Author(s): Abolfazl Taheri; Asghar Akhavan; Hamidreza Karimi-Sari; Hamidreza Zangeneh,; Mohammad Hossein Khosravi
Background: Inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) is a common cause of nasal obstruction. Surgical approach is often needed if is refrac-tory to medical treatment. Radiofrequency (RF) of inferior turbinate is known as an effec-tive method to decrease obstruction as well as other symptoms and improving quality of life.
Objective: This study was designed to com-pare therapeutic effects of intranasal corti-costeroid and RF on symptoms severity and quality of life in patients with ITH due to aller-gic rhinitis.
Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, pa-tients with allergic rhinitis and ITH referred to BMSU Allergic Clinic were randomized to RF and intranasal corticosteroid spray (Fluticasone 125 mcg) groups. Patients were evaluated by symp-toms severity measured by visual analogue scale, and Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaires (RQLQ) four times, before, first, third and sixth months after the intervention.
Results: Sixty patients with allergic rhinitis and ITH were evaluated (26 males and 34 females). The mean age was 35.5 years, and the mean BMI was 22.97 kg/m2.