Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Rhinitis after Radiofrequency Inferior Turbinate Reduction
Wish Banhiran MD*, Pongsakorn Tantilipikorn MD*, Choakchai Metheetrairut MD*, Paraya Assanasen MD*, Chaweewan Bunnag MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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.
Material and Method: 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 patient’s 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.
Conclusion : This is the first study to show that radiofrequency inferior turbinate reduction can improve quality of life of the
patients with chronic rhinitis in all dimensions. It is a simple and minimal invasive procedure, and thus will be a good
alternative treatment.
Keywords : Radiofrequency turbinate reduction, Chronic rhinitis, Quality of life
