Effects of Radiofrequency Ablation of Posterior Nasal Nerves on Inflammatory Cytokines, Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow, and Nasal Blood Flow in Patients With Chronic Rhinitis

Effects of Radiofrequency Ablation of Posterior Nasal Nerves on Inflammatory Cytokines, Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow, and Nasal Blood Flow in Patients With Chronic Rhinitis

The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN) in chronic rhinitis (CR) patients by comparing patient reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) and nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) , peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) , and levels of Type 2 cytokines pre- and post-procedure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• chronic rhinitis symptoms for at least 6 months (rhinorrhea, congestion, post-nasal drip)
• poor response to medical management that was attempted for at least 4 weeks
• a rTNSS score ≥6, as well as ≥2 for rhinorrhea, and ≥1 for congestion.

Exclusion Criteria:

• active sinusitis
• rhinitis medicamentosa
• recurrent and ongoing epistaxis
• immunodeficiency as defined by an illness or a history of sinus surgery.