New Non-Invasive Treatment for Nasal Airway Obstruction (Stuffy Nose)
Millions of Americans struggle to breathe through their nose due to nasal airway obstruction. This common but often undiagnosed condition can interfere with life’s most basic functions such as sleep and exercise and can take a significant toll on one’s quality of life and daily productivity.
What is Nasal Airway Obstruction?
Nasal breathing normally delivers 70 percent of airflow to our lungs. Nasal airway obstruction, also referred to as nasal blockage, limits airflow and makes breathing through your nose
more difficult. The most common symptoms of nasal airway obstruction include nasal congestion or stuffiness, trouble sleeping, and difficulty breathing well during exercise or exertion.
Abnormalities in the anatomical structures of the nose can be the result of trauma, chronic inflammation or structural changes that occurred through natural development. A deviated septum (crooked nasal cartilage), enlarged turbinates (structures within the nasal passageway), and nasal valve collapse are common causes of nasal airway obstruction. The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal airway and often the most common site of nasal airway obstruction. Allergies can also cause or exacerbate nasal airway obstruction symptoms.
Traditional Treatment Options
While decongestants, nasal steroid sprays or antihistamines may address underlying allergy triggers or other causes of nasal swelling, these medications and sprays often provide only temporary relief and may cause unpleasant side effects.
When medications fail to resolve symptoms of nasal airway obstruction, surgery may be required to improve airflow. These more invasive procedures may bring relief to some patients,
but they don’t address all of the underlying anatomical issues and typically require general anesthesia and longer recovery times.
Now there’s a better way to achieve lasting relief.
VivAer®: A Non-Invasive Treatment for Patients with Nasal Airway Obstruction
VivAer® is an innovative, non-invasive treatment that provides lasting relief from nasal airway obstruction. Dr. Schneiderman now offers this convenient and effective treatment and we’re excited about the numerous benefits it provides to patients.
VivAer® features a thin, wand-like, temperature-controlled stylus that attaches to a console. The stylus is inserted via the nostril to gently remodel the nasal tissue and improve airflow using patented temperature-controlled radiofrequency technology. Treatment can be performed with a local anesthetic during a routine office visit, with no incisions, minimal to no downtime, and minimal discomfort. Patients typically return to normal activity on the same day.*
In clinical studies, treatment with VivAer® demonstrated both rapid symptom relief as well as long lasting results for patients. Two years following treatment, 97% of patients still reported significant improvement in nasal breathing,2,3 94% experienced improved nasal breathing during exercise or exertion4 and 89% reported improved sleep quality.4
At Schneiderman ENT, we strive to provide our patients with the highest quality of care, and we are thrilled to add VivAer® to the treatments available in our office.
If you would like to learn more about VivAer®, please call us today!
