Apparatus and methods for the treatment of nasal tissue, particularly the
nasal turbinates, are described herein. One method for reducing the size
of the inferior nasal turbinate is to apply ultrasound energy to the
tissue regions beneath the surface of the turbinate tissue. One
instrument may be used to deliver ultrasound energy and to provide an
infusion or injection of a fluid directly into the turbinate being
treated. The injected fluid can be used to bulk up the size of the
turbinate to ensure that the ultrasound energy is properly delivered
directly into the intended turbinate tissue. Accordingly, fluids
containing anesthetics, fluids infused with analgesics, etc. may be used
for pain management while other medications, such as non-steroidal drugs,
steroidal drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-histamines, anti-bacterial
drugs, etc., can also be used.