Abstract

Background: Allergic rhinitis involves primarily a Gell and Coombs type I immediate hypersensitivity reaction. “Allergy” requires repeated exposures to an antigen for the formation of antibodies. The allergens that generally produce allergic rhinitis have traditionally been classed as “seasonal” or “perennial” offenders. The former group consists primarily of pollens (grasses, weeds, trees), whereas the latter includes dust mites, molds, animal danders, and cockroaches. The characteristic symptoms and signs of allergic rhinitis include glandular stimulation, vasodilatation, increased vascular permeability, and irritation, changes that are responsible for the typical symptoms of itching, sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion. There are medical and surgical treatment for allergic rhinitis and the Diode Laser is one of modalities in surgical treatment. Aim of the study: To evaluate the outcome of the use of diode laser in the reduction of hypertrophied inferior turbinate in patients with allergic rhinitis refractory to medical treatment. Patients and method: The current study was performed from June 2012 to November 2013 at Al-Yarmouk teaching hospital at department of Otorhinolaryngology. The study included forty-five patients complaining from chronic nasal obstruction due to perennial allergic rhinitis, their age was between 18-45years. The surgical technique (Diode Laser 810 nm for reduction of inferior turbinate) was explained to them. The patients consent were taken for this surgical procedure. Some patients done under local anesthesia and others under general anesthesia. Using a contact technique, and continuous mode, three lines (linear wounding) were done along the medial surface of the inferior turbinate (bilaterally). The probe was withdrawn over a period of 6 seconds for each line. The follow up of the patients up to 6 months as follow: 3rd day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. Results: The most common age group affected by allergic rhinitis was between 21-30 years of age (49%). The predominant chief complaint of patients was rhinorrhea (71%) while the least chief compliant was headache (15%). High titer of IgE antibody was found in 91% of patients. After three months from surgical procedure the follow-up reveals, (91%) of patients have good airway patency, (22%) have rhinorrhea, (13%) have snoring, (15%) have smell changes while mucosal edema and Crustation disappears. Conclusion: Short term results in reduction the size of inferior turbinate in patients with allergic rhinitis by Diode Laser is a useful procedure that can be performed as an outpatient surgery under local anesthesia. The short operation time and less discomfort provide other reasons for choosing this treatment for allergic rhinitis that is refractive to conservative management