Indications for Surgery in Allergic Rhinitis
Surgery for ‘pure’ AR is rarely needed but may be needed in severe cases to improve airflow (inferior turbinate surgery, adenoidectomy, septoplasty and polypectomy) 75,76 ; to improve access to topical medications and to decrease disease burden before other procedures such as AIT, aspirin desensitisation or initiation of biological therapies. 77,78,79 Surgery may be needed to manage complica
Surgery for ‘pure’ AR is rarely needed but may be needed in severe cases to improve airflow (inferior turbinate surgery, adenoidectomy, septoplasty and polypectomy)75,76; to improve access to topical medications and to decrease disease burden before other procedures such as AIT, aspirin desensitisation or initiation of biological therapies.77,78,79
Surgery may be needed to manage complications of AR such as chronic or recurrent otitis media or for overlapping chronic conditions involving the nose and sinuses such as CRS with and without nasal polyps, non-steroidal (aspirin)exacerbated respiratory disease, cystic fibrosis, eosinophilic granulomatous polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome) and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.18 Such patients should be referred for appropriate procedures by a surgeon skilled in rhinology and base of skull surgery.
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Richards GA, McDonald M, Gray CL, et al. Allergic rhinitis: Review of the diagnosis and management: South African Allergic Rhinitis Working Group. S Afr Fam Pract. 2023;65(1), a5806. https://doi.org/10.4102/safp.v65i1.5806