RhinAer Procedure
RhinAer Surgical Procedure
What is a RhinAer Procedure?
The RhinAer procedure is a non-invasive, nonsurgical treatment for chronic rhinitis that is typically performed by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor.
Millions of people suffer from nonallergic chronic rhinitis, which can lead to a myriad of seasonal allergy-like symptoms that can disrupt daily life and sleep quality. If left unaddressed, chronic rhinitis can even lead to other sinus problems, such as recurring sinus infections.
Previously, chronic rhinitis was treated using a more invasive procedure called a vidian neurectomy. But now, many physicians are turning to RhinAer, which the FDA approved in 2020 as a non-invasive, effective, and safe way to treat chronic rhinitis.
Key Points About the RhinAer Procedure
- RhinAer is a non-surgical treatment for chronic rhinitis approved by the FDA in 2020
- Targets overactive nasal nerves to reduce mucus and congestion
- Performed in-office under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort
- No incisions, cutting, or tissue removal — low downtime
- Often recommended when medications like antihistamines or nasal sprays are not effective
How Does The RhinAer Treatment Work?
RhinAer is a noninvasive, nonsurgical treatment typically performed right in the doctor’s office. There is no need to go to a hospital or surgical unit to receive the treatment.
Before your ENT doctor suggests the RhinAer procedure, they will likely sit down with you to discuss your symptoms and other traditional options first. This can include the use of antihistamines, steroids, and nasal sprays. However, if conventional treatments do not work, you may be a good candidate for the RhinAer treatment.
When you arrive for your RhinAer treatment, your doctor will first apply a local anesthetic to numb the inside of your nose. This makes the procedure virtually painless.
Once adequately numbed, your doctor will use the RhinAer wand to treat the problem areas inside your nasal passages. This wand uses low-temperature radiofrequency energy to target overactive nerves and reduce the flow of mucus. It can also be used to shrink soft tissues to relieve congestion.
The wand is inserted through the nostril, and once in place, the tip emits low doses of electrical energy to the desired target areas of the nerves and tissues. No incisions are made, and none of the tissue is cut during the process. As such, it causes little to no discomfort, is bloodless, and causes virtually no pain.
The entire procedure only takes a few minutes, and once it is over, you can go back to your day with minimal to no downtime.
If chronic rhinitis keeps pulling you out of your day, chat with us to find an ENT near you who performs RhinAer and can tell you whether this in-office procedure is right for your symptoms.
What is Chronic Rhinitis?
Rhinitis is an inflammation and swelling of the soft tissues inside the nose. The condition is considered chronic when it lasts for more than 12 weeks and becomes a consistent issue. In contrast, acute rhinitis only lasts a few days or up to a couple of weeks but then goes away.
Many things can cause chronic rhinitis, such as allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander. However, nonallergic chronic rhinitis is often more problematic as it does not always respond well to allergy medication.
Nonallergic chronic rhinitis can be triggered by some of the same things as allergic rhinitis, but it is not considered an allergic reaction that involves the immune system. Thus, it can be treated differently.
Common causes of nonallergic chronic rhinitis can include:
Irritants, such as:
- Perfumes
- Detergents
- Smog
- Smoke
- Strong odors
Certain medications, such as:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Antidepressants
- Beta-blockers
- Oral contraceptives
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
If you suspect you have chronic rhinitis, you should talk to a doctor about your options. Depending on your symptoms and the exact type of chronic rhinitis you are suffering from, RhinAer may be a viable option.
Some signs you may be experiencing chronic rhinitis can include frequent:
- 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
How Can RhinAer Help My Chronic Rhinitis?
RhinAer is a safe and effective treatment that can reduce or even stop the symptoms of chronic rhinitis. Many first-line traditional treatments, such as nasal sprays, steroids, and antihistamines, do not work, or you may have to continue using them long-term. Whereas RhinAer can reduce or stop symptoms for good, by directly targeting the nerve inside the nose that is causing the problem.
Specifically, RhinAer targets the posterior nasal nerve that contains the mucus-secreting glands that can become overactive. These overactive glands then cause runny nose and inflammation, which leads to chronic congestion, post-nasal drip, and other issues. So by targeting the posterior nasal nerve, RhinAer helps prevent the mucus-secreting glands from overreacting and causing chronic rhinitis symptoms.
