Researchers from the Houston Methodist Department of Otolaryngology have demonstrated that a single radiofrequency (RF) intervention can markedly improve the condition of individuals with chronic rhinitis, with benefits lasting at least one year. The findings were published in the International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology, adding a meaningful data point to the ongoing search for safer, more effective rhinitis therapies.
The RF interference system used in the study is notable for its precise temperature control, maintaining a stable 60 degrees. This level of regulation helps protect healthy nasal tissues while targeting diseased areas. The device operates by gently heating tissue at the rear of the nasal passages, which disrupts nerve signaling that typically drives the persistent sneezing, runny nose, and congestion characteristic of chronic rhinitis. By reducing aberrant nerve activity, patients often experience a meaningful reduction in symptom burden without broad immunosuppression or systemic effects.
At the 12-month mark, participants who received the RF intervention reported a substantial 57.8% improvement in rhinitis symptoms compared with the placebo group, indicating a robust treatment effect. The safety profile showed no serious adverse events attributable to the procedure. The most common side effects were transient minor bleeding that resolved within a day, occasional dry eyes, mild headaches, and brief ear discomfort. These adverse events occurred in only a minority of patients and were generally self-limiting, underscoring the procedure’s favorable tolerability in a real-world setting.
Chronic rhinitis is defined as an upper respiratory condition characterized by a near-constant runny nose, nasal congestion, frequent sneezing, coughing, and itchiness in the nose or throat. Many patients rely on vasoconstrictor nasal sprays for immediate relief or undergo prolonged courses of topical corticosteroids to dampen inflammation and support local immunity. The emergence of a treatment that can deliver meaningful symptom relief with a manageable safety profile is a potential turning point for those affected, offering a pathway to improved daily functioning and better quality of life without the need for ongoing high-dose medications. The RF approach represents a targeted option that could complement or, in selected cases, reduce the dependence on conventional medications, depending on individual patient history and clinician judgment.