Abstract
The ideal treatment for allergic rhinitis that does not respond to medical therapy remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of turbinate surgery using radiofrequency for patients with allergic rhinitis unresponsive to conventional medical treatment. Twenty patients underwent the procedure and were followed for two periods: 6 months and 12 months.
Results:
None of the 20 patients experienced significant discomfort or adverse reactions such as bleeding, infection, adhesion formation, or worsening of allergic symptoms. Nasal discharge improved in 14 patients (70%) after 6 months (p = 0.03), decreasing to 11 patients (55%) after 12 months (p not significant). Nasal obstruction improved in 17 patients (85%) at 6 months (p = 0.001) and in 16 patients (80%) at 12 months (p = 0.0016). Additional symptoms—including nasal itching, sneezing, snoring, headache, eye itching, and anosmia—also showed marked improvement.
Conclusion:
Radiofrequency turbinate surgery appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for allergic rhinitis unresponsive to medical therapy. It has the potential to become a widely used surgical modality for managing this condition in the future.