Innovative Freezing Device improves symptoms of Chronic Rhinitis

A freezing or near-freezing temperature therapy to the back of the nose of chronic rhinitis patients can offer relief from chronic stuffy or a runny nose, postnasal drip, and cough. The results of the clinical study showed that after treatment, there was an improvement in a runny nose and congestion symptoms and four out of five patients reported long-lasting symptom improvement.

The treatment named ClariFix is a form of cryotherapy in which cold temperatures is used as a medical treatment that targets out-of-balance nerves that result in chronic rhinitis. These faulty nerves direct the nose to drip, run and swell more than required. The device includes a small, chilled pad on a thin stem that is inserted through a nostril and applied to a targeted spot inside the nasal cavity. The freezing temperature interrupts the errant nerve signals, preventing them from triggering runny, stuffy noses. ClariFix interrupts the neural pathway, a connection between parts of the nervous system that triggers rhinitis symptoms.

Traditional medical treatments such as nasal sprays, drops, and pills can help manage chronic rhinitis symptoms for some people, but often does not address the underlying problem and may have side effects.ClariFix cryotherapy is the first and only FDA-cleared device for treating chronic rhinitis used by ENT specialist.

“A longstanding runny nose and congestion can slowly deprive patients of their quality of life. In the past, medications were the only option that could be offered to our patients. The introduction of Clarifix now offers the possibility of a more definitive solution that has the potential to offer long-lasting relief from rhinitis symptoms,” said Dr. Pete Batra, Professor, and Chairperson of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head, and Neck Surgery at Rush.

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ClariFix cryotherapy is a proven treatment option that can be performed in the office. After a numbing medication has been inserted into the patient’s nose and left in place for 10 to 15 minutes, the patient receives the 30-second treatment on each side and can return to work after the procedure.

No adverse events were observed during the clinical trial of ClariFix.The most common side effects associated with ClariFix cryotherapy are temporarily increased congestion and transient pain or discomfort, which normally gets resolved or is mild after 1 to 2 days.