A persistent runny nose, postnasal drip or nasal congestion can make it difficult to focus on work, enjoy time with family or get a good night’s sleep. For many people in Milwaukee and throughout the surrounding Willamette Valley, these symptoms can be triggered by seasonal allergens, changing weather conditions or chronic rhinitis that doesn’t respond well to medication.
What Is RhinAer?
RhinAer is a minimally invasive, in-office treatment designed to address chronic rhinitis at its source. Using temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy, RhinAer targets the overactive nerves responsible for excessive mucus production while helping reduce inflammation inside the nasal passages. The procedure received FDA clearance in 2019.
Clinical studies have shown that 88% of RhinAer patients experienced a significant reduction in their chronic rhinitis symptoms. At Northwest ENT and Allergy, our ENT providers can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether RhinAer may be the right treatment option for lasting relief.
Who Benefits from RhinAer?
RhinAer may be a good option for adults who:
- Experience moderate to severe chronic runny nose, postnasal drip, nasal congestion or frequent throat clearing
- Continue to struggle with rhinitis symptoms after Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
- Have not found sufficient relief with allergy medications, nasal sprays or other conservative treatments
- Are 22 years of age or older
- Deal with year-round nasal drainage or congestion that affects daily comfort and quality of life
What Happens During the Procedure?
RhinAer is performed right in our Milwaukee-area office and typically requires minimal downtime.
First, your provider numbs the inside of your nose using local anesthesia. A specialized RhinAer device is then gently positioned within the nasal passage to deliver controlled radiofrequency energy to the nerves that contribute to chronic rhinitis symptoms.
Most patients can return to their normal daily activities shortly after treatment.
What Results Can I Expect?
Patients treated with RhinAer have reported meaningful improvements in symptoms that commonly accompany chronic rhinitis, including:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Postnasal drip
- Sneezing and nasal irritation
- Chronic throat clearing
- Chronic cough
- Overall quality of life
If you’re tired of constantly reaching for tissues, relying on medications or dealing with ongoing nasal drainage, RhinAer may provide a lasting solution. The team at Northwest ENT and Allergy can help determine whether this innovative treatment is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About RhinAer
Can seasonal allergies in Milwaukee cause chronic runny nose symptoms?
Yes. Many people in Milwaukee experience allergy symptoms during spring and summer pollen seasons, particularly from grasses, trees, and other vegetation common throughout the Willamette Valley. While allergies can contribute to nasal drainage and congestion, some patients continue experiencing symptoms even when using allergy medications. RhinAer may be an option for individuals whose chronic rhinitis symptoms persist despite treatment.
Will RhinAer help if I have year-round postnasal drip?
It may. Chronic rhinitis is not always caused solely by allergies. Some patients experience persistent symptoms triggered by weather changes, temperature fluctuations, strong odors, environmental irritants or nonallergic rhinitis. RhinAer is designed to reduce the nerve activity responsible for excessive mucus production, helping many patients find relief from ongoing postnasal drip.
Is RhinAer a permanent cure for allergies?
No. RhinAer does not cure allergies. Instead, it treats chronic rhinitis symptoms such as excessive nasal drainage and congestion. Patients with environmental allergies may still require allergy management, but RhinAer can help reduce some of the symptoms that continue to affect quality of life.
How long does a RhinAer procedure take?
The procedure is typically completed during a single office visit. Because it is minimally invasive and performed under local anesthesia, most patients can return to normal activities shortly afterward.
When should I consider RhinAer instead of medication?
If you’ve tried allergy medications, nasal sprays, antihistamines, or other conservative treatments without achieving adequate symptom relief, RhinAer may be worth discussing with an ENT specialist. A consultation can help determine whether your symptoms are related to chronic rhinitis and whether you’re a candidate for treatment.