reduction in TNSS over 60 days. Hypnosis may be a complementary approach for reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Further controlled studies with larger sample sizes are required.