ClariFix Cryotherapy
What is ClariFix Cryotherapy And Is ClariFix In Singapore?
It is a clinically-proven, minimally invasive cryotherapy (localized freezing at a cold temperature) that uses a cooling probe to freeze a small, inflamed area in the back of the nose. It is used to help treat people who suffer from chronic rhinitis who either are unable to tolerate nasal sprays, or find nasal sprays troublesome to use. Both patients with allergic and non-allergic rhinitis are suitable for this procedure. We are one of the first ENT specialists in Singapore to have experience with ClariFix Singapore. Make an appointment for ClariFix today!
What Is Chronic Rhinitis?
Chronic rhinitis is defined as inflammation of the nasal mucosa causing excessive mucus secretion. Chronic rhinitis symptoms include a runny nose, congestion, nasal itching and sneezing. Rhinitis can be either allergic, non-allergic or mixed rhinitis (both allergic and non-allergic). Rhinitis can also occur after a bacterial infection or a viral infection, or even changes in temperature.
Nasal nerves regulate functions of the nose such as nasal secretions. It is thought that interrupting these nerves, especially the posterior nasal nerve (PNN) results in the reduction of nasal symptoms such as runny nose and nasal congestion.
Why Choose Nasal Cryotherapy With ClariFix In Singapore?
Typical nasal allergy symptoms for many patients are no longer relieved with the typical treatments and nasal medications such as neti pots, saline nasal sprays, steroid nasal sprays, drops, and pills. Those who struggle with chronic congestion and/or a chronic runny nose that can’t be treated with the standard medications have what is called chronic rhinitis. Until recently, there was very little they could do to find relief from nasal symptoms bothering them. This treatment can finally give people (including pregnant women looking for pregnancy rhinitis relief) freedom from chronic rhinitis.
This procedure specifically targets the posterior nasal nerve (PNN), which signals and notifies the nose and nasal tissue whether it should start secreting mucus or become congested. As a result, the use of the ClariFix cryotherapy procedure can also help post-nasal drip patients who are notoriously difficult to treat.
What Is The ClariFix Procedure Like And What Are The Benefits Of Nasal Cryotherapy?
Despite the fact that this treatment for rhinitis can bring about a drastic improvement in the life of a patient, it is a brief, straightforward procedure that consists of three main steps.
- The cryoablation device (also known as the cryotherapy device or the ClariFix device) is placed into the patient’s nose.
- Then, with the help of an endoscope, the doctor places the device next to the posterior nasal nerve in the nose (PNN).
- Finally, the PNN is cooled with nitrogen gas in the device, reducing the patient’s nasal congestion or runny nose as soon as seven days after the procedure.
What Are The Benefits?
The procedure is minimally-invasive and typically painless
This procedure does not involve the cutting of tissue or bone, and patients report feeling little to no pain.
The treatment has long-lasting effects
Patient reviews are very positive, reporting long-lasting improvements and a significant reduction (or elimination) of symptoms of chronic rhinitis.
The procedure can be performed in the clinic
You will receive long-lasting relief from chronic rhinitis in a familiar setting without the risks of general anaesthesia.
Procedure time is approximately 5-10 minutes
Imagine all the time you’ll save not dealing with your chronic rhinitis once you’ve had this very, very quick procedure!
Recovery time is effortless
Most patients are up and out of their doctor’s office 30 minutes after their procedure and can return to work and regular activities within 24 hours.
Side effects, if they occur, are manageable and brief
Some patients have reported a slight headache after a procedure, which they have likened to the “brain freeze” headaches they receive after eating ice cream too quickly. As with any nasal surgery, some sensitivity, bleeding, and congestion is to be expected as healing progresses.
Can I See The ClariFix Procedure Being Performed?
Does ClariFix Work? What Kind Of Results Can I Expect From Nasal Cryotherapy?
