Innovative Procedure Easing the Symptoms of Chronic Rhinitis
ClariFix is bringing relief to those suffering from the runny nose and congestion of chronic rhinitis. Read on to learn about how this innovative procedure is helping people who don’t tolerate or respond to first-line treatments.
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We have all had the uncomfortable runny nose, congestion and postnasal drip that accompanies rhinitis. In over 25 million Americans, these symptoms become chronic and are experienced long-term. For most, first-line medical treatments work well to relieve symptoms associated with rhinitis. ClariFix is an innovative procedure bringing relief to those who are unable to tolerate or haven’t responded to traditional medical treatment.
What is Chronic Rhinitis?
Rhinitis is inflammation of the inner lining of the nose and usually lasts a few days or up to four weeks. Chronic rhinitis means the inflammation has lasted beyond 4 consecutive weeks and is long-term.
There are two types that are categorized based on the underlying cause, allergic and non-allergic rhinitis
Allergic Rhinitis
This is the most common type and is also known as hay fever. It is caused by the body’s inflammatory immune response to an allergen, such as pet dander, dust or pollen.
Non-allergic Rhinitis
This represents about one-fourth of rhinitis cases. Unlike allergic rhinitis, it is does not involve the body’s immune response. It is triggered by irritants, such as air pollution, cigarette smoke, certain foods or changes in the weather.
Symptoms
Inflammation of the nasal passages may lead to annoying symptoms, including:
Water, runny nose
Nasal congestion
Postnasal drip
Morning congestion
Frequent throat clearing
Medication Management
Medications used to treat chronic rhinitis decrease inflammation and mucous in the nasal passages. Include:
Nasal saline irrigations
Nasal steroids
Intranasal antihistamines
Nasal decongestants
How It Works
The ClariFix procedure uses a device to apply cryotherapy, or cold therapy, to the posterior nose. The first use of cryotherapy for nasal conditions was reported decades ago. In 2017, the FDA approved ClariFix and the procedure was initially performed mainly at medical universities. The procedure uses a device to freeze some of the nerve fibers in the back of the nose that have become overactive. The cold temperature interrupts the nerve signals that produce the runny nose and congestion of chronic rhinitis.
Where is it Performed?
ClariFix Cryotherapy is typically performed in the doctor’s office with only local or topical anesthetic.
The Procedure
There are several steps to the procedure, including:
Application of numbing medication to the nose
Placement of the ClariFix device and endoscope to the back of the nose
Freezing chemicals (nitrous oxide oxygen) is applied through the device, though a small balloon tip
The balloon presses up against the overactive nerves in nasal tissue
The cold temperature injures some of the overactive nerves to reduce symptoms
Not all of the nerves are damaged during the procedure, as this would lead to excessive nasal dryness. The treatment should not be painful but some report feeling slight pressure, a cooling sensation and some discomfort.
Down Time and Side Effects
Most patients require minimal downtime, and some are able to return to normal activity the same day. The most common side effect is a temporary increase in nasal congestion and some discomfort that may last up to a week. In a clinical study, side effects usually associated with nasal cryosurgery included:
Headache
Facial pain
Dry nose
Bleeding
Ear blockage
Within 3 months of surgery, these symptoms had either resolved or were rated as mild.
When Will it Work and For How Long?
Most people see an improvement in their symptoms of chronic rhinitis within 2-4 weeks. The nerve disruption lasts for a different amount of time for each person and additional ClariFix treatments can be performed. A clinical study found 4 out of 5 patients who had the procedure reported long-term results.
To discover more about this innovative procedure, check out these resources:
J.Adderton, BSN, MSN
121 Articles; 502 Posts
We have all had the uncomfortable runny nose, congestion and postnasal drip that accompanies rhinitis. In over 25 million Americans, these symptoms become chronic and are experienced long-term. For most, first-line medical treatments work well to relieve symptoms associated with rhinitis. ClariFix is an innovative procedure bringing relief to those who are unable to tolerate or haven’t responded to traditional medical treatment.
What is Chronic Rhinitis?
Rhinitis is inflammation of the inner lining of the nose and usually lasts a few days or up to four weeks. Chronic rhinitis means the inflammation has lasted beyond 4 consecutive weeks and is long-term.
There are two types that are categorized based on the underlying cause, allergic and non-allergic rhinitis
Allergic Rhinitis
This is the most common type and is also known as hay fever. It is caused by the body’s inflammatory immune response to an allergen, such as pet dander, dust or pollen.
Non-allergic Rhinitis
This represents about one-fourth of rhinitis cases. Unlike allergic rhinitis, it is does not involve the body’s immune response. It is triggered by irritants, such as air pollution, cigarette smoke, certain foods or changes in the weather.
Symptoms
Inflammation of the nasal passages may lead to annoying symptoms, including:
Medication Management
Medications used to treat chronic rhinitis decrease inflammation and mucous in the nasal passages. Include:
How It Works
The ClariFix procedure uses a device to apply cryotherapy, or cold therapy, to the posterior nose. The first use of cryotherapy for nasal conditions was reported decades ago. In 2017, the FDA approved ClariFix and the procedure was initially performed mainly at medical universities. The procedure uses a device to freeze some of the nerve fibers in the back of the nose that have become overactive. The cold temperature interrupts the nerve signals that produce the runny nose and congestion of chronic rhinitis.
Where is it Performed?
ClariFix Cryotherapy is typically performed in the doctor’s office with only local or topical anesthetic.
The Procedure
There are several steps to the procedure, including:
Not all of the nerves are damaged during the procedure, as this would lead to excessive nasal dryness. The treatment should not be painful but some report feeling slight pressure, a cooling sensation and some discomfort.
Down Time and Side Effects
Most patients require minimal downtime, and some are able to return to normal activity the same day. The most common side effect is a temporary increase in nasal congestion and some discomfort that may last up to a week. In a clinical study, side effects usually associated with nasal cryosurgery included:
Within 3 months of surgery, these symptoms had either resolved or were rated as mild.
When Will it Work and For How Long?
Most people see an improvement in their symptoms of chronic rhinitis within 2-4 weeks. The nerve disruption lasts for a different amount of time for each person and additional ClariFix treatments can be performed. A clinical study found 4 out of 5 patients who had the procedure reported long-term results.
To discover more about this innovative procedure, check out these resources:
FDA Approval Notice
ClariFix Website
ClariFix Cryoablation Clinical Study