Nasal cryotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment for chronic rhinitis in which branches of the posterior nasal nerves are treated with controlled cold. The procedure can help reduce a constantly runny nose, mucus running down the back of the throat (post-nasal drip) and nasal congestion when treatment with medicines is not effective enough.
Nasal cryotherapy is performed at the clinic free of charge, after a prior consultation with an ENT doctor.
The procedure is performed through the nasal cavity, without damaging the skin of the outer nose.
An additional treatment option for patients who continue to have troublesome symptoms of chronic rhinitis.
A follow-up visit is scheduled after the procedure to assess the effect of the treatment.
When is nasal cryotherapy recommended?
The procedure may be considered when symptoms of chronic rhinitis last longer than 12 weeks, significantly affect quality of life and are not sufficiently relieved by usual treatment.
The most common reasons to see a doctor:
- A constantly runny nose. Profuse watery discharge is a daily nuisance, even without a cold.
- Post-nasal drip. You constantly feel mucus building up in your throat and need to clear your throat or cough.
- Chronic nasal congestion. Breathing through the nose is difficult, even though treatment with nasal sprays is not effective enough.
- Vasomotor (non-allergic) rhinitis. The runny nose gets worse with changes in temperature, smells or other irritants.
- Allergic or mixed rhinitis. Despite appropriate treatment, a constantly runny or blocked nose persists.
- Insufficient effect of medication. Symptoms persist after trying the nasal preparations recommended by a doctor, or they are not tolerated.
Cryotherapy is not a usual treatment for an acute infectious cold. Nor does it replace allergy treatment when a patient needs allergen control or specific treatment.
How does nasal cryotherapy work?
Mucus production and some other functions of the nasal lining are regulated by the autonomic nervous system.
In chronic rhinitis, the activity of these nerve signals can contribute to excessive mucus production and other troublesome symptoms.
During cryotherapy, controlled cold is directed with a special applicator at the area of the posterior nasal nerve branches. The cold reduces the transmission of nerve signals and can help reduce a runny nose and other symptoms of rhinitis.
The procedure does not change the shape of the nasal septum and does not remove nasal polyps. If breathing through the nose is obstructed by anatomical obstacles or chronic sinusitis, a different treatment may be needed.
How is nasal cryotherapy performed?
An ENT consultation is required before the procedure. The doctor assesses your symptoms, how long you have had them, possible triggers, previous treatment and how effective it was.
It is important to establish whether the symptoms are caused by chronic rhinitis or by another disease that needs different treatment.
The nose is examined and, if needed, an endoscopic examination is performed. The condition of the nasal lining, the anatomy and any changes that could affect the safety or effectiveness of the procedure are assessed.
Before the procedure, the nasal lining is usually numbed with local anaesthetics. The specific method of pain relief depends on the technology used and the patient’s condition.
A special applicator is inserted through the nasal cavity. The areas of the posterior nasal nerve branches are treated with controlled cold.
Depending on medical indications, the procedure may be performed on both sides of the nose.
After cryotherapy, the patient’s wellbeing is assessed and advice on nasal care and further treatment is given.
The length of the procedure, the monitoring time and the exact course depend on the system used.
A follow-up visit to the ENT doctor is required after the procedure. It assesses how much the symptoms have decreased, whether the nasal lining is healing properly and whether further treatment is needed.
Which tests are needed before the procedure?
Helps identify the main symptoms and assess the nasal lining and possible contraindications.
Allows a more detailed examination of the nasal cavity and detection of changes that may affect the choice of treatment.
May be recommended if an allergic cause of the symptoms is suspected.
If chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps or other diseases are suspected, further investigation may be needed.
Not every patient needs all of the tests listed.
How to prepare for nasal cryotherapy
Preparation advice is given individually, taking into account the planned procedure.
Before the procedure it is important to:
- Tell the doctor about the medicines you take, especially those that affect blood clotting.
- Report any bleeding disorders, drug allergies and previous nasal surgery.
- Say if you have an acute respiratory infection or have recently had heavy nosebleeds.
- Discuss any nasal sprays and other rhinitis medicines you use regularly.
