I’ve been waiting all year for the return of beautiful summer weather. While I love the sun and warm temperatures, the pesky summer allergies are something I could definitely live without.
If you are like me, then the lush lilacs, bountiful begonias and gorgeous gardenias that scream summer, can lead to pounding headaches, itchy eyes, and violent sneezing. According to my doctor, allergy season is in full swing, and that is making life miserable for me, and the millions of other allergy sufferers, who rely on pills and sprays to make it through the day.
Unfortunately, in most cases, oral medication and sprays provide only temporary relief. That’s one of the reasons why some doctors (including mine) are recommending a new way to get rid of the watery eyes and chronic fatigue associated with summertime allergies. For people who are looking for a more permanent, non-surgical solution to seasonal allergies, otolaryngologists around the country are offering patients turbinate coblation.
The new procedure, which employs radio waves works like this: After applying a local anesthetic doctors insert a radio-wave emitting wand into the patient’s nose. The radio waves then shrink and remove tissue blocking the nasal passages. According to doctors, the entire procedure lasts only about 10 minutes.
Another benefit of turbinate coblation is that the procedure costs only a fraction of what an allergy sufferer would pay to have the same tissue surgically removed with general anesthesia. The turbinate coblation procedure has a one-time cost of $1,500. Compare that with the cost of traditional surgery and the after care, which includes prescription drugs, nasal sprays and tissue.
Patients who have undergone the turbinate coblation procedure say it is worth every penny, especially considering most spent on average about $550 per month on various nose sprays and oral medications prior to the procedure. Most allergy sufferers who have opted for turbinate coblation say the procedure pays for itself within three months.
It’s important to note that not everyone is qualified to undergo the turbinate coblation procedure. Doctors say about 70% of allergy patients are viable candidates. However, you must consult your physician to see if you meet the requirements.
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