RhinAer Treatment For Chronic Rhinitis

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Houston and The Woodlands, TX

RhinAer is a rhinitis treatment procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt overactive nerves in the back of the nose. This reduces mucus production and congestion and shrinks soft tissue to improve airflow.

Dr. Arjuna Kuperan is an award-winning rhinologist and board-certified otolaryngologist (ENT) who leads Houston Advanced Nose and Sinus. He specializes in rhinology, and with his unique experience and advanced skills, he expertly treats a comprehensive range of nose and sinus conditions to help patients breathe, smell, and feel their best.

If you are struggling with rhinitis, contact us online or call our office at (713) 701-5704 to learn more about how RhinAer can relieve your symptoms.

About RhinAer

Rhinitis is chronic inflammation of the nasal lining, which causes swelling of the mucous membrane and triggers troubling symptoms like runny nose, itching, sneezing, and congestion. (1) It is a common medical concern that affects the quality of life of many individuals. (2) Advanced techniques such as RhinAer become helpful when over-the-counter treatments such as sprays, drops, and pills do not provide relief. RhinAer uses temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy (RF) to treat chronic rhinitis by targeting the posterior nasal nerve (PNN). It is minimally invasive and requires only minimal downtime, but it still effectively delivers long-term relief from rhinitis symptoms.

What Causes Rhinitis?

Rhinitis can arise when certain stimuli, such as pollen in the air, mold, fumes and odors, hormonal changes, smoke, changes in the environment, certain foods or spices, and others, cause irritation. Some of these trigger an overreaction from the immune system, others do not, but all will result in nasal inflammation. Rhinitis is especially challenging for patients with asthma. It can increase their risk of complications, as rhinitis makes it harder to breathe from the nose. When rhinitis symptoms become chronic or especially troublesome, and they resist medications, surgical intervention becomes necessary.

Benefits

RhinAer resolves frustrating rhinitis symptoms while bringing a vast array of benefits, including:

  • Long-lasting symptom relief
  • Calmed posterior nasal nerve
  • Reduced chronic coughing and sinus drainage
  • Alleviated nasal itching
  • Improved sleep quality
  • Reduced sneezing
  • Minimal downtime
  • Optimized airflow
  • Reduction in sinus infection severity and occurrence
  • Minimized nasal drip

Candidates

If you struggle with chronic rhinitis and symptoms like postnasal drip, congestion, and chronic throat clearing, you may be an ideal candidate for RhinAer. You may also benefit if you sneeze excessively, regularly have nasal discomfort, are unresponsive to medication, and have specific triggers (especially during allergy season). You must also be in relatively good health and have realistic expectations for your procedure outcomes. However, if you are experiencing extreme nasal injuries, have a medical condition that impairs healing, or recently underwent nasal surgery, RhinAer may not be the best option for you. If this applies to you, we still recommend scheduling a consultation to plan treatment for an optimal time or find an effective alternative. For more information about your candidacy, please take our sinus quiz!

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. Kuperan will review your medical history, perform a nasal exam, discuss any previous medication or treatments, and listen to your treatment goals. After gathering all of the necessary information, he will create a personalized RhinAer treatment plan to alleviate your concerns. He will explain the procedure process step-by-step, allowing you to feel comfortable and confident with a full understanding of your procedure.

To explore how RhinAer can help you conquer your rhinitis, contact us online or call our Houston or The Woodlands offices at (713) 701-5704 to schedule your consultation. Virtual consultations are also available.

The Power Of Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency

RhinAer uses temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy to precisely disrupt the posterior nasal nerve (PNN) and shrink inflamed tissue. The controlled radiofrequency maintains a therapeutic temperature of 60°C (140°F), but it also allows for precise low-temperature delivery to the posterior nasal nerve. With radiofrequency, Dr. Kuperan can disrupt the overactive PNN, which is the root cause of chronic mucus production. Additionally, precise temperature control ensures consistent and efficient results and focuses treatment to avoid damage to overlying mucosa and adjacent tissue. (3)

Procedure

Dr. Kuperan will begin your procedure by administering a local anesthetic to numb the inside of your nose, ensuring comfort during your procedure. Next, he will insert an endoscope to navigate the posterior nasal nerve area and inspect the nasal anatomy. He will look for the exact spot that is causing the chronic inflammation and insert the specialized stylus tool through the nostril and to the back of the nose. The stylus tool uses low-temperature radiofrequency energy to treat the nerves causing your symptoms by stopping the excessive mucus production, congestion, and other rhinitis symptoms. Throughout the process, Dr. Kuperan will reposition the endoscopic stylus to target the swollen tissue in the back of your nose. RhinAer precisely targets the nerves and tissues, disrupting their function without damaging surrounding areas. After targeting your trouble areas, Dr. Kuperan will remove the stylus tool, monitor you briefly, and clear you to return home.