Do not stop taking prescribed medicines without consulting your doctor.
What to expect after nasal cryotherapy
After the procedure, you may have temporary nasal congestion, tenderness, minor bleeding, a headache or discomfort in the nose and palate.
You may not notice an improvement in symptoms straight away. The effect of the treatment may become apparent gradually as the tissues heal.
Most patients can return to their normal activities fairly quickly after the procedure, but any specific restrictions depend on how the procedure went and how you feel.
The doctor tells you how to care for your nose, when you can resume physical activity and whether to continue taking previously prescribed medicines.
At the follow-up visit, the result of the treatment is assessed and the further care plan is adjusted if needed.
How effective is nasal cryotherapy?
Clinical studies show that posterior nasal nerve cryotherapy can significantly reduce the symptoms of chronic rhinitis, especially a constantly runny nose.
According to the studies, a clinically significant improvement in symptoms was found in about 7 out of 10 treated patients. In some patients, the effect lasts 12–24 months.
However, results vary from person to person. The procedure does not guarantee that the runny nose will disappear completely, and some patients may need to continue medication.
When is nasal cryotherapy not suitable?
The procedure may not be recommended, or may be postponed, if any of the following is found:
- An active infection of the nose or sinuses.
- Significant anatomical changes in the nasal cavity that prevent safe access to the treatment area.
- Uncontrolled nosebleeds or certain blood clotting disorders.
- Other conditions in which exposure to cold or the procedure may be unsafe.
Patients who have had nasal surgery or who have nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis or other conditions are assessed separately.
The final decision on whether the procedure is suitable is made by the ENT doctor.
When should you see a doctor after the procedure?
Seek medical help without delay if you have:
- Heavy or persistent nosebleeds.
- Increasing or severe pain.
- A fever and worsening general wellbeing.
- Other unusual or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Is nasal cryotherapy really free of charge?
Yes. At Baltic American Clinic, the nasal cryotherapy procedure is performed free of charge. However, an ENT consultation is required beforehand, and a follow-up visit is needed after the procedure to assess the results of treatment. Consultation prices are set by the clinic’s price list in force.
Does nasal cryotherapy help with a constantly runny nose?
It can reduce a constantly runny nose, especially when it is caused by chronic rhinitis and medication is not effective enough. The cause of the runny nose must be established before the procedure.
Is nasal cryotherapy suitable for allergic rhinitis?
In some patients with allergic rhinitis, the procedure can reduce symptoms. However, it does not remove the cause of the allergy and does not replace the allergy treatment that is needed.
Does nasal cryotherapy help with sinusitis?
Cryotherapy is not a direct treatment for sinusitis. If the symptoms are caused by inflammation of the sinuses, the doctor chooses an appropriate treatment for that disease.
Is nasal cryotherapy painful?
Pain relief is used during the procedure, but you may feel pressure, cold or other discomfort. After the procedure, your nose or head may hurt for a while.
Will I need to keep using nasal sprays after the procedure?
This depends on the result achieved and the cause of the rhinitis. Some patients need less medication; others need to continue treatment.
Does the effect of nasal cryotherapy last for ever?
Not always. Clinical studies show that in some patients the improvement lasts one or two years, but a long-term result is not guaranteed.
Can cryotherapy help if my nose runs when I eat or am in the cold?
Such symptoms may be typical of non-allergic rhinitis, including vasomotor or eating-related (gustatory) rhinitis. In some cases cryotherapy may be suitable, but an ENT consultation is needed first.
Can the procedure be performed on children?
Data on the effectiveness and safety of posterior nasal nerve cryotherapy are based mainly on studies in adults. Use of this procedure in children is not usually recommended.
Price of nasal cryotherapy
The nasal cryotherapy procedure at Baltic American Clinic is performed free of charge. An ENT consultation is required before the procedure, during which your health is assessed, the indications for the procedure are established and a treatment plan is drawn up.
After cryotherapy, a follow-up visit to the ENT doctor is needed to assess the results of treatment and the need for further care. Consultation prices are set by the Baltic American Clinic price list in force.