Tonsillectomy, cryptolysis of the palatine tonsils, and removal of various formations in the pharyngeal region are the most common elective operations in otorhinolaryngology. Pain in the early postoperative period is still the most frequent complication after these procedures, which can adversely affect the patient’s daily life. Considering the potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect of essential oil preparations, as well as their ability to be easily applied locally to the affected mucosal surface, it is worth considering their use to reduce pain and dysphagia in the postoperative period in the upper respiratory tract. The study involved 77 patients who were randomly divided into 2 groups: patients taking a drug containing combined natural essential oils (CNEO) and patients taking a placebo. In the course of the study, a questionnaire was used, according to which patients were interviewed immediately after the operation, then on the 3rd and 10th postoperative days. The results of the study show that the drug does not directly reduce postoperative pain in the pharynx, but in patients in the group with the drug based on combined essential oils, the frequency of taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was less than in patients in the placebo group, which indirectly proves the effectiveness of the drug based on combined essential oils. Given the fact that the frequency of NSAID use is lower in the CPNEM group, it can be assumed that the study drug reduces the risk of side effects caused by NSAID use, and can also be an alternative method of pain relief for patients who are contraindicated in NSAIDs.
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alone or combined for pain relief in acute otitis media in children