Recovery

In the first 24 to 48 hours of your recovery, you must rest and avoid strenuous activity. You may notice mild spotting or light bleeding, which is normal right after your procedure. Dr. Kuperan recommends using nasal saline rinses to flush out mucus, debris, and dried blood, as well as nasal sprays, which can aid congestion relief and control your runny nose. During this time, you should also avoid blowing your nose, and if there is any drainage, inserting a small piece of gauze under the nostrils can help absorb the liquid. After a week, you may also notice temporary congestion, sensitivity, and crusting in the treatment area as you heal. Your long-term improvement will show after 10 days, as chronic rhinitis symptoms begin to clear.

Results

After your RhinAer procedure, you will notice a decrease in congestion, nasal dripping, itching, and sneezing. The controlled radiofrequency avoids significant tissue trauma, leading to minimal discomfort, enhanced healing, and a reduced reliance on medication. After undergoing RhinAer, 80.7% of patients achieved clinically meaningful improvements after 24 months and maintained their improvements for up to three years post-procedure. (4) With these improvements, many patients also reported better sleep, easier breathing, and a higher quality of life.

Corresponding Procedures

Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon sinuplasty is an effective sinus infection treatment that gently opens the natural sinus drainage pathways. This minimally invasive procedure treats chronic sinusitis, can improve sense of smell, and promotes long-lasting relief from nasal congestion. Combining balloon sinuplasty with RhinAer provides a comprehensive solution to treat sinus blockages and reduce nasal inflammation and congestion.

Inferior Turbinate Reduction

Inferior turbinate reduction targets enlarged inferior turbinates to clear a nasal obstruction that causes congestion and sinus issues. This procedure improves airflow in the nasal passageways and relieves frustrating sinus symptoms. If you are struggling with chronic nasal congestion, an enlarged inferior turbinate, chronic rhinitis symptoms, and excessive mucus production, inferior turbinate reduction may be ideal for you.

Cost of RhinAer in Houston and The Woodlands

The cost of your RhinAer procedure varies depending on the severity of your rhinitis, your personal concerns, and whether you require any additional procedures. Dr. Kuperan will outline the total cost of your procedure during your personal consultation, ensuring you have a full understanding of costs before proceeding. Dr. Kuperan also accepts insurance, and our team can help you gather all necessary documentation to navigate this process.

To explore the cost of your RhinAer procedure, contact us online or call any of our offices at (713) 701-5704 to schedule your personal consultation.

FAQ

What is RhinAer?

RhinAer is a procedure that addresses rhinitis by using radiofrequency energy to disrupt overactive nerves in the back of the nose. It effectively reduces mucus production and congestion and improves airflow.

What are the benefits of RhinAer?

RhinAer offers long-lasting symptom relief, calms the posterior nasal nerve, reduces chronic coughing, alleviates nasal itching, and more in a minimally invasive, minimal-downtime manner.

How much does a RhinAer procedure cost?

The cost of your RhinAer procedure varies depending on the severity of your nasal concerns, your goals, the scale of the procedure, and whether you undergo any additional procedures. Dr. Kuperan will outline your total cost during your personal consultation.

Are the results of RhinAer permanent?

RhinAer produces long-lasting and durable results, meaning you will see a long-term reduction in symptoms. On average, patients see significant improvements for at least three years.

Can I pair RhinAer with any other procedures?

Yes, you can pair RhinAer with other procedures like balloon sinuplasty, inferior turbinate reduction, and more, depending on your concerns and overall goals.

References

  1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Rhinitis. www.hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/rhinitis
  2. Ehmer D, McDuffie CM, Scurry WC, et al. Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Neurolysis for the Treatment of Rhinitis. American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy. 2021;36(1):149-156. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/19458924211033400
  3. Ehmer D, McDuffie CM, McIntyre JB, et al. Long-term Outcomes Following Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Neurolysis for the Treatment of Chronic Rhinitis. Allergy & Rhinology. 2022;13:215265752210960. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/21526575221096045
  4. Lee JT, Abbas GM, Charous DD, et al. Three-Year Outcomes After Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Ablation of the Posterior Nasal Nerve for Chronic Rhinitis. American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy. 2025;39(6):398-409. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/19458924251360889