Study on halotherapy for rhinitis after surgical treatment

The problem of rehabilitation of a patient with vasomotor rhinitis after surgery due to the high rate of recurrence is important in the practice of an ear, nose and throat specialist. The use of halotherapy in the postoperative period is pathogenetically justified due to its multifactorial effect on the nasal mucosa.

The aim of the study at St. Luke Lugansk State Medical University was to investigate the efficacy of dry sodium chloride treatment in the postoperative period in patients with vasomotor rhinitis.

56 patients were examined after bilateral submucosal vasotomy with laterofixation of the inferior turbinates. The patients were divided into 2 groups, depending on the rehabilitation performed. The 1st group (comparison group) comprised 28 patients who received standard measures, the 2nd (main group) comprised 28 patients who were additionally prescribed a halotherapy session . The clinical efficacy of the treatment was assessed using a 4-point scale according to subjective and objective signs on postoperative day 5, 8 and 10 .

After treatment, the total score on day 10 was significantly lower in the halotherapy group than in the comparison group. The nasal passage was significantly better in the main group compared to the 1st group, and the swelling of the inferior turbinates was reduced. In the 2nd group, the mucociliary transport time normalized faster than in the patients who received the standard therapy.

Halotherapy has shown high efficacy and safety . Therefore, it is advisable to use it in clinical practice together with generally accepted treatment regimens to reduce the medication burden, including the need for decongestants. In addition, halotherapy contributes to earlier recovery of the functional state of the nasal cavity .