COMPARING THE EFFECTS OF INFERIOR TURBINATE RADIOFREQUENCY AND INTRANASAL CORTICOSTEROID ON SYMPTOMS SEVERITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH INFERIOR TURBINATE HYPERTROPHY

Background: Inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) is a common cause of nasal obstruction. Surgical approach is often needed if is refractory to medical treatment. Radiofrequency (RF) of inferior turbinate is known as an effective method to decrease obstruction as well as other symptoms and improving quality of life. Objective: This study was designed to compare therapeutic effects of intranasal corticosteroid and RF on symptoms severity and quality of life in patients with ITH due to allergic rhinitis. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, patients 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 symptoms 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. There were no significant differences regarding demographic data between the groups. All patients had significant improvements in symptom severity, and RQLQ score at all after intervention visits. The best results obtained in sixth month. RQLQ was significantly better in RF groups at all after intervention visits (P<0.05). Conclusion: RF technique as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia could decrease symptoms severity and increase quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis and ITH, but long-term effects of corticosteroid and RF could be evaluated in future studies.