CO₂ laser therapy uses controlled laser energy to gently treat the inferior turbinates inside the nose. These structures often become enlarged or overactive in rhinitis, leading to nasal blockage and excessive mucus production.

The laser precisely reduces tissue volume while preserving healthy nasal lining, improving airflow and reducing symptoms—without cutting, stitches, or external incisions.

Allergic Rhinitis

• Seasonal and perennial allergies
• Nasal congestion unresponsive to antihistamines
• Frequent sneezing and watery nasal discharge
• Allergy-related breathing difficulty

Non-Allergic Rhinitis

Vasomotor rhinitis: It is a chronic condition causing nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing due to an oversensitive reaction to non-allergic triggers like weather changes, strong odors, and certain foods or medications.

• Symptoms:
  • Stuffy or congested nose
  • Runny nose (rhinorrhea)
  • Sneezing
  • Mucus in the throat or postnasal drip
  • Unlike allergic rhinitis, it typically does not involve itching of the eyes or nose
• Causes and triggers:
  • Environmental factors: Dry air, changes in temperature or humidity, air pollution
  • Irritants: Strong smells like perfumes, cleaning products, or smoke
  • Dietary factors: Alcohol, spicy foods
  • Medications: Certain blood pressure medications (like ACE inhibitors), aspirin, ibuprofen, and overuse of nasal decongestant sprays
  • Other factors: Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menstruation), stress, or exercise
• Treatment options:
  • Trigger avoidance
  • Medications like saline or steroid nasal sprays
• Surgical procedures: Turbinectomy (reduction of enlarged nasal turbinates) in combination nasal nerve ablation or cryotherapy can be used to reduce nerve hyperactivity and symptoms if avoidance and sprays fail to help.

• Minimally invasive and precise
• Quick outpatient procedure
• No external scars or stitches
• Minimal bleeding and discomfort
• Short recovery time
• Long-lasting symptom relief
• Reduced need for long-term medications
• Suitable for both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis

• Performed under general anesthesia
• Duration: approximately 30 minutes
• Laser applied directly to the nasal turbinates
• No hospital stay required
• Patient can return home the same day

Most patients experience immediate improvement in nasal airflow, with continued symptom relief over the following weeks.

• Mild nasal congestion or dryness for a few days
• Return to normal activities within 24–48 hours
• Saline nasal sprays may be advised
• Follow-up appointment to assess outcomes

Complications are uncommon when the procedure is performed by qualified specialists.

CO₂ laser treatment may be suitable if you:

• Have chronic rhinitis lasting more than 3 months
• Do not respond well to medical therapy
• Wish to reduce long-term nasal spray or medication use
• Prefer a low-risk, non-surgical treatment option

A detailed ENT assessment at Harley Street Medical Centre is essential to confirm eligibility.

• Specialist ENT care
• Advanced CO₂ laser technology
• Evidence-based treatment protocols
• Personalized patient care
• Safe, outpatient procedures