In clinical studies to gain USA Food & Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for the device, 4 out of 5 patients reported long-lasting relief of their chronic rhinitis. It usually takes between two and six weeks post-treatment to see these improvements. After this period, your need for nasal sprays and other medications are expected to decrease. Of course, this can vary from patient to patient. The results of the procedure may or may not be permanent, but you should expect the symptom relief from the procedure to last at least 1-2 years, according to the current data available.
How Effective Is ClariFix For Allergies?
Regardless of how well your allergies are controlled, ClariFix for allergies brings another treatment option to the table. There is a possibility that patients will allergies may be able to discontinue their intranasal steroid sprays or regular antihistamines, after the procedure is performed. However, the results and duration of relief do vary from patient to patient. Please check with your doctor on what can be expected in terms of results as well as cessation of medication.
How Effective Is ClariFix for Vasomotor Rhinitis?
Vasomotor rhinitis is a difficult condition to treat. It is one of the subsets of non-allergic rhinitis, and is a term often used to describe symptoms of rhinitis associated with non-allergic, non-infectious triggers with no clear etiology; after the conclusion of an exhaustive search for a diagnosis. Medical treatment of vasomotor rhinitis usually involves avoiding triggers, as well as the administration of nasal sprays containing ipatropium bromide. Surgical procedures, such as cutting a nerve in the nose (vidian neurectomy), have also been suggested as a treatment for vasomotor rhinitis.
We have had a few patients who have had ClariFix for vasomotor rhinitis. The results appear to be good, reducing sensitivity to triggers, as well as reducing symptoms of rhinitis and post nasal drip. In addition, this avoids an invasive procedure such as vidian neurectomy. However, the results and duration of relief do vary from patient to patient. Please check with your doctor on what can be expected in terms of results as well as possible cessation of medication.
How Effective Is ClariFix For Post Nasal Drip?
Post nasal drip can be one of the most annoying complaints for patients with allergies or vasomotor rhinitis. Many patients have asked how effective is ClariFix for post nasal drip. From our practice, we find that intranasal steroid sprays are effective for nasal congestion and symptoms such as itch and runny nose. However, they appear to work less well for the symptoms of post nasal drip. ClariFix for post nasal drip targets the posterior nasal nerves and appears to reduce the amount of post nasal drip experienced by patients.
However, the results and duration of relief do vary from patient to patient. Please check with your doctor on what can be expected in terms of final results.
What Are Some ClariFix Side Effects? Is ClariFix Safe?
Some patients have reported a slight headache after a procedure, which they have likened to the “brain freeze” headaches they receive after eating ice cream too quickly. As with any nasal surgery, some sensitivity, bleeding, and congestion is to be expected as healing progresses. Some patients have also reported dry eyes after the procedure, which gradually improve over time. The device is USA FDA-approved for the indication of treatment of chronic rhinitis.
Still Undecided? See A Review From A Genuine Patient!
I have suffered from Chronic Rhinitis since 2018. My main symptoms are nostril itchiness, sneezing, runny nose, auditory canal itchiness, increased booger and disrupted sleep. It will be triggered by cold air, electric fan, tobacco smoke, mould smell etc. It is especially serious in the morning when I get out of bed. I have tried Avamys. It was effective at the beginning, but effectiveness reduces over time. Also anti-histamine, it can only control the symptoms for 1-2 days. In June 2022, I received Cryotherapy Clarifix and inferior turbinate radio frequency ablation procedures from Dr. Leslie Koh. The surgery was done under general anesthesia, I did not feel any pain or discomfort during or after the surgery. After I wake up from anesthesia, I can feel some dry and spicy feelings inside my nose, it disappeared after one hour. For the rest of the day, I have some very mild nose bleeding and some sore throat. Nose Bleeding stopped already on the second day. After the surgery, I felt immediately much less itchiness, runny nose and sneezing. After two months of the surgery when I writing this review, I feel my symptoms for sneezing reduced by around 70%, symptoms for runny nose reduced by around 60-70% and symptoms for nostril itchiness reduced by around 60%. I have much better sleep now. I am very satisfied with the results. Hopefully the long terms effectiveness will be as good as now or even has further improvements. Thanks very much Dr. Leslie Koh for the treatment and consultations!
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