Rhinaer

Overview

RhinAer® is a minimally invasive, in-office treatment that targets the overactive mucous making nerve responsible for chronic rhinitis symptoms (runny nose, congestion, and post-nasal drip). 

Using precise, temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy, your ENT doctor gently treats these nerves to reduce excessive mucus production and improve nasal comfort. Treatment for most patients is under local anesthesia with little downtime.

What is RhinAer®?

RhinAer® uses a slim, temperature-controlled radiofrequency device applied through the nostrils to the areas that house branches of the posterior nasal nerve.  Brief, controlled energy treatments help calm down the signals that drive constant drainage and congestion—without incisions or implants.

Who is RhinAer® For?

Providers may recommend RhinAer for people who have:

• Chronic rhinitis symptoms (runny nose, post-nasal drip, nasal congestion) lasting 3+ months.
• Symptoms that persist despite medical therapy (e.g., saline, steroid, or antihistamine sprays).
• Triggers include cold air, strong odors, weather changes, or eating (gustatory rhinitis).
• For those with allergic rhinitis, we may still recommend allergy management.

We can perform RhinAer on adults 18 and up. In patients who have significant structural blockage (e.g., a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates), we may recommend additional procedures, often in the same setting.

Benefits

Less Runny Nose & Drip: Calms overactive nasal nerves that drive mucus production.

Improved Congestion & Comfort: Reduces stuffiness and throat clearing.

Minimally Invasive, No Incisions: Performed through the nostrils under local anesthesia.

Quick Visit, Little Downtime: Many return to routine activities the same day or next.

Durable Relief: Results build over weeks

Procedure Details

How is RhinAer Performed?

We typically perform RhinAer® under local anesthesia in the office or ambulatory setting. General steps include:

1. Anesthesia: your ENT doctor applies topical and local anesthetics inside the nose.
2. Assessment: your ENT pinpoints nerve target areas using a small endoscope
3. Treatment: A slim, temperature-controlled radiofrequency wand  delivers brief energy at precise points along the posterior nasal nerve region (and, if planned, adjacent areas) to reduce overactivity.
4. Bleeding Control: Minor bleeding, if present, is managed with standard measures.
5. Recovery: You’ll rest briefly, then go home with simple care instructions.

Estimated time: Many cases take about 15–30 minutes; allow additional periods for preparation and observation.

Recovery & Outlook

Recovery Time

• Initial recovery: Most patients resume light, non-strenuous activities the same or the next day.
• Full effect: Symptom improvement typically builds over 2–6 weeks as tissues remodel, with possible continued gains thereafter.

What to Expect During Recovery

• Temporary symptoms: Mild congestion, crusting, drainage, or soreness inside the nose.
• Home care: Use saline sprays/rinses, elevate your head when resting, and avoid nose-blowing and heavy exertion until cleared by your doctor.
• Follow-up: You’ll have a follow-up visit to monitor healing and symptom improvement.

Long-term Outlook

Most appropriate candidates experience a meaningful reduction in runny nose, post-nasal drip, and congestion, which can improve sleep, exercise, and daily comfort. 

You may still benefit from ongoing allergy care to control triggers if allergies are present.