ABSTRACT
Chronic pharyngitis (CP) is one of the most common diseases of the oropharynx. The number of referrals from patients with CP reaches 70% of the total number of referrals to an otorhinolaryngologist. The development of this disease is facilitated by the neuro-reflex factor and a violation of trophic and metabolic processes. It should be noted that of all forms of CP, the greatest impact on the quality of life is noted precisely in atrophic pharyngitis (AP), due to the presence of pronounced subjective sensations from the oropharynx. Many of the modern methods of treatment do not provide a lasting effect due only to the application, superficial local effect on the altered mucous membrane of the posterior pharyngeal wall, without taking into account the changes caused by a violation of trophic processes in the tissue. A promising direction in the treatment of atrophic pharyngitis is the use of a combined technique - ozone therapy and low-intensity laser therapy. The article presents the results of the application of fine-drip irrigation of the mucous membrane of the posterior pharyngeal wall with Ozonide oil in combination with low-intensity laser radiation on the projection of vessels supplying blood to the middle parts of the oropharynx. OBJECTIVE: Improving the effectiveness of treatment of patients with atrophic pharyngitis through the use of ozone therapy and low-intensity laser therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center experimental controlled randomized open-label study of 90 patients with AP aged 18 and over was conducted. All patients were randomly divided into three groups depending on the treatment performed: group I - traditional treatment method (rinsing the oropharynx with antiseptic solutions, the use of tablets for resorption), group II - treatment with ozone therapy (fine drip irrigation of the mucous membrane of the posterior pharyngeal wall with Ozonide oil), group III - treatment with ozone therapy and laser therapy. During the examination of patients, anamnesis collection, examination of ENT organs, cytological and microbiological examination of the mucous membrane of the posterior pharyngeal wall, contact endoscopy of the mucous membrane of the posterior pharyngeal wall were performed. 5-point visual analogue scales (VAS) were used to assess complaints and pharyngoscopic signs. RESULTS: Our results showed a statistically significant improvement in the quality of life of patients with AP (p=0.012), an improvement in the pharyngoscopic picture (p=0.003). The results obtained by us indicate an improvement in microcirculation under the influence of ozone therapy and low-intensity laser radiation. The technique using ozone therapy and low-intensity laser therapy is characterized by a bactericidal and fungicidal effect. There is a decrease in the total contamination of the posterior wall of the oropharynx with pathogenic and saprophytic microflora (there is a decrease in the contamination of the posterior wall of the pharynx with saprophytic and pathogenic microflora (p≤0.05), the differences are statistically significant). The technique using ozone therapy and low-intensity laser therapy has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, which was expressed in a decrease in the severity of dyskeratosis and hyperkeratosis. Thus, the use of ozone therapy in combination with laser therapy opens up new prospects for pathogenetically sound and effective treatment of AP.