What is Rhinitis?

For most people, the runny nose and nasal congestion that go hand in hand with colds and allergies only roll around once or twice a year. For those suffering from chronic rhinitis it's a constant battle. Triggered by allergic reactions like seasonal hay fever as well as pre-existing conditions like sinusitis, asthma and sleep apnea, chronic rhinitis is caused by persistent inflammation of the nasal lining. Symptoms include a relentlessly leaky nose, sneezing and stuffiness.

Now, a team of scientists have discovered a cure that could banish the condition, which can have a debilitating impact on the lives of people suffering from chronic rhinitis. Marketed as ClariFix, the cryotherapy treatment was developed by the Rush University Medical Centre and has already been approved by the US Federal Drug Administration.

Freezing swollen nose nerves

The ClariFix device uses ultra-cold temperatures to numb swollen nerves in the mucous membrane that can cause inflammation, itching and congestion. Once targeted, the cells are frozen using a chilled pad attached to a rod and inserted into the nostril. Freezing the nerves actively interrupts the nervous system neural pathways that trigger rhinitis, which currently afflicts one in every five Brits and over 25 million Americans.

Following the outpatient procedure, 80% of patients experience increased congestion and pain for one or two days, then enjoy improved symptoms over a long-term period. If approved, the simple yet effective 10 to 15-minute procedure performed by clinical ear, nose and throat specialists could help cure the condition and eliminate the need to take medications like non-sedating antihistamines for allergic rhinitis and drops, steroid nasal sprays, immunotherapy and oral contraceptives for nonallergic rhinitis.

Improving quality of life for chronic rhinitis patients

“Longstanding runny nose and congestion can slowly deprive patients of their quality of life," asserts professor Pete Batra. "In the past, medications were the only option that could be offered to our patients. The introduction of ClariFix now offers the possibility of a more definitive solution that has the potential to offer long-lasting relief from rhinitis symptoms.”

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