Iowa Specialty Hospital

Ear, Nose, and Throat: Chemical Cautery

Skip physician search

Find a Provider

Expand Search
Criteria Search
Name Search

What is Chemical Cautery?

Chemical cautery is a painless, office-based, non-invasive treatment for a wide variety of sinus problems. It is a non-invasive approach to managing chronic sinus problems. It involves a series of treatments over time (usually 2-3 treatments per year) to maintain long-lasting relief from symptoms and protection from infections. Chemical cautery frequently takes the place of other medications, in some cases eliminating the need for antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays. This makes it a very cost-effective and time efficient treatment.

Woman squeezes nose and forehead

Chemical cautery involves a series of three sprays of medications to the nasal airways after first decongesting the nose with a powerful decongestant. The entire treatment takes about 5 minutes. Treatments are spaced out. To start the chemical cautery therapy, patients undergo monthly treatments for three months.  Over time, the effect wears off, so booster treatments are given about every four to six months.

Am I a Candidate for Chemical Cautery?

Many sinus sufferers will benefit from chemical cautery. It is generally helpful for:

  • Sinus infections

  • Allergies

  • Sinus headaches

  • Facial pain

  • Facial pressure

  • Nasal congestion

  • Nasal stuffiness

  • Ear pressure and recurrent ear infections

If you have any of the symptoms listed above or if you consider yourself to be a “sinus sufferer,” you are a candidate for chemical cautery.  You should be seen by one of our providers for assessment.

For more information, please visit our Locations and Hours page for contact information or download the Chemical Cautery brochure below.

To find a provider, please visit our Ear, Nose, and Throat Providers page.

© 2023 Iowa Specialty Hospital. All rights reserved.