Diode Laser Turbinate Reduction in Allergic Rhinitis: A Cross-sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Allergy and Immunology

Background:

• Inferior turbinate hypertrophy is a common cause of nasal obstruction in allergic rhinitis.
• Medical therapy is often insufficient for persistent symptoms.
• Surgical intervention, including turbinate reduction, is recommended when medical management fails.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of diode laser turbinate reduction for symptomatic inferior turbinate hypertrophy in allergic rhinitis.
• To assess complications associated with the diode laser procedure.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 60 patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy.
• Diode laser turbinate reduction performed under local anesthesia.
• Subjective symptom assessment using Visual Analogue Scale preoperatively and at 3-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement observed in nasal obstruction, discharge, sneezing, and sense of smell.
• Common complications included post-operative pain, crusting, and persistent nasal discharge.
• No cases of mucosal edema or synechiae formation were reported.

Conclusions:

• Diode laser turbinate reduction is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for refractory inferior turbinate hypertrophy.
• The procedure provides significant symptom relief for patients with allergic rhinitis.
• It can be safely performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.