Background: Radiofrequency ablation of inferior turbinate (RFAIT) to treat chronic rhinitis (CR) is one of the most effective and safe surgical methods. However, there is no study on the quality of life (QOL) of patients with CR after radiofrequency. Therefore, the author conducted the present research.

Objective: To study the QOL in patients with CR after treatment with RFAIT.

Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective study that enrolled 56 patients between August 2021 and December 2022. RFAIT was applied on both sides. The patients were given Rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaires (Rcq-36) and Subjective nasal symptoms questionnaires (Snsq) to compare the results before and twelve weeks after treatment.

Results: The QOL after the twelfth weeks of treatment showed significant improvement in all dimensions (p<0.001). Specifically, score for nasal congestion and runny nose decreased from 4.29±0.73 and 3.32±0.64 to 1.88±0.69 and 1.91±0.58, respectively (p<0.001). There were no complications in all the patients.

Conclusion: RFAIT can improve QOL and nasal symptoms of CR patients. RFAIT is an outpatient procedure with no complication, thus, it will be a good alternative treatment for CR.

Keywords: Chronic rhinitis; Quality of life; Radiofrequency ablation of inferior turbinate

DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2024.1.13930

Received 16 October 2023 | Revised 22 December 2023 | Accepted 2 January 2024