Innovative Procedure Easing the Symptoms of Chronic Rhinitis

[J.Adderton, BSN, MSN]

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:

FDA Approval Notice

ClariFix Website

ClariFix Cryoablation Clinical Study