An eight-week comparison
The researchers randomly assigned 60 children with snoring, with an average age of 7.9 years, to two groups of 30. The first received the traditional Chinese medicine combination. The second received oral montelukast and mometasone furoate nasal spray for eight weeks.
The assessment covered nasal obstruction, nighttime snoring and mouth breathing. The researchers also measured the OSA-18 quality-of-life score and the adenoid-to-nasopharynx ratio, known as the A/N ratio.
A favorable signal, with no figures available on the size of the benefit
According to the abstract, symptom improvements and reductions in the OSA-18 score and A/N ratio were statistically greater with the combined treatment. However, pretreatment and post-treatment values, absolute differences between groups and their confidence intervals are not provided. This makes it impossible to assess the actual size of the benefit.
These findings concern symptoms, quality of life and an anatomical indicator. The abstract reports no measurement of breathing events during sleep. Despite the reference to apnea-hypopnea in the scientific title, it does not establish that breathing pauses decreased.
Neither validation of each component nor a guarantee of safety
Because the four components were administered together, the trial cannot determine which contributed to the result. The abstract also does not specify the blinding procedures, the detailed composition of the decoction or whether there was any follow-up after the eight weeks.
No adverse events were observed in either group, according to the authors. This finding in a small sample over a short period does not demonstrate the combination’s safety, particularly regarding rare or delayed effects. Funding and conflicts of interest cannot be verified from the excerpt provided.
Limitations to keep in mind
Abstract only; full text not reviewed. Small sample, no absolute results, unspecified blinding procedures and no reported objective respiratory outcomes. The individual effects of each intervention and their long-term safety remain undetermined.
What we can take away
This trial provides a favorable signal for a specific combination, not sufficient evidence to replace established care for childhood snoring or sleep apnea.
Sources and provenance
- Sleep apnea-hypopnea in children: Evidence that Lize Tongqi decoction with acupuncture, moxibustion, and Xinwu acupoint stimulation is superior to standard Western treatment using montelucast/mometasone furoate.
Source date: 2026-11-01.
Comparative Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Journal Article · Résumé Europe PMC uniquement, texte intégral non consulté