Treatment for Nasal Congestion and Runny Nose

Almost everyone experiences a stuffed-up nose from time to time. But for some people, nasal congestion is not a seasonal inconvenience. It is a constant presence that affects sleep, exercise, concentration, and quality of life.



If you find yourself breathing through your mouth, waking up congested, or struggling to get a full breath through your nose, the cause may not be a cold or allergies. It may be a structural issue or a chronic condition that requires targeted treatment.

At Hills ENT Institute, Dr. David Schleimer offers two advanced, non-surgical in-office treatments for patients with chronic nasal obstruction and chronic rhinitis: VivAer and RhinAer.

Understanding Nasal Obstruction

Nasal obstruction refers to a persistent blockage or restriction in the nasal airway that makes it difficult to breathe through the nose. It can result from a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, weakened nasal valve tissue, or a combination of factors. Many patients with nasal obstruction feel like one or both sides of their nose are constantly blocked, even when they are not sick.

Over time, nasal obstruction can contribute to:

• Chronic mouth breathing, especially during sleep
• Snoring and disrupted sleep
• Difficulty exercising due to reduced airflow
• Nasal pressure and facial discomfort
• Reduced sense of smell

Medications such as nasal decongestants can offer temporary relief, but they do not address the underlying structural issue. For patients who have not found lasting improvement with medication, VivAer provides a non-surgical option.

VivAer Treatment for Nasal Obstruction

VivAer is a non-invasive, in-office treatment designed to open the nasal airway and allow for easier, freer breathing. The treatment uses low-temperature radiofrequency energy to gently reshape the nasal valve area, which is the narrowest part of the nasal passage and a common site of obstruction.

There are no incisions and no removal of tissue. The procedure is performed in the office with local anesthesia, and most patients are able to return to normal activities the same day or the following day.

What to Expect With VivAer

• Performed in-office, no general anesthesia required
• Non-invasive, with no cutting or tissue removal
• Most patients experience minimal downtime
• Many patients report immediate improvement in nasal airflow
• Results are designed to be long-lasting

In clinical studies, patients treated with VivAer reported significant, lasting improvement in their ability to breathe through the nose.

Chronic rhinitis is a condition characterized by persistent nasal symptoms, including runny nose, postnasal drip, congestion, and sneezing, that occur frequently or continuously and are not primarily driven by allergies or infection.



For many patients with chronic rhinitis, the underlying cause is an overactive nasal nerve response. The nerves that regulate nasal secretions send excessive signals, causing the nose to produce more mucus than normal. This can result in:

A constantly runny nose, regardless of season or environment

Postnasal drip that leads to throat clearing or coughing

Nasal congestion that does not respond well to antihistamines

Symptoms that interfere with daily activities and sleep

Many patients with chronic rhinitis have tried antihistamines, nasal sprays, and other medications without consistent relief. For these patients, RhinAer offers a targeted, non-surgical treatment option.

RhinAer Treatment for Chronic Rhinitis

RhinAer is a minimally invasive, in-office treatment that uses low-temperature radiofrequency energy to calm the overactive nasal nerves responsible for chronic rhinitis symptoms. By disrupting the abnormal nerve signals in the nasal lining, RhinAer reduces the triggers that cause excessive mucus production and chronic nasal irritation.

Like VivAer, the procedure is performed in the office with local anesthesia. There are no incisions, and most patients tolerate the treatment well with minimal discomfort.

What to Expect With RhinAer

• Performed in-office with local anesthesia
• Minimally invasive with no surgical incisions
• Minimal downtime, most patients resume normal activities quickly
• Many patients experience improvement in symptoms within a few weeks
• In clinical studies, patients reported significant, lasting reduction in rhinitis symptoms

Dr. David Schleimer is a board-certified otolaryngologist with deep experience treating patients with chronic nasal conditions. He takes a thoughtful, individualized approach to care and offers advanced in-office treatment options that allow patients to avoid surgery and get back to feeling like themselves.



Hills ENT Institute serves patients throughout the Bloomfield Hills and Metro Detroit area. Most patients are seen quickly, often within one to three business days of calling.