Halotherapy in patients with vasomotor rhinitis after surgical treatment

I E Berest

PMID: 32687298 DOI: 10.17116/kurort20209704131

Abstract 

The problem of rehabilitation of a patient with vasomotor rhinitis after surgery due to the high percentage of relapses is relevant in the practice of an otorhinolaryngologist. The use of halotherapy in the postoperative period is pathogenetically substantiated in connection with its multifactorial effect on the nasal mucosa.

The purpose of this study: Was to investigate the effectiveness of using dry sodium chloride in the postoperative period in patients with vasomotor rhinitis.

Material and methods: 56 patients were examined after bilateral submucosal vasotomy with laterofixation of the lower turbinates. Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the ongoing rehabilitation. The 1st group (comparison) included 28 patients who underwent standard measures, the 2nd (main) group included 28 patients who were additionally prescribed a course of halotherapy. The clinical effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated on a 4-point scale according to subjective and objective signs on the 5th, 8th and 10th postoperative days.

Results: After treatment on the 10th day, the total score in the group of patients undergoing halotherapy was significantly lower than in the comparison group – 245 and 310 points, respectively. Significantly in the main group, in comparison with the 1st group, the patency of the nasal passages improved (1.8±0.7 points versus 3.2±0.7 points), the swelling of the lower turbinates was reduced (1.0±0.3 points versus 1.5±0.6 points). The average score by the criterion «mucociliary transport time» was 1.5±0.6 points in patients in the 1st group and 1.0±0.3 points in the 2nd group. In the 2nd group, the normalization of mucociliary transport time occurred faster than in patients who underwent standard therapy.

Conclusion: Halotherapy has shown high efficiency and safety, therefore it is advisable to use it in clinical practice along with generally accepted treatment regimens to reduce the drug load, including the need for decongestants. In addition, halotherapy contributes to an earlier restoration of the functional state of the nasal cavity.