Chronic Rhinitis: Exploring Innovative Treatment Options for Lasting Relief

Chronic rhinitis, a condition characterized by persistent nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose, affects millions of individuals. Whether due to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander, or non-allergic irritants, chronic rhinitis can disrupt daily life, sleep, and overall well-being. While antihistamines and nasal sprays are commonly used, for many patients, these treatments provide only temporary relief. Fortunately, more innovative, minimally invasive procedures such as VivAer, RhinAer, and Neuromark offer long-term solutions for individuals suffering from chronic rhinitis.

Understanding Chronic Rhinitis and Its Impact

Chronic rhinitis can be broken down into two main categories:

• Allergic Rhinitis: Triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, allergic rhinitis causes inflammation in the nasal passages, leading to symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes.
• Non-Allergic Rhinitis: Caused by irritants like smoke, pollution, or even changes in weather, non-allergic rhinitis presents similar symptoms but without an immune response.

Both forms of rhinitis can lead to sleep disturbances, fatigue, and other complications, including an increased risk of asthma or sinus infections. Left untreated, chronic rhinitis can severely affect one’s quality of life.

Traditional Treatment Approaches

Managing chronic rhinitis typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medications, such as:

• Antihistamines: These help control allergic reactions by blocking histamine.
• Decongestants: These medications temporarily relieve nasal congestion.
• Steroid Nasal Sprays: Reducing nasal inflammation to provide longer-lasting relief.
• Immunotherapy: Allergy shots or sublingual treatments that help desensitize the immune system to specific allergens.

While these treatments may offer some relief, many patients still struggle with persistent symptoms, especially when medication regimens lose effectiveness over time. This is where advanced, minimally invasive procedures can provide substantial long-term improvement.

Innovative Minimally Invasive Procedures for Chronic Rhinitis

For patients with chronic rhinitis that does not respond well to medications, procedures like VivAer, RhinAer, and Neuromark are revolutionizing treatment. These procedures target the underlying causes of nasal congestion and inflammation with controlled energy, offering patients significant relief without the need for traditional surgery.

1. VivAer

VivAer is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat chronic nasal congestion caused by conditions like allergic rhinitis. It works by using radiofrequency energy to gently remodel the nasal passages, improving airflow and reducing congestion. The procedure is performed in-office, requires no incisions, and offers a rapid recovery with most patients resuming normal activities the same day.

Benefits of VivAer:

• Long-lasting relief from nasal congestion.
• Minimally invasive with no need for cuts or stitches.
• Quick recovery time, often with results seen within a few weeks.

2. RhinAer

Similar to VivAer, RhinAer uses controlled radiofrequency energy to treat the nasal tissues, reducing inflammation and improving airflow. RhinAer targets the nasal airway obstruction caused by swollen tissues, providing patients with relief from chronic congestion, a hallmark symptom of chronic rhinitis. This procedure is also performed in-office, making it an appealing option for patients looking for a quick and effective solution to their symptoms.

Benefits of RhinAer:

• Improves nasal airflow by targeting and reducing inflammation.
• Minimally invasive, meaning no cuts or stitches.
• Fast recovery time with lasting results.

3. Neuromark

The Neuromark procedure targets the posterior nasal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting signals that contribute to nasal congestion. By using controlled energy, Neuromark helps reduce the nerve’s activity, leading to a reduction in chronic nasal congestion and inflammation. This procedure is particularly effective for patients who experience constant congestion, even with medication.

Benefits of Neuromark:

• Long-term relief from nasal congestion caused by overactive nerve responses.
• Non-surgical procedure with no incisions required.
• Minimal recovery time and high patient satisfaction.

Why These Procedures Are Effective for Chronic Rhinitis

Unlike traditional treatments that focus solely on alleviating symptoms, procedures like VivAer, RhinAer, and Neuromark address the root causes of nasal congestion and inflammation. By targeting specific structures or nerves involved in chronic rhinitis, these treatments provide sustained relief, reducing patients' dependency on medications and offering a long-term solution.

Key Advantages:

• Long-Lasting Results: By treating the underlying causes of nasal congestion, these procedures provide lasting relief, often reducing the need for ongoing medications.
• Minimally Invasive: No need for general anesthesia or significant recovery periods. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a day or two.
• Tailored Solutions: Each of these treatments can be customized to address the unique causes of an individual’s chronic rhinitis symptoms.

Conclusion

Chronic rhinitis is more than just a nuisance; it can have a significant impact on your quality of life. While traditional treatments offer temporary relief, innovative procedures like VivAer, RhinAer, and Neuromark provide a more lasting solution by addressing the underlying causes of nasal congestion and inflammation. If you're struggling with chronic rhinitis and are looking for a more permanent solution, these minimally invasive procedures might be the key to finally finding relief.

To learn more about these advanced treatments and whether they may be right for you, schedule a consultation with our expert team at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. Call us at 404-255-2918 to get started on your journey to better nasal health and improved quality of life today!

Author

Ramie A. Tritt, MD Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.