Radio frequency volume reduction for the nose: Overview
Radio frequency volume reduction for the nose may help you breathe better. You may have this done if parts of your nose (called the turbinates) are too large. They can block your airways. Or you may need this procedure if the inside of your nose is often swollen. Pollution, smoking, allergies, and dust can cause swelling. This swelling can make it hard for you to breathe.
You can get this treatment in your doctor's office or a clinic. First, your doctor will numb the area. Then a needle is put into your nose. A small electric current goes through the needle. This opens up the blocked area. Your nose will heal over the next 3 to 6 weeks. As you heal, the flow of air should improve so you can breathe better.
Most people go home right after the procedure. You might be able to return to work or your normal routine the next day.
You may need more than one treatment.
After radio frequency volume reduction for the nose: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have trouble breathing.
- You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have symptoms of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
- You have new or worse trouble swallowing.
- You are bleeding.
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You are not getting better as expected.
How do you prepare for a radio frequency volume reduction of the nose?
Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.
Preparing for the procedure
- Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
- Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
- If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your procedure. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
- Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.
- Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don’t have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It’s a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.
How can you care for yourself after radio frequency volume reduction for the nose?
Activity
- Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover. Sleep with your head propped up by 3 or 4 pillows.
- Most people are able to return to work or their normal routine the next day.
Diet
- You can eat your normal diet.
Medicines
- Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach:
- Take your medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to).
- Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.
- If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
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