ClariFix
ClariFix Procedure
What is a ClariFix?
ClariFix is a minimally invasive office based procedure that uses cold therapy, or cryotherapy, to help treat and ease the symptoms of chronic rhinitis. By targeting hyperactive nerves in the nasal passages with cold temperatures, it interrupts nervous prompts, which helps to reduce stuffy nose symptoms for long-lasting relief.
ClariFix has been approved by the FDA and has been shown to be safe and effective through clinical trials. There is no tissue removal or cutting required. It is a simple and convenient procedure that can be performed by a doctor in-office.
How Does the ClariFix Procedure Work?
Chronic rhinitis results from overactive nasal nerves that send more signals than necessary, resulting in chronic stuffy nose symptoms. ClariFix aims to treat this issue by using cryotherapy to target the overactive nerves and calm them down, giving the nasal passages time to heal and return to normal.
Before you can receive the ClariFix cryotherapy procedure, you will need to consult with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. During your consultation, the doctor will assess your symptoms and medical history to determine if ClariFix is right for you.
Before suggesting ClariFix, your ENT doctor might first have you try some at-home treatments and medications, such as nasal sprays, steroids, antibiotics, or antihistamines. If these treatments do not work, then your doctor may move forward with ClariFix cryotherapy.
On the day of the procedure, your doctor may suggest that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever at home to ensure you are more comfortable. When you arrive at the office, your nasal passages will also be numbed with a local topical anesthetic to avoid any discomfort during the procedure.
Once the anesthetic has taken effect, the doctor will insert the ClariFix device along with an endoscope (a small camera) into your nose. The device will then emit low-temperature therapy to target the overactive nasal nerves. The area is typically treated for about 30 seconds before the device is removed and inserted into the other nostril. Each side may be treated one or two times in total.
During the ClariFix procedure, you may feel slight pressure and a cooling sensation, but overall there is little to no pain and minor discomfort. The entire process only takes a few minutes, and once it is over, you can leave and go back to your day and usual activities.
If a constantly runny nose is making daily life harder, chat with us to find an ENT near you who offers the Clarifix procedure and can tell you whether it's a good match for your symptoms.
What is Chronic Rhinitis?
Chronic rhinitis occurs when the tissues and inner lining of the nose become inflamed for more than eight to twelve weeks. Some people may experience acute rhinitis, which results in the same symptoms but is only a temporary reaction to allergies or respiratory infections. Whereas the symptoms of chronic rhinitis last long-term and often do not go away without treatment.
The primary symptom of chronic rhinitis is nasal congestion or a stuffy nose that never really seems to go away. Many people with this symptom feel like they always need to blow their nose because of drainage, but when they do, nothing comes out. This is because the blockage and congestion aren’t due to a buildup of mucus—it is the result of inflamed and swollen nasal passages.
This inflammation and swelling occur as a result of overactive nerves reacting to things in the environment, such as allergens, smoke, perfumes, or even weather changes. However, instead of only temporarily acting up to fight off invaders, the nerves end up sending too many signals, causing chronic symptoms.
The nerves can also start overreacting as a result of too many sinus surgeries or overuse of certain medications, like nasal sprays.
Overall, the symptoms of chronic rhinitis can include:
- Runny nose
- Postnasal drip
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy nose, eyes, and throat
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Ear infections
- Clear drainage from the nose
- Snoring
- Fatigue
- Mouth breathing
- Bluish discoloration under the eyes
What Causes Chronic Rhinitis?
The specific cause of a person’s chronic rhinitis can vary from person to person depending on the type of rhinitis they have: allergic or nonallergic rhinitis.
Allergic rhinitis, as the name suggests, is typically triggered by allergens. These can include mold, pollen, ragweed, dust mites, and pet dander. Chronic allergic rhinitis is an immune response to these allergens.
