This study evaluated the effects of wet cupping therapy on immune modulation, pulmonary function, and quality of life in adults with asthma. A total of 52 participants aged 30 to 55 years were allocated to either a control group or a wet cupping therapy group. Participants in the wet cupping therapy group received two sessions of wet cupping therapy, at baseline and one month later. Participants in both groups underwent clinical assessments at baseline and at two months. Pulmonary function, asthma-related quality of life, asthma control, dyspnea, fatigue, anxiety, and depression were assessed in both groups. Selected inflammatory markers were assessed only in the wet cupping therapy group.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
52
Wet cupping therapy was administered in two sessions at one-month intervals during the two-month study period. The procedure was performed at predefined anatomical points, including DU14, bilateral UB42, BL13, UB46. Negative-pressure cups were initially applied to the selected areas. After removal of the cups, superficial skin incisions were made using a sterile disposable No. 11 scalpel, followed by a second application of negative pressure for blood collection. Each session was planned to last approximately 30 minutes. The procedure was performed by a physician certified in wet cupping therapy.
Medipol Mega University Hospital
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change in FVC From Baseline to 2 Months
Forced vital capacity (FVC) was assessed by spirometry. Change from baseline to 2 months was evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline and 2 months
Change in Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire Score From Baseline to 2 Months
Asthma-related quality of life was assessed using the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Higher scores indicate better asthma-related quality of life.
Time frame: Baseline and 2 months
Change in COPD and Asthma Fatigue Scale Score From Baseline to 2 Months
Fatigue was assessed using the COPD and Asthma Fatigue Scale. Higher scores indicate greater fatigue severity.
Time frame: Baseline and 2 months
Change in FEV1 From Baseline to 2 Months
Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was assessed by spirometry. Change from baseline to 2 months was evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline and 2 months
Change in FEV1/FVC Ratio From Baseline to 2 Months
The FEV1/FVC ratio was assessed by spirometry. Change from baseline to 2 months was evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline and 2 months
Change in PEF From Baseline to 2 Months
Peak expiratory flow (PEF) was assessed by spirometry. Change from baseline to 2 months was evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline and 2 months
Change in Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) in the Wet Cupping Therapy Group From Baseline to 2 Months
The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) was calculated from peripheral blood cell counts using platelet, neutrophil, and lymphocyte values. SII was assessed only in the wet cupping therapy group. The change in SII from baseline to 2 months was evaluated as an indicator of systemic immune-inflammatory status.
Time frame: Baseline and 2 months
Change in Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI) in the Wet Cupping Therapy Group From Baseline to 2 Months
The Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI) was calculated from peripheral blood cell counts using monocyte, neutrophil, and lymphocyte values. SIRI was assessed only in the wet cupping therapy group. The change in SIRI from baseline to 2 months was evaluated as an indicator of systemic inflammatory status.
Time frame: Baseline and 2 months
Change in Asthma Control Test Score From Baseline to 2 Months
Asthma control was assessed using the Asthma Control Test (ACT). The ACT is a 5-item questionnaire with a total score ranging from 5 to 25, with higher scores indicating better asthma control.
Time frame: Baseline and 2 months
Change in Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale Score From Baseline to 2 Months
Dyspnea was assessed using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale. The scale ranges from 0 to 4, with higher scores indicating greater severity of breathlessness.
Time frame: Baseline and 2 months
Change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Scores From Baseline to 2 Months
Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The HADS consists of 14 items, including 7 anxiety items and 7 depression items, each scored from 0 to 3. Higher subscale scores indicate greater anxiety or depressive symptoms.
Time frame: Baseline and 2 months
Change in Eosinophil Level in the Wet Cupping Therapy Group From Baseline to 2 Months
Peripheral blood eosinophil levels were assessed only in the wet cupping therapy group. Within-group changes from baseline to 2 months were evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline and 2 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.