Chemosurgery with Trichloroacetic Acid for Allergic Rhinitis

Abstract

The use of 80 w/v% solution of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for the treatment of allergic rhinitis was reported. The solution was applied to the inferior turbinates only once bilaterally. The result of the treatment in 77 nonselected cases of perennial allergic rhinitis for over 3 years showed that an improvement was obtained in 72% for nasal obstruction, 60% for sneezing, and 50% for watery nasal discharge. The result of provocation tests after treatment showed an improvement in 77% of the cases, and the histamine concentration in the nasal wash decreased. These results were discussed with reference to the result of our previous histological studies. We concluded that our method of treatment using TCA was simple and effective for allergic rhinitis without any serious side effects.