The Benefits of RhinAer
There are many benefits to choosing RhinAer to help treat your chronic rhinitis.
Non-Invasive
RhinAer doesn’t require any cutting or damaging of the soft tissues or bones in the nose. It is a surgery-free, minimally invasive procedure that simply uses low-temperature radiofrequency energy to target the problematic nerve in the nasal passage.
In contrast, surgical treatments for chronic rhinitis are invasive. They involve cutting and other surgical treatments that require the patient to be put under general anesthesia. This is not only costly, but it is more time-consuming and can result in more side effects and a longer healing period.
Simple, Fast and In-Office
The RhinAer procedure is so simple that it can be performed by your ENT doctor right in their office. It’s a quick in-and-out procedure.
Most doctors start with topical numbing sprays. After you are adequately numb the entire RhinAer procedure takes no more than a few minutes. After which, you will be free to return home and can go about your day as normal.
Quick Recovery Time
In almost all cases, patients can immediately resume their typical daily activities following the procedure. This is one of the biggest benefits, unlike surgical rhinitis treatments, which can require days and even weeks to fully recover from. The RhinAer procedure is typically bloodless and requires no packing afterward.
Clinically Proven Safe and Effective
In clinical trials, RhinAer proved effective at improving symptoms of chronic rhinitis in over 90% of patients. It has been shown to provide long-lasting results and relief from long-term symptoms with minimal to no side effects. It is also FDA-approved as of 2020.
Who Can Benefit the Most From RhinAer?
The RhinAer treatment can benefit a wide range of people who suffer from chronic rhinitis. If you have experienced symptoms of rhinitis for 12 weeks or more and consistently struggle with the symptoms impacting your daily life, then you may be a good candidate for RhinAer.
However, only your doctor can officially diagnose you with chronic rhinitis and determine if RhinAer is right for you. If you have not yet tried other traditional treatments, like nasal sprays, antihistamines, or steroids, you may be asked to try those first. If these treatments prove ineffective, then your doctor may consider whether RhinAer is the next best option.
- You may be a good candidate for the RhinAer procedure if:
- Medications and nasal sprays are not giving you the relief you need.
- You have moderate-to-severe chronic rhinitis symptoms, such as runny nose, congestion, and postnasal drip.
- You want long-lasting relief without having to have an invasive surgical procedure.
How Long Does it Take RhinAer to Work?
Overall, RhinAer is fast, effective, and minimally invasive. Most patients see results within one to three months of having the procedure. Clinical trials have shown long-lasting improvement in 96% of patients.
The majority of RhinAer patients are consistently satisfied and see significant improvement in:
- Runny nose
- Itchy nose, eyes, and ears
- Postnasal drip
- Coughing
- Quality of life
What are RhinAer Procedure Side Effects?
All procedures come with risks. However, after many trials, RhinAer has proven to be a very safe and effective treatment option for chronic rhinitis.
Still, though complications are rare. RhinAer procedure side effects and risks can include:
- Mild bleeding
- Redness
- Temporary inflammation and swelling
- Some crusting around the inside of the nose
- Temporary stuffiness
- Numbness/tingling in the treated area
- Minor pain or soreness
- Minor sensory (smell) changes
- Bruising around the eye area
Most, if not all, of the side effects listed above are temporary effects that will only last while the site of the treatment heals. In most cases, these side effects are minimal.
In more severe and rare cases, it is possible for there to be severe bleeding, scarring from the treatment site that causes an obstruction, a change in the shape or appearance of the nose, and infection. If this occurs, see your ENT doctor as soon as possible to have the issue taken care of.
Talk to Your Doctor About RhinAer for Chronic Rhinitis
The majority of RhinAer patients reviews show a successful reduction of chronic rhinitis symptoms with little to no side effects. If you are suffering from symptoms of rhinitis and are curious about RhinAer, speak to your doctor. They can evaluate your symptoms and determine the best treatment plan.
RhinAer can help you get lasting relief from chronic rhinitis symptoms, such as runny nose, itching, postnasal drip, and more, so you can get back to living your life uninterrupted.