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Can Allergic Rhinitis Patients Undergo Rhinoplasty?

Apr 15, 2021
4 min read

Updated: Oct 3

In this article, we’ll be sharing the answer to the question, “Can patients with allergic rhinitis have rhinoplasty?”

What Is Allergic Rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is a complaint that occurs without any microbial infection. Allergens in the environment are drawn into the nose through breathing and settle on its inner surface. In people who are sensitive to this, certain symptoms develop.

What Are the Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis?

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be listed as follows:

  • Itching, watering, and clear discharge felt in the nose.

  • Bouts of sneezing.

  • Itching that occurs on the palate.

  • A constant urge to clear the throat.

  • Watery and itchy eyes.

  • Fatigue.

Factors That Cause Allergic Rhinitis

Animal and plant proteins are light enough to be carried through the air and are difficult to see with the naked eye. These proteins build up on the membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth. Particles such as pollen, mold, animal dander, and dust also build up on these membranes. Especially in early spring, pollen and trees are a major cause of allergic rhinitis.

In addition, the molds that cause bread and fruit to spoil, along with dry leaves, meadow grasses, seeds, and hay, can also cause allergic rhinitis.

How Common Is Allergic Rhinitis?

There are many allergic conditions. Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common among them. Roughly 20% of the population suffers from this condition. Some patients experience it mildly, while others have a more severe course. The quality of life of patients with allergic rhinitis is affected. Although it can appear later in life, it generally emerges between the ages of 1 and 20. It is also common to find a similar condition elsewhere in the family.

Types of Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis can be categorized according to certain factors. The types of allergic rhinitis can be explained as follows:

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: A type of allergic rhinitis triggered by factors such as tree pollen that appears during a specific season, usually spring; patients feel more comfortable outside this season. • Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: This describes the condition of patients who are in year-round contact with allergens such as dust, animal dander, and various environmental particles. These patients’ complaints continue persistently throughout the year. • Occupational Allergic Rhinitis: These patients experience complaints due to occupational substances they encounter in their work environment.

How Is Allergic Rhinitis Diagnosed?

Factors such as the patient’s surroundings, age, and previously used medications should be identified. Genetic predisposition to allergic conditions should be assessed. Allergy tests should be performed. In individuals who do not respond to allergy treatment, a detailed nasal examination should be carried out.

Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis has several distinct treatment approaches. These treatment approaches can be listed as follows:

  • Eliminating contact with allergens.

  • Medication.

  • Immunotherapy (allergy vaccine treatment).

  • Surgical intervention.

The first goal in treating allergic rhinitis is to change the patient’s living conditions. Treatment begins by removing the factors at home, school, or work that may be causing the allergy. Medication is used once it has been established that there is no infectious or functional problem. If the patient’s allergic reactions continue even after allergen contact has been eliminated and medication has been used, immunotherapy is considered. When a functional disorder is identified in the nose, surgical intervention is performed to treat the allergic rhinitis. These functional disorders can originate from the turbinates.

The Role of Rhinoplasty in Treating Allergic Rhinitis

Surgery does not directly treat allergic rhinitis. If a patient also has a condition such as a deviated septum, rhinoplasty may be performed. Widening the airway passages inside the nose makes breathing easier. In addition, the turbinates can be treated during the same procedure.

From the standpoint of allergic rhinitis, rhinoplasty is a simple and functional procedure. With this surgery, the surface area of the epithelial tissue in the upper airway that comes into contact with allergens is reduced. This provides a physical benefit that reduces sensitivity. Allergens have less opportunity to settle in the area, allowing the patient to continue their life in better condition. Rhinoplasty can be performed to reduce medication use and minimize complaints.

As Dr. Suleyman Tas Clinic, we have come to the end of our blog post sharing information about allergic rhinitis. Throughout this article, we covered the factors that cause allergic rhinitis, its treatment methods, and the role of rhinoplasty in allergic rhinitis. For more detailed information on rhinoplasty for allergic rhinitis patients, you can read our related article, or contact us at +90 532 056 3693.

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