Although allergies or chronic rhinitis are not serious diseases, they can cause complications that lead to other illnesses. Dr. Uthai Prapamonthon, a specialist in head, neck, bronchial, and laryngeal surgery at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital, will explain this disease and the innovative treatment using radiofrequency waves.
Complications That May Arise from Allergies
Dr. Uthai explained the possible complications that can occur from chronic rhinitis caused by allergies as follows:
- Middle ear infection and effusion – This is inflammation of the lining in the middle ear. Some patients may have a fever, ear pain, or in acute cases, pus discharge from the ear or a perforated eardrum, along with hearing loss.
- Asthma – 70-80% of asthma patients also have allergic rhinitis. Conversely, allergy patients may also develop asthma. Asthma worsens when rhinitis symptoms are not treated, which in turn aggravates both conditions simultaneously.
- Sore throat or chronic cough – When patients have nasal congestion and must breathe through their mouth or have excessive mucus dripping down the throat, it causes chronic cough and sore throat.
- Sinusitis or nasal polyps – Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinus lining. When the nasal lining swells due to allergic rhinitis, the sinus openings become blocked, causing secretion buildup inside the sinuses. The sinus lining swells and bacterial infection follows. Additionally, chronic inflammation of the nasal lining is a factor in nasal polyps. If the nasal lining swells significantly, it may block airflow to the olfactory nerve cells in the upper nasal cavity, reducing or completely losing the sense of smell.
- Snoring and sleep apnea – Patients with allergic rhinitis mainly suffer from nasal congestion, reducing airflow in the nasal cavity. They have to breathe harder during sleep, and reduced airflow causes narrowing and obstruction of the upper airway, resulting in snoring. If the airway obstruction worsens, sleep apnea may occur. This condition causes fatigue or daytime drowsiness, reducing learning ability and work performance, worsening personality, and increasing the risk of accidents.
Treatment with Radiofrequency Waves
Currently, there is advanced technology that provides good treatment results with a simple procedure, which is “using radiofrequency waves to reduce nasal mucosa swelling” (Radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction: RFVTR). Dr. Uthai said this surgery is commonly performed to reduce nasal congestion and runny nose when chronic rhinitis or swollen nasal mucosa does not respond to medication.
The doctor inserts a special needle into the nasal mucosa to deliver high-frequency radio waves that convert energy into heat in the surrounding tissue. This causes partial destruction of the submucosal layer, leading to fibrosis, contraction, and reduction of the volume of the nasal mucosa blocking the nasal cavity, making the nasal passage clearer and breathing easier. Additionally, the high-frequency waves destroy nerves and mucus-producing glands, reducing itching, sneezing, runny nose, and postnasal drip.
Advantages of Radiofrequency Treatment
- Minimal recovery time; no hospital stay required
- Results visible within 4-6 weeks
- No external wounds
- Procedure takes 15-20 minutes
- Very little blood loss, about 1 cc
- Can reduce the amount of allergy medication, both oral and nasal spray; some patients may stop allergy medication altogether
Self-Care Before and After Surgery
Before Surgery
- Maintain good health; avoid colds or respiratory infections
- Stop taking blood-thinning medications
After Surgery, care is similar to that for a cold as follows:
- Avoid cold environments, especially air conditioning and fans; avoid drinking cold water or taking cold showers to help improve rhinitis symptoms
- If staying in an air-conditioned room, set the temperature above 25 degrees Celsius to prevent excessive cold exposure
- For those using fans, do not set the fan to the highest speed or direct it at the face; it is recommended to oscillate the fan to distribute the cool air
- Drink warm or room temperature water rather than cold water all the time
- Keep the body sufficiently warm, especially when sleeping; use a blanket to cover yourself
- If sleeping in an air-conditioned room, use a sleeping bag or wear thick clothing in two layers and long pants to keep the body warm
If patients follow these recommendations, the treatment will be more effective because the patients cooperate and show a strong intention to recover permanently from rhinitis.
Dr. Uthai Prapamonthon
Specialist in Surgery
Head, Neck, Bronchial, and Laryngeal Surgery
Ear, Nose, and Throat Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital
