Every fall and winter, it’s the same thing. You have a persistent runny nose or nasal congestion no matter what you do. Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein has been working with patients to help them solve their nasal and sinus problems at the Hudson Valley Sinus Center in Newburgh, NY for more than 15 years. He was one of the first to offer innovative treatments such as balloon sinus dilation and continues that pattern of innovation by offering patients minimally-invasive ClariFix to help relieve chronic runny nose or nasal congestion.
- What Is ClariFix?
- Who Is a Candidate for ClariFix?
- What is Chronic Rhinitis?
- The ClariFix Consultation
- How Do You Prepare for ClariFix?
- What Happens During the Procedure?
- What Happens After ClariFix?
- ClariFix Results
- ClariFix Risks, Safety, and Side Effects
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Rubinstein Today
What Is ClariFix?
ClariFix is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses cryotherapy (very cold temperatures) to help ease the symptoms associated with chronic rhinitis. Chronic rhinitis causes issues such as nasal congestion, a runny nose, or post-nasal drip. It develops when the nasal turbinates are chronically inflamed.
Among the causes of inflammation in the nasal passages are out-of-balance nerves. The nerves might send too many signals, leading to the production of excess mucus and swelling in the turbinates. ClariFix helps to calm the affected nerves by using cold temperatures to disrupt their signaling. Cryotherapy prevents the nerves from sending signals that cause swelling, a runny nose, or post-nasal drip.
ClariFix is an FDA-cleared procedure that has been shown to be effective in clinical trials and studies. The results of one study showed that people who received treatment with ClariFix had a 56% improvement after 90 days and that most maintained that improvement one year later.
Who Is a Candidate for ClariFix?
A good candidate for ClariFix is a person who has had moderate to severe chronic rhinitis symptoms. Those symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Trouble sleeping because of nasal discomfort
- Nasal itching
Moderate symptoms are those that are present and frequently bothersome while severe symptoms are those that are frequently present and interfere with a person’s ability to participate fully in daily activities.
What is Chronic Rhinitis?
Chronic rhinitis refers to a group of nasal symptoms that continue for several months or years. The condition affects millions of people but the exact cause of the issue is often unknown. In some cases, chronic rhinitis is called non-allergic rhinitis because the symptoms are similar to nasal allergies, but no allergen has been identified.
Previously, treatment options for chronic rhinitis were very limited. People would often resort to taking nasal decongestants or using nasal sprays, but such treatments only helped with the symptoms of the condition, not the root cause. Additionally, nasal decongestants and sprays often cause unpleasant side effects. They can only be used for short periods of time before their effectiveness wears off.
ClariFix offers a more permanent and effective option for treating the symptoms of chronic rhinitis. Patients can find relief without needing additional medications or frequent treatments.
The ClariFix Consultation
Prior to treatment with ClariFix, it’s important to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rubinstein at his practice in Newburgh, NY.
During your consultation, Dr. Rubinstein will ask you about your nasal symptoms, including how long you’ve been experiencing them, how frequently they occur, and how much they interfere with your life overall. He’ll ask you about your past medical history and about any medications you currently take. He’ll also ask about any allergies, particularly allergies to anesthetics.
As part of the consultation, Dr. Rubinstein will explain how the treatment will work and what you can expect in the weeks and months afterward. He’ll also give you instructions to help you prepare for the procedure.
The consultation is also an opportunity for you to get to know Dr. Rubinstein and to learn more about how ClariFix is different from other treatments that can help relieve nasal congestion and sinus issues. It can be helpful to prepare a list of questions to bring with you to your appointment to find out more about Dr. Rubinstein’s experience, what you can expect from the procedure, and what you’ll need to do afterward.
How Do You Prepare for ClariFix?
Dr. Rubinstein will give you detailed instructions to help you prepare for the ClariFix procedure. He might recommend taking a pain reliever before the treatment to improve your comfort level during the procedure. He might also advise bringing someone with you to the appointment to drive you home afterward.
Depending on the medications or supplements you take, you might be advised to stop taking them before your ClariFix session.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The ClariFix procedure is brief but effective. You should expect to spend about one hour at the Hudson Valley Sinus Center on the day of your procedure. The treatment itself will typically only take a couple of minutes.
Before beginning the procedure, Dr. Rubinstein might give you a topical anesthetic to numb the area and to minimize any discomfort. Depending on the type of anesthetic to be used, Dr. Rubinstein might apply it with a piece of cotton, a spray, or via an injection. You can expect it to take up to 10 or so minutes before the area becomes numb.
Once the anesthetic has taken effect, the treatment begins. Dr. Rubinstein will insert the ClariFix device into one nostril. The nasal cavity will be treated for about 30 seconds, then the device will be placed inside the second nostril so the process can be repeated.
During the procedure, Dr. Rubinstein might treat each side one or two times. An endoscope, or small camera, will also be inserted into the nasal cavity to help Dr. Rubinstein view the treatment area.
What Happens After ClariFix?
As it is a non-invasive treatment, downtime after ClariFix is usually limited. Many people are able to resume their regular activities the day after the procedure or even the same day. You most likely won’t have to ask for time off from work.
You might notice some discomfort in the nasal area after the procedure. Some people develop a slight headache, which usually goes away within a day. An increase in nasal congestion is also somewhat common, though this usually clears up quickly.
To help improve your results, Dr. Rubinstein might recommend drinking a hot beverage after ClariFix. Using a saline nasal spray can also help improve your comfort level. You’ll most likely be advised not to blow your nose for at least one week after the procedure.
ClariFix Results
The majority of patients in trials reported a noticeable improvement in their nasal symptoms, including runny nose and congestion, after treatment with ClariFix. For most people, results began to appear about two to six weeks after the procedure. Around 80% of patients reported long-lasting improvement in their symptoms. The two symptoms that are most likely to improve after treatment with ClariFix are runny nose and congestion.
ClariFix Risks, Safety, and Side Effects
ClariFix has been FDA-cleared and has undergone many trials and tests. Clinical studies have shown that the treatment is safe and generally well-tolerated by patients.
Among the possible side effects to be aware of are some pain after treatment and a temporary increase in nasal congestion. During treatment, some people noted a feeling of pressure and a slight feeling of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
ClariFix is generally not considered to be painful. If a patient is concerned about discomfort during the procedure, Dr. Rubinstein can provide a local anesthetic to numb the nasal cavity. Taking an analgesic before the treatment also helps to reduce any pain or discomfort.
ClariFix does not require sedation or general anesthesia. Depending on your preference and the advice of Dr. Rubinstein, you might choose to receive a topical anesthetic before the procedure begins. A local or topical anesthetic will numb only the treatment area.
For the most part, people do not need to take time off from work or other activities before or after ClariFix. The treatment itself is short, usually about one hour, so you might be able to schedule it on your lunch break. No time off is needed for downtime or recovery.
Many patients report noticing results about two to six weeks after ClariFix. Most also report a significant and long-lasting improvement in their symptoms after the procedure.
The most notable side effect from ClariFix is a temporary increase in nasal congestion, usually occurring immediately following treatment. This congestion can last for a few days but typically resolves on its own. Some people also note that they feel pressure and discomfort after the treatment, but these side effects usually go away on their own by the end of the first day.
Although ClariFix can help many people who experience symptoms of chronic rhinitis, it’s not for everyone. It’s not recommended for people with insensitivity to cold or with conditions such as Raynaud’s disease. If you have a condition such as diabetes, a neuropathic disorder, a bleeding disorder, or a circulation issue, let Dr. Rubinstein know, as these health conditions might change your eligibility for the treatment.
If you live near Newburgh, NY, Hudson Valley Sinus Center offers ClariFix among its services, and is conveniently located at 200 Stony Brook Court, #1, Newburgh, NY 12550
Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Rubinstein Today
You don’t have to go through life with chronic nasal congestion, post-nasal drip or a runny nose. If the symptoms of chronic rhinitis are disrupting your day-to-day life, ClariFix can help. To learn more about the procedure and to see if it’s a good option for you, schedule a consultation today with Dr. Rubinstein at Hudson Valley Sinus Center in Newburgh, NY.