RhinAer for Chronic Runny Nose: How It Works and Who's a Good Candidate

You've tried every nasal spray on the pharmacy shelf. You carry tissues everywhere. Your nose runs through meetings, dinners, workouts, and nothing makes it stop.

If this has gone on for months, the likely culprit is chronic rhinitis. It's different from seasonal allergies or a lingering cold, and an estimated 30 million Americans have it. Many don't realize there's a name for what they're experiencing — or that treatments exist beyond daily medication.

RhinAer is an in-office procedure that targets a root cause of a chronic runny nose: overactive nasal nerves. Instead of adding another daily spray, it reduces the nerve signals that tell your nose to keep producing mucus. Below, we cover how the procedure works, what the clinical evidence shows, and how to know if you're a good candidate.

What is chronic rhinitis (and why won't your nose stop running)?

Chronic rhinitis is persistent inflammation of the nasal lining that lasts months or years. The symptoms are familiar: a constant runny nose, post-nasal drip, congestion, sneezing, and nasal itching. Some patients develop a chronic cough from mucus draining down the throat.

The condition falls into two broad categories. Allergic rhinitis is triggered by pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Non-allergic rhinitis flares from temperature changes, strong odors, or no identifiable trigger at all. Many patients have overlapping allergic and non-allergic causes.

The common thread behind the runny-nose symptom is the posterior nasal nerve. In chronic rhinitis, this nerve sends overactive signals telling the nasal glands to produce mucus even when there's no real threat to respond to. Nasal sprays and antihistamines work downstream of that signal — they reduce inflammation or block histamine at the surface, but they don't correct the nerve activity driving the problem. RhinAer does.

How the RhinAer procedure works

The technology

RhinAer delivers temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy through a thin, wand-like stylus inserted through the nostril — no incisions needed. Your ENT positions the stylus along the posterior nasal nerve, and the energy ablates the nerve fibers that trigger excess mucus production. This posterior nasal nerve ablation reduces the overactive signals at their source. Built-in temperature and impedance controls keep energy delivery precise while protecting surrounding tissue.

What to expect on procedure day

The RhinAer procedure is performed in-office under local anesthesia. No general anesthesia, no operating room. Your nose is numbed before the stylus is applied, and most patients report minimal discomfort. Treating both sides takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes, and you go home the same day. Most people return to normal activities right away.

RhinAer recovery

Mild congestion or crusting in the nose is normal for the first one to two weeks. Board-certified otolaryngologist Dr. Aaron Feinstein typically schedules a follow-up at roughly 7 to 10 days to clear any crusting. Most patients notice meaningful improvement within two to six weeks as the treated area heals.

What the clinical evidence says

Three published studies back RhinAer results across multiple years of follow-up.

The RHINTRAC trial — a randomized, sham-controlled study of 117 patients published in the International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology — showed significantly greater symptom improvement in the RhinAer group than the placebo arm. Results held through three years.

A three-year open-label study of 129 patients across 19 sites (American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy) showed 58% improvement in total nasal symptom scores, 60% improvement in quality of life, and a retreatment rate of just 1.6%.

A two-year extension study of 34 patients (Allergy and Rhinology) classified 88.2% as responders at 24 months, with the procedure effective for both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.

Across all three trials, no serious RhinAer side effects or device-related adverse events were reported. Cigna Healthcare began covering the procedure (CPT 31242) in September 2025, though coverage varies by plan — check with your insurer.

RhinAer vs. other chronic rhinitis treatments

If you've been managing symptoms for a while, you've probably tried several options. Here's how the main chronic runny nose treatments compare.

Daily nasal steroid and antihistamine sprays are the most common starting point. They reduce inflammation or block histamine at the surface and are widely available, but they require daily use indefinitely and relief is often incomplete. Some patients develop nosebleeds or dryness over time.

Ipratropium bromide spray works differently — it blocks nerve signals that trigger mucus production topically. It's effective for non-allergic rhinitis, but it must be used multiple times a day and doesn't address the underlying nerve issue permanently.

RhinAer and ClariFix both target the posterior nasal nerve in-office. The difference is the energy type — RhinAer uses radiofrequency (heat), ClariFix uses cryotherapy (cold). RhinAer's published evidence includes a three-year randomized controlled trial; ClariFix has published data but with shorter follow-up periods. Both are in-office nasal procedures performed under local anesthesia with no traditional surgery required. Neuromark is another recent addition with a different shape and configuration at the tip which also uses radiofrequency energy.

Your ENT can help determine which approach fits your anatomy and insurance coverage. For some patients, the right answer is a combination of medical management and a procedure.

Am I a good candidate for RhinAer?

You're likely a good candidate if your runny nose, post-nasal drip, or congestion has persisted for months, sprays haven't provided adequate relief, and symptoms continue year-round or after allergy treatment. This in-office rhinitis procedure fits patients with chronic rhinitis — allergic, non-allergic, or mixed — who want lasting relief without daily medication.

RhinAer may not be the right fit if your symptoms stem from structural problems like a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, or polyps — conditions better addressed by VivAer or septoplasty. If nighttime obstruction is the main complaint rather than a runny nose, the cause is likely structural. Active infections need treatment first.

The evaluation starts with a thorough ENT exam — preparing questions in advance helps you get the most from it. Fellowship-trained laryngologist Dr. Aaron Feinstein assesses your nasal anatomy and symptom history to determine whether the problem is structural, nerve-driven, or both. For some patients, treating obstruction and rhinitis together produces the best outcome.

A runny nose doesn't have to run your life

Chronic rhinitis disrupts sleep, social situations, and daily comfort. RhinAer treats the nerve signals behind the symptom instead of masking them with medication. If sprays haven't given you adequate relief, an evaluation is the right next step.

Dr. Feinstein trained at Yale and completed his laryngology fellowship at UCLA. He sees patients at ENT Group of Los Angeles in Tarzana. Schedule a consultation to find out whether RhinAer fits your situation.

Frequently asked questions about RhinAer

How long does RhinAer last?

Clinical studies show symptom improvement sustained through three years after a single treatment. Only 1.6% of patients in the largest published study needed retreatment.

Is RhinAer painful?

Most patients report minimal discomfort. The procedure is done under local anesthesia in the office, and you can return to normal activities the same day.

Does insurance cover RhinAer?

Coverage is expanding. Medicare covers the procedure as do many HMO plans. Cigna Healthcare began covering RhinAer (CPT 31242) in September 2025. Check with your insurer and our office to confirm your coverage.

What is the difference between RhinAer, ClariFix and Neuromark?

All the treatments target the posterior nasal nerve to reduce chronic rhinitis symptoms. RhinAer uses radiofrequency energy (heat), ClariFix uses cryotherapy (cold), and Neuromark works with radiofrequency in a more circular device configuration. Your ENT can help determine which fits your anatomy and insurance.