Waking up congested every morning, keeping tissues within arm’s reach throughout the day, or dealing with constant post-nasal drip can drain your energy and affect your quality of life. When you’ve tried nasal sprays, antihistamines, and allergy medications without finding lasting relief, you may wonder if you’ll ever breathe freely again.
Chronic rhinitis affects millions of people, but many don’t realize there’s an in-office treatment option that addresses the root cause of their symptoms. RhinAer represents a different approach to treating chronic rhinitis. This minimally invasive treatment uses targeted radiofrequency energy to reduce the signals causing your nose to produce excess mucus and become congested.
The treatment can be performed right in your ENT specialist’s office, often in less than 30 minutes, and many patients return to their normal activities the same day. Keep reading to learn more about the innovative RhinAer treatment for chronic rhinitis!
What is Chronic Rhinitis?
Chronic rhinitis creates ongoing inflammation in your nasal passages, leading to symptoms that persist well beyond typical allergy season.
Those with chronic rhinitis often experience a constantly running nose, frequent congestion that makes breathing difficult, or persistent post-nasal drip that triggers throat clearing and coughing. Some people develop an itchy throat feeling or find themselves sneezing throughout the day.
When the nerves in your nasal cavity become hyperactive, they begin sending excessive signals that cause blood vessels to swell and mucus glands to overproduce, which causes the symptoms you are experiencing.
Environmental triggers like temperature changes or strong scents can worsen your symptoms as well, but the underlying issue with chronic rhinitis often involves overactive nasal nerves. Chronic rhinitis differs from seasonal allergies, which typically improve when specific allergens aren’t present. With chronic rhinitis, symptoms continue regardless of the season or your location.
Many patients struggle with these symptoms for years, trying various medications that provide only temporary relief or come with unwanted side effects like drowsiness or dry mouth.
How Traditional Treatments Fall Short
Most people with chronic rhinitis start with over-the-counter medications. Antihistamines, decongestant sprays, and nasal corticosteroids can help manage symptoms, but they require daily use and often lose effectiveness over time.
Nasal sprays can cause rebound congestion if used too frequently, and oral medications may interfere with sleep or cause other side effects.
Many chronic rhinitis sufferers find that daily medications don’t provide adequate relief. They continue dealing with symptoms that affect their work performance, sleep quality, and social interactions. Many people feel embarrassed about constantly needing tissues or having to clear their throat during conversations and meetings.
The cycle becomes frustrating when you’re managing symptoms rather than addressing the cause. You might find yourself adjusting your lifestyle around your symptoms, avoiding certain environments or situations that trigger your runny nose. Some patients wake multiple times during the night due to congestion, leading to daytime fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
What Happens During RhinAer Treatment?
During the treatment, your ENT specialist uses a small, specialized device called the RhinAer Stylus to deliver controlled radiofrequency energy to these nerves. The energy gently interrupts the overactive signals without damaging surrounding tissue.
Your doctor performs the treatment through your nostrils without any incisions. First, they apply a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the treatment.
The RhinAer device reaches the targeted nerve areas in the back of your nasal cavity, where brief applications of radiofrequency energy calm the hyperactive nerves. It often takes between 15 and 30 minutes to complete.
You’ll experience some pressure and mild warmth, but the local anesthetic prevents pain. Many patients listen to music or podcasts during the treatment to stay relaxed. Your doctor can pause at any time if you need a break.
What Should I Expect After Treatment?
Following your RhinAer treatment, you can typically return home right away. Some patients experience mild congestion or nasal stuffiness for a few days, similar to recovering from a cold. Your doctor may recommend saline rinses to keep your nasal passages clean and comfortable during healing.
Most people return to work and regular activities within a day or two. You’ll want to avoid strenuous exercise for about a week and follow your doctor’s specific aftercare instructions. Some temporary symptoms like minor nasal discharge or a feeling of fullness in your nose usually resolve within the first week.
The benefits of RhinAer develop gradually over several weeks as inflammation decreases and your nasal function improves. Sleep quality often improves substantially after RhinAer treatment.
Who Benefits from RhinAer?
RhinAer works well for patients whose chronic rhinitis symptoms haven’t responded adequately to medications. If you’ve tried various nasal sprays, antihistamines, or other treatments without finding lasting relief, this treatment might help you finally breathe easier.
The treatment suits people who want to reduce their dependence on daily medications or who experience unwanted side effects from those medications. It also helps patients whose symptoms significantly impact their work, sleep, or daily activities. Your ENT specialist will evaluate your specific situation to determine if RhinAer matches your needs.
Certain medical conditions or anatomical factors might make other treatments more appropriate. Your doctor will perform a thorough examination and review your medical history to recommend the best approach for your individual case.
An honest conversation about your symptoms, treatment history, and goals helps your ENT specialist develop the most effective treatment plan.
If you’re tired of constantly reaching for tissues or relying on medications that don’t fully control your symptoms, schedule a consultation at Chicago ENT. Our experienced specialists can evaluate your nasal health, discuss whether RhinAer might benefit you, and answer all your questions.
