Can rhinitis be treated with surgery?
May 26, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Rhinitis can be treated surgically, but only chronic rhinitis is amenable to surgical intervention; acute rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, and atrophic rhinitis are not suitable for surgical treatment. The primary symptom of chronic rhinitis is nasal congestion; in severe cases, patients may experience headache, a sensation of heaviness or fogginess in the head, and even develop sinusitis. The main underlying pathological mechanism involves chronic inflammatory stimulation, leading to mucosal thickening and hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates.
Rhinitis is a relatively common nasal disorder, with several subtypes—including allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinitis, acute rhinitis, atrophic rhinitis, and hypertrophic rhinitis—each requiring distinct treatment approaches. So, can rhinitis be treated surgically?
Can rhinitis be treated surgically?
Surgical intervention is an option for rhinitis, but it is indicated only for chronic rhinitis—not for acute rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, or atrophic rhinitis. The hallmark symptom of chronic rhinitis is nasal congestion; in severe cases, patients may experience headache, a sensation of heaviness or pressure in the head, and even secondary sinusitis. The underlying pathophysiology involves chronic inflammatory stimulation leading to mucosal thickening and turbinate hypertrophy, thereby narrowing the nasal airway. Surgical treatment typically employs laser ablation, electrocautery, or conventional surgical excision to partially reduce turbinate volume and improve nasal airflow.
In general, most cases of rhinitis are managed conservatively, commonly with oral medications and intranasal sprays, supplemented by nasal irrigation with saline solution. However, in some patients with severe, long-standing disease unresponsive to standardized medical therapy, surgical intervention may be considered.
Surgery is warranted only in cases of significant turbinate hypertrophy; it offers no benefit for other forms of rhinitis. For mild rhinitis, glucocorticoids constitute the mainstay of treatment, sometimes supplemented with Xiangju Capsules. Fundamentally, improving overall physical fitness is essential for long-term resolution of rhinitis. Additionally, maintaining appropriate warmth—especially during cold weather—is critically important. We hope this information proves helpful to you!