In contrast, nonallergic chronic rhinitis is not an immune response but happens when the blood vessels in the nose expand, causing swelling and congestion. Nonallergic rhinitis can be triggered by:
- Fluctuations in weather
- Overuse of nasal decongestant sprays
- Hormonal changes
- Stress
- Upper respiratory infections
- Certain foods and drinks, especially spicy foods
- Structural issues with the nasal passages
- Too many sinus surgeries
- Medical conditions, such as GERD, asthma, or sinusitis
It can also be triggered by irritants in the air, such as:
- Perfumes
- Detergents
- Smog
- Smoke
- Strong odors
Overuse of certain medications can also result in chronic nonallergic rhinitis, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, antidepressants, beta-blockers, oral contraceptives, and nasal sprays.
How Do I Know if ClariFix is Right for Me?
ClariFix can help patients with moderate to severe symptoms of chronic rhinitis get lasting relief. The best way to tell if ClariFix cryotherapy is right for you is to talk to your doctor.
Before suggesting the ClariFix procedure, your doctor may want you to try other traditional treatment options first. These can include medications, allergy shots, and nasal sprays. However, for many, these treatments do not work, or they only provide temporary relief. Prolonged use of some traditional treatments can also have adverse side effects, such as nose bleeds, headaches, and dry throat.
If you have tried these treatments and they are not working, then ClariFix may be right for you, as it can provide long-lasting results without adverse side effects.
Benefits of ClariFix Cryotherapy
There are many benefits to choosing ClariFix cryotherapy.
Non-Invasive
ClariFix is a less invasive treatment, meaning there is no cutting and no removal of the nasal tissue. The device that is inserted into the nasal cavity is slender and delivers cold therapy directly to the problematic nerves without altering the structure of the nose internally or externally.
Convenient
Unlike traditional surgical procedures done to treat chronic rhinitis in the past, you do not have to go to a hospital to receive the ClariFix treatment. It can be performed right in your doctor’s office, and it only takes a few minutes.
Minimal Recovery Time
After the procedure, there is minimal to no downtime. There are typically little to no side effects with the ClariFix procedure, and you can return home immediately after or go back to work and resume your normal activities that day or the next.
Clinically Proven Safe and Effective
ClariFix is FDA-approved and has proven to be safe and effective at treating chronic rhinitis in numerous studies. Overall, symptoms improved by 56% at the 90-day mark, and improvement was maintained at one year.
Who is a Good Candidate for the ClariFix Procedure?
The ClariFix procedure can benefit numerous patients suffering from chronic rhinitis. If you have experienced moderate to severe symptoms for more than 12 weeks and have seen no relief from traditional treatments, then you might be a good candidate for ClariFix cryotherapy.
Moderate symptoms are those that are considered present and frequently bothersome. Severe symptoms are those that are present, bothersome, and frequently interfere with your ability to participate in daily activities.
Such symptoms may include:
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Itchy nose, eyes, and throat
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Fatigue
- Snoring and mouth breathing
How Long Does ClariFix Last?
ClariFix is safe, effective, and minimally invasive. Most patients see improvement in as little as two to six weeks, with a 56% improvement of symptoms at the 90-day mark. Overall, 80% of patients report long-lasting improvement, particularly with runny noses and nasal congestion.
Risks and Side Effects of ClariFix Cryotherapy
Clinical trials have proven ClariFix to be a safe and minimally invasive treatment, meaning there are little to no risks or side effects. Following the procedure, most patients that did have side effects only reported mild discomfort and temporary congestion.
However, it’s important to understand that every procedure comes with risks. Though adverse side effects are rare with ClariFix, some patients can experience the following:
- Mild bleeding
- Mild pain
- Redness
- Temporary swelling and inflammation
- Temporary congestion
- Numbness in the treated area
Talk to Your Doctor to See if the ClariFix Procedure is Right for You
If you are suffering from chronic rhinitis and the symptoms are bothersome and affecting your daily life, contact your doctor to see if ClariFix might be right for you. To date, many patients have undergone ClariFix treatments and seen a significant improvement in their symptoms. ClariFix can help you get lasting relief so you can get back to living your life uninterrupted.