Find lasting relief from a chronic runny nose with radiofrequency ablation for chronic rhinitis. This minimally invasive treatment reduces overactive nasal tissue to improve breathing. Dr. Ryan E. Stern, MD, our board-certified ENT, is committed to helping you breathe better.
Restore Calm, Comfortable Nasal Breathing
Radiofrequency ablation for chronic rhinitis is a minimally invasive treatment that calms overactive nasal tissue, relieving a constant runny nose, congestion, and post-nasal drip. Using gentle, targeted radiofrequency energy, the procedure shrinks and remodels the inflamed tissue inside your nose without cutting tissue. The goal is to reduce excessive nerve signaling and inflammation that trigger daily symptoms. This procedure helps preserve normal nasal function while improving airflow and long-term symptom control.
What Does Radiofrequency Ablation Treat?
Radiofrequency ablation treats chronic rhinitis, a condition in which the lining and nerves of the nose become overactive and inflamed. This can happen with allergies or nonallergic triggers like weather changes, strong smells, or temperature shifts. This treatment targets the nerve activity that keeps your nose stuck in a cycle of constant irritation. By calming the tissue responsible for excessive congestion, radiofrequency ablation helps restore more normal nasal function.
If you’re dealing with ongoing nasal symptoms, treatment may help relieve issues such as:
- Constant or frequent runny nose
- Daily nasal congestion or blockage
- Post-nasal drip causing throat irritation
- Excessive mucus production
- Symptoms that persist despite medications
Key Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Rhinitis
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive option for managing chronic rhinitis when medications haven’t provided enough relief.
Performed to treat the source of ongoing nasal irritation, this approach offers numerous benefits, including:
- Minimally invasive treatment performed in the office
- No cutting, stitches, or removal of nasal tissue
- Short procedure time with minimal downtime
- Preserves normal nasal structure and function
- Long-lasting symptom relief for many patients
- Well tolerated with local numbing
Your Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Rhinitis Experience
Your experience begins with an in-depth consultation with Dr. Stern, who specializes in identifying the exact cause of your chronic rhinitis. He reviews your symptoms, medication history, and triggers such as temperature changes or strong odors. Using nasal endoscopy, he examines the inferior turbinates and surrounding tissue to confirm overactive nerve signaling and chronic inflammation. Dr. Stern explains how radiofrequency energy can target this tissue, sets clear expectations, and confirms that medical therapies have been fully explored.
During treatment, your nasal lining is numbed with a topical and injected local anesthetic. Dr. Stern then places a thin probe beneath the surface of the turbinate tissue to deliver controlled radiofrequency energy at specific depths. This heats the tissue, causing it to contract and remodel over time while preserving the nasal lining. The procedure usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, requires no incisions, and allows you to return to normal activities quickly.
Results From Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Rhinitis
After radiofrequency ablation, you may notice gradual improvement over time. You can expect mild swelling or congestion during the first week as the treated tissue heals. Most patients see meaningful symptom improvement within 2 to 4 weeks, with continued progress over the following months as the tissue remodels. Many people achieve strong results with a single treatment, though some may benefit from an additional session, depending on severity.
Radiofrequency ablation often provides relief for years by reducing overactive nerve signaling. While chronic rhinitis can’t always be permanently cured, maintenance treatments are rarely needed. If symptoms return, repeat treatment can be safely performed again.
Why Choose Dr. Stern?
Dr. Ryan E. Stern is a board-certified otolaryngologist and subspecialty-trained rhinologist with 25+ years of experience caring for the Pacific Northwest community. He specializes in minimally invasive, in-office treatments that deliver real results with less downtime and faster recovery. Dr. Stern takes the time to explain your options clearly and only recommends procedures when they are truly appropriate. If you’re ready to explore radiofrequency ablation for chronic rhinitis, schedule a consultation with Dr. Stern in Auburn or Federal Way, WA.
