Quality of life in patients with chronic rhinitis after radiofrequency inferior turbinate reduction.
OBJECTIVE
This prospective, before-and-after study was aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of radiofrequency (RF) inferior turbinate reduction in patients with chronic rhinitis refractory to medication on quality of life.


METHODS
From April 2007 to April 2008, there were 28 patients enrolled in the present study. The temperature-controlled radiofrequency (RF) was applied at inferior turbinate on both sides. To compare before and at the 8th weeks after RF treatment, the patients were given Rhinoconjuctivitis Quality of Life questionnaires (Rcq-36) and questionnaires using visual analog scales (0-10) to assess subjective symptoms such as the frequency and severity of nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, hyposmia, and sneezing. The acoustic rhinometry and active rhinomanometry were also done to evaluate objective outcomes.


RESULTS
At the 8th week after RF treatment, the patients quality of life in every dimension of Rcq-36 and all symptoms revealed a significant improvement (p < 0.05). Particularly, the severity and frequency of nasal congestion were reduced from 6.8 +/- 2.5 and 6.3 +/- 2.5 to 2.6 +/- 2.2 and 2.5 +/- 2.1 respectively (p < 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant change in objective findings. All patients reported only minimal pain and no complication.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study to show that radiofrequency inferior turbinate reduction can improve quality ofhlife ofthe patients with chronic rhinitis in all dimensions. It is a simple and minimal invasive procedure, and thus will be a good alternative treatment.
Banhiran
Wish
W
Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Faculty ofMedicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. wishbanh@gmail.com
Tantilipikorn
Pongsakorn
P
Metheetrairut
Choakchai
C
Assanasen
Paraya
P
Bunnag
Chaweewan
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D011846:Radio Waves; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D025363:Rhinomanometry; D023842:Rhinometry, Acoustic; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014420:Turbinates / Q000601:surgery*