The good news is that there is now an FDA-approved device that treats this problem at the source, giving patients long-lasting relief from symptoms and a higher quality of life. ClariFix® is a revolutionary procedure that is now available at Acadian Ear, Nose & Throat Center, offering our patients a minimally invasive treatment option for chronic symptoms.

What is Chronic Rhinitis?
Chronic rhinitis is a constant nasal congestion, runny nose, and post-nasal drips. While some cases can be associated with allergies, others are due to nerves at the back of the nose that get out of balance and continuously send messages to the nose to run. This persistent congestion leads to inflammation of the nasal tissue, which exacerbates the problem. 

You may have chronic rhinitis if you suffer from any of the following symptoms:

• Runny nose
• Continuous stuffiness
• Persistent sneezing
• Post-nasal drip
• Irritation in the back of the throat
• A recurring cough

If itchiness around the eyes or nose accompanies these symptoms, they are more likely to be attributed to allergies. In this case, it is essential to identify and treat the allergies as well as the rhinitis to ensure full relief from symptoms. Until recently, the only way to treat chronic rhinitis was to manage the symptoms with nasal sprays, shots, and medications. These methods must be used regularly and don’t always bring the desired relief to patients.

What is CLARIFIX®?
ClariFix® is a revolutionary treatment that uses cryotherapy, or controlled cooling, to address the source of chronic rhinitis. Cryotherapy has been utilized for a variety of medical procedures over the years, so it has an extensive record of both safety and efficacy. In this capacity, cryotherapy offers a way to provide patients with long-lasting relief from the cold-like symptoms of chronic rhinitis without incisions, anesthesia, or downtime. Our doctors perform this treatment in-office in about one hour, and patients typically see significant improvement after a single treatment session.

Getting to the Source of the Problem
ClariFix® does more than address the symptoms of chronic rhinitis. This treatment gets to the source of the problem by interrupting the nerve signals that lead to persistent nasal drip and congestion. The freezing action also relieves the inflammation, further enhancing the result. Because this procedure directly treats the cause of rhinitis, it provides long-lasting relief without the need for ongoing therapy. Patients are often able to stop taking medications and using nasal sprays, alleviating the potential side effects of these alternative treatments as well.

Outpatient Treatment
ClariFix® is performed in about one hour, in-office. First, we will use an anesthetic to numb the nasal cavity, which ensures your comfort during the procedure. Next, we insert an endoscope to guide us to the nerves at the back of the nose and the ClariFix® device that delivers the controlled cooling. Patients may feel cold sensations as the cryotherapy is applied, and there may be slight pressure while the device is in the nasal cavity. However, a ClariFix® treatment is not painful, and our patients usually tolerate the procedure very well. While the cold application only takes a few seconds on either side, the entire process takes an hour to allow time for the anesthetic to take effect, and to ensure the treatment worked correctly.

Little Discomfort or Downtime
After your procedure, you may notice a temporary increase in your congestion. You might also experience some mild transient pain or a headache for the first few hours after your appointment. We can provide you with oral medication to enhance your comfort level during that time. Rest assured, most patients see these side effects subside before the day is over and some even resume their routine the same day as their treatment.

While any pain is likely to subside quickly, you might notice some bleeding from the nasal cavity for a couple of days after the procedure. Some minor bleeding is considered normal, and you will only be advised to call our office if it becomes significant. You will also be encouraged to avoid blowing your nose for about one week to prevent damage to the treatment area. We will provide you with additional instructions, including the use of nasal irrigation to keep the cavity clean and well lubricated.

Long-Lasting Results
Patients typically notice improvement within two to six weeks after the procedure. The majority of our patients report a significant reduction in nasal runniness and congestion. Four out of five patients find their relief is long-lasting. If you are suffering from chronic rhinitis and would like to find out how you can achieve a break in your symptoms over an extended period, now is the time to learn more about ClariFix®. 

Contact Acadian Ear, Nose & Throat Center today at (337) 237-0650 to schedule your consultation with one of our board-certified otolaryngologists.