It is estimated that over 20 million Americans suffer from Nasal Airway Obstruction (NAO). Here at Montgomery County ENT Institute, we evaluate and treat patients who suffer from nasal airway obstruction and provide an in-office treatment, known as VivAer, to help improve breathing through your nasal passages.
What is VivAer?
VivAer is an in-office procedure performed under local anesthesia. The procedure utilizes a small wand that is inserted into your nasal passages and targets specific areas in the nose that contribute to your nasal blockage and obstruction. The tip of the wand utilizes low-temperature radiofrequency energy to remodel your nasal passages and overall improve airflow through your nose. Click HERE to watch a detailed video.
Who is a candidate for VivAer?
VivAer is an in-office procedure that can benefit a wide range of patients who suffer from nasal airway obstruction. Here at Montgomery County ENT, we perform a few tests to evaluate the severity of your nasal airway obstruction and decide if you would be a good VivAer candidate.
- Nasal Endoscopy: After topical anesthetic and decongestant agents are sprayed in the nostrils, a small, fiberoptic camera is placed into your nose to better evaluate the anatomy of your nasal airway and decide if VivAer is right for you.
- Cottle Maneuver: This is a test to evaluate for nasal valve obstruction. Place two fingertips on each side of your nose and gently press and pull outward. A positive cottle sign is noted if there is improvement in your breathing when performed.
- NOSE Score: This is a brief questionnaire we have you fill out in the office to assess the severity of your nasal obstruction. It is performed at your consultation appointment as well as post procedure for comparison.
When to seek help for nasal obstruction?
If you are experiencing persistent nasal obstruction and congestion that has not improved with nasal sprays, you should be evaluated by an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist. Evaluation usually involves taking a thorough history to understand what exactly you are experiencing. Next, a physical examination of the ears, nose, and throat is performed. A comprehensive evaluation of your nasal obstruction is performed as described above. From all of the information gathered at your visit, we are able to decide if VivAer is right for you!
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