Relationship between the state of the lymphoid-pharyngeal ring and xerostomia syndrome

Abstract

Xerostomia is a condition that develops with a decrease in saliva secretion (hyposialia) or cessation of saliva secretion (asialia) and is characterized by dryness in the oral cavity. Xerostomia is widespread in different age groups, but is most common in older age groups. In a number of diseases, for example, in Sjogren's disease, xerostomia is the leading symptom complex and determines the severity of the clinical picture. Chronic inflammatory diseases of the pharynx, such as chronic tonsillitis and chronic pharyngitis, may be accompanied by a pronounced decrease in saliva secretion. Timely conservative treatment of inflammatory diseases of the pharynx has a positive effect on the dynamics of the course of xerostomia. To diagnose this condition, patients are advised to undergo sialometry. Xerostomia can be observed in the long term after bilateral tonsillectomy and, which forces patients to seek medical help. To eliminate dryness in the oral cavity after otorhinolaryngological interventions, in particular after bilateral tonsillectomy, saliva substitutes are widely used in practical otorhinolaryngology. Data on the relationship between the state of the lymphoid-pharyngeal ring and xerostomia syndrome are presented in the modern literature by single publications, and therefore, studies of the relationship between inflammatory diseases of the pharynx and the level of saliva secretion are certainly of significant scientific and practical interest. Treatment of patients suffering from both subjective and objective xerostomia requires an interdisciplinary approach with the participation of a dentist, otorhinolaryngologist and doctors of other specialties (gerantologist, endocrinologist, rheumatologist, psychotherapist). Modern methods of surgical treatment of patients with chronic tonsillitis and xerostomia using radio wave methods, highenergy laser radiation, coblator should be considered as an alternative to classical bilateral tonsillectomy.