Laser Therapy

Burning Tree (at the West Australia     Photograph: May, 2014
　

Introduction

Removing parts of the mucous membrane by operation, or applying laser are done to reduce allergy symptoms. In case of pollen allergies, the ideal timing is before the season begins. Laser is ideal for those who are constantly suffering from allergies, who cannot work properly because of serious symptoms, or those who wish to reduce the intake of medicine. Because laser treatment is not commonly associated with any side effects, yet very effective, this method is quickly becoming well received by many people today. Our Clinic uses the CO2 laser because there is no pain nor bleeding. The laser is very effective for patients with stuffy nose, or those with a snoring problem.

*The use of the CO2 Laser itself is not questioned here. It is not the model itself, but the level of the operator that needs to be considered. As of August 2022, our hospital has treated 2,701 cases, which is one of the largest number of treatments in Japan and has accumulated a vast amount of know-how.

Preoperative Examination

The irradiation method changes depending on what kind of allergy you have and how strong it is. A blood test for allergic rhinitis is mandatory. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes cannot be treated.

Appointment

It is held at 11:00 or 16:00 on weekdays, or on Wednesdays and at special outpatient hours. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes from the start of anesthesia to the final blood pressure check. If the blood test is over, you can make an appointment by phone. Laser treatment cannot be performed immediately at the first visit.

Anesthesia

A piece of gauze soaked with an anesthetic will be inserted into the left and right nostrils, and you will be asked to wait for 15 minutes. This makes the treatment almost painless. There is a difference in pain depending on how you put the gauze in.

Treatment

Treatment takes minutes. It burns the mucous membrane, so it has a peculiar smell. When Laser is fired the mucous membrane may temporarily react and create an inflammation causing sneezing and watery nose for a few days. These symptoms normally cease after about a week. The degree is individual. There may be some blood in your nasal discharge, and it may look like you're bleeding a lot, but please don't worry. As of August 2022, 2 out of 2,701 patients experienced severe pain during and after surgery, while 1 in 15 experienced mild pain.

 
Before Laser: Mucous membrane is swollen   After 1 month of Laser: Space is created
      and cannot breathe through the nose.         in the nose and one can breathe normally.

Postoperative Treatment

Postoperative nasal obstruction is due to scabs adhering to the nasal mucosa, which must be removed. Several Clinic visits are required after the operation..The interval between hospital visits may increase, but it is possible.

Side Effects

It is basically a safe treatment. Pain is usually mild and nothing to worry about it. We sometimes are asked if laser firing can cause any decline in the sense of smell. The membrane area we treat is quite different from the area governing the sense of smell, and therefore, one need not worry about any side effects.

Case History of Laser at our Clinic

 Throughout the period of 2 years and 7 months since the opening of the Clinic in October, 2000, 693 Laser treatments had been conducted on 571 cases. The level of cases were 51% serious, 35% mediocre, 6% minor, 8% with Vasomotor Rhinitis and others. Cases referred from other institutions and not capable of being monitored for post-applications were intentionally left out. 59% of patients being treated reported the symptoms almost gone, 38% were satisfied although suffered minor symptoms on high pollen count days, only 3% said there was no significant improvement. 29% said the improved condition continued onto the second year, 61% said they were satisfied with the result although they had to cope with minor irritations on high pollen-count days, and 10% said they did not find any considerable results. Going into the third year (after the laser application) 6 patients said they were able to find controlled results, and 9 patients said they could relax except on days the pollen count was high. Among patients who reported no significant results, one was suffering from a complication of severe Deflected Nasal Septum, one with severe case of hyper-sensitive nasal membrane, and one due to a high level of exposure to pollen working outdoors. 9% of patients experienced a slight tingling pain when applied with laser (no ill effect to the laser application itself), 91% had no pain whatsoever. No one experienced any bleeding after the application, one case of increased nasal discharge (the patient did not return for further treatment, hence, have no further information). No one complained of any side effects. 

To summarize roughly, 60% were excellent effective, 30% were effective, and 10% were ineffective (cases with sensitive mucous membranes such as vasomotor rhinitis). At that time, 1 in 10 people felt mild pain, but since then the number of cases has increased, and it is about 1 in 15 people.

* Laser treatment is designed to decrease the discomfort affecting the patient's nose, and not to permanently remove the trouble. The effect is varied depending on the individual.  On a heavy pollen day, some may feel some slight symptoms even after the laser treatment. For discomfort with the eyes, an eye drop may be necessary. The symptoms may reoccur sooner for those who suffer from allergies caused by ticks and house dust. Because we have not established any definite conclusions (not enough data in some cases) as to the safety of these treatments, our Clinic does not offer more than five consecutive laser treatments on the same patient. 

At the Tamagoyu (Fukushima prefecture)     Photograph: May, 2013