Effects of radiofrequency and intranasal steroid treatments on respiratory and olfactory functions in nasal obstruction.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and intranasal steroid (INS) treatments on respiratory and olfactory functions in patients with inferior concha hypertrophy and chronic nasal obstruction.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

This was a prospective clinical trial performed at a tertiary referral center.

METHODS

We assessed patients with nasal obstruction between July 2011 and February 2012. The severity of the nasal obstruction in both groups was determined before treatment and 3 months after using a visual analog scale. For the purpose of an objective test, assessment was performed by the acoustic rhinometry. Using Sniffin' Sticks for test odor identification, the discrimination and thresholds were assessed in both groups.

RESULTS

The visual analog scale score after treatment was significantly lower in each group. Radiofrequency ablation treatment significantly improved the right minimal cross-sectional area 1 (MCA1), mean MCA1, and volume 1, as well as the right MCA2, mean MCA2, volume 2, and total volume. In the INS group, improvement was detected for the left MCA1, mean MCA1, and volume 1. Minimal cross-sectional area 2, volume 2, and total volume improved significantly after RFA treatment, but not after INS treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Although RFA may be more effective in the posterior region of the nasal cavity, INS and RFA used in the treatment of inferior concha hypertrophy both had favorable effects on respiratory function. Intranasal steroid treatment provided improved discrimination and total score values, whereas RFA treatment improved only odor identification.