RhinAer®
How Does RhinAer® Work?
In this procedure, The patient is given IV sedation by the anesthesiologist in our office. Dr. Slaughter or the Physician Assistants use a small nasal endoscope to look into the patient’s nose. Local anesthesia is applied to the area in the nose where the overactive nerve is present. The special RhinAer® RF device uses radiofrequency energy to treat the nerve that is overactive. This is done on both sides. This reduces the overactive function of the nerve and reduces the runny nose and the congestion it causes.
This procedure takes about 3 minutes and is painless. This rapid cooling of the nerve diminishes its activity and has been proven in clinical studies to reduce the symptoms of chronic rhinitis, especially congestion and runny nose. There is no pain during the procedure and patients are able to go home within 30 minutes of the procedure.
Who is an ideal candidate for RhinAer?
The RhinAer® procedure may be ideal for patients with:
- Chronic congestion, post-nasal drip, and a runny nose that does not respond to traditional allergy management.
Does The RhinAer® Procedure Hurt?
It’s normal to have an “ice cream” headache for about 30 minutes or so after the procedure but most patients do not require any pain medication. Patients can work the next day.
How long does the RhinAer procedure take and how many sessions will I need?
The RhinAer procedure takes less than 15 minutes to perform in the office. We begin by administering IV sedation and local anesthesia. Patients are sedated with no recollection and do not feel discomfort during the procedure. After the overactive nerve has been treated, the patient may remain in the office for approximately 15 minutes. Patients will need a driver for the procedure.
RhinAer is designed to achieve long-lasting results with just one treatment. Patients will have continued improvement for up to one year. Repeat treatment can be done to get greater effect if necessary after 6 months from the first treatment.
How Should I Prepare for RhinAer?
RhinAer is an office procedure that does not involve incisions or the removal or modification of tissue in the sinuses or nasal passageways. During our consultation, we will discuss the procedure, how it works, and what to expect during and after the visit. Because RhinAer is so conservative and minimally invasive, there are no significant precautions that patients must take beforehand.
Will I Still Need Nasal Medications Following The RhinAer® Procedure?
To help with temporary congestion, patients are instructed to use saline irrigation for three weeks after the procedure. The symptoms of chronic rhinitis may not be completely resolved after the procedure and some patients may still require additional medical therapy or repeat Rhinaer® treatments.
What Is The Recovery & Aftercare Like for The RhinAer Procedure?
One of the benefits of the RhinAer procedure is that there is no downtime needed to recover.
Patients should avoid blowing their nose for a few days after their treatment. It is normal for minor bleeding and crusting to occur. With these subtle side effects of treatment, patients are able to return to work and other normal activities the day after the treatment.
Schedule A Consultation For Chronic Rhinitis Treatment in Austin, TX
If you are interested in treatment for Chronic Vasomotor Rhinitis, contact our Austin office today! Call 512.601.0303 to schedule a consultation with ENT specialist Dr. Daniel Slaughter.
