[The effect of plasm radiofrequency at low temperature in treatment of chronic rhinitis on nasal airway resistance].

OBJECTIVE

The main purpose of the study is to observe the effect of plasm radiofrequency at low temperature in treatment of chronic rhinitis on nasal airway resistance (NAR).

METHOD: Using active anterior rhinomanometry, NAR were measured in eighty two patients who suffered from chronic rhinitis before and postoperation. The subjective impression of their nasal patency was assessed using a 10-pointscale.

RESULT: The NAR was (0.665 +/- 0.21) kPa /(s x L) before operation and (0.301 +/- 0.16) kPa/(s x L) three months after operation. The NAR was (0.391 +/- 0.24) ten months after operation. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01) between the NAR before and postoperation. There were significant differences in the subjective impression of patients' nasal patency as well (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Plasm radiofrequency at low temperature in treatment of chronic rhinitis is effective in decreasing NAR and improving the subjective impression of their nasal patency.