It’s All In Your Head: New Breakthrough in the Treatment of Chronic Rhinitis (Runny Nose)

Chronic rhinitis is a condition we see all too often at Allergy & ENT Associates. In fact, symptoms of this condition are among the most common problems reported to physicians. Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) doctors see nearly one hundred patients each month in clinic who are suffering from the frustrating and uncomfortable symptoms of chronic rhinitis.  I have written about this procedure before, but I am pleased to give an update.

What is Rhinitis?

Rhinitis is inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane of the nose. Rhinitis can be classified as allergic (“hay fever”) or non-allergic, and some patients may have both (referred to as “mixed”).

Both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis can cause one or more symptoms including:

• Persistent runny nose

• Nasal congestion

• Post-nasal drip

• Nasal itching and sneezing

Rhinitis may be acute or chronic.  Acute rhinitis commonly results from viral infections such as a common cold but may also be a result of allergies, bacteria, or other causes.

When symptoms persist for months or years, this is referred to as chronic rhinitis. If you have used allergy medications and nasal sprays, but your symptoms are not improving over time, you may have chronic rhinitis. Typically, nasal nerves help regulate the nasal activity, structures called turbinates warm and moisturize air as it flows through the nose, and mucus production helps protect against infectious agents. With chronic rhinitis, the nasal nerves send too many signals, inflamed turbinates contribute to congestion and stuffy nose, and excessive mucus can drip down the throat (post-nasal drip) and cause a runny nose.

At Allergy & ENT Associates, we have seen firsthand the toll chronic rhinitis can take on patients’ lives, affecting sleep, daily functioning, productivity, and overall happiness. That’s why we’re excited to announce there’s now a better way to achieve lasting relief.

RhinAer is an innovative, new treatment that provides lasting relief from chronic rhinitis. We now offer this convenient, effective, and non-invasive procedure and we’re excited about the numerous benefits it provides patients. RhinAer uses patented temperature-controlled radiofrequency technology to deliver precise therapeutic benefits, treating the sources of both runny and stuffy nose. The procedure can be performed under a local anesthetic during a routine office visit, with no incisions, no downtime, and minimal discomfort. Patients typically return to normal activity on the same day.

Most patients begin to see improvement between two- and six weeks following treatment, with clinical results demonstrating meaningful, lasting benefits. On average, patients treated reported a 58% decrease in chronic rhinitis symptoms, including runny nose, congestion, itching and sneezing at one-year post-treatment.

At Allergy & ENT Associates, we strive to provide our patients with the highest quality of care, and we are thrilled to add RhinAer to the treatments available in our office. If you would like to learn more about RhinAer, please schedule a visit by calling us today!