CLARIFIX® PROCEDURE FOR RUNNY NOSE
20 Min In-Office Procedure For Relief From Runny, Drippy Nose
FRUSTRATED WITH CONSTANT RUNNY NOSE? ASK US ABOUT THE CLARIFIX PROCEDURE®
Runny nose is a common symptom amongst individuals 65 and above and in some individuals below 65 years of age. Usually the runny nose is noted to be coming from both sides, is worse during meals or eating spicy foods or with changes in temperature or during allergy season. It is usually clear and thin watery or somewhat thick mucus but clear. It may be frustrating in some individuals and may not improve despite nasal steroids or ipratropium spray.
An allergy test or a CT scan of the sinuses may be done to look at underlying issues. The condition is called vasomotor rhinitis and occurs due to an imbalance in the sympathetic-parasympathetic nervous system of the body.
The CLARIFIX® procedure is recommended for those not improving with conservative treatment.
WHAT IS THE CLARIFIX® PROCEDURE AND HOW DOES IT HELP MY CONSTANT RUNNY NOSE?
With clarifix, liquid nitrogen is applied to the nerves and the ganglion (nerve cell body) that feeds the mucus lining of the nose. Hyperactivity of this sphenopalatine nerve/ganglion results in the overproduction of mucus and a runny nose. The liquid nitrogen from the Clarifix device results in reducing the hyperactivity and thus the runny nose. The ganglion and nerves are located in the back part of the nose on either side.
HOW IS THE CLARIFIX® PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
After numbing the local area in the back of the nose with a local anesthetic, the clarifix balloon is applied to the mucus membrane covering the ganglion and nerves for two minutes. It is generally a one-time application. In more severe cases, a repeat application may be done.
WHEN IS IMPROVEMENT NOTICED?
Generally, some improvement is noted within 2 weeks. More improvement may be noted after two weeks
ARE THERE ANY RISKS OR SIDE EFFECTS?
Occasionally, some individuals may have bleeding or headache after surgery. It is a very safe procedure. Repeat procedure may be necessary after many months or a year. Sometimes due to mucus membrane sloughing, healing may take longer.