APPLICATION OF LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY (LLLT) IN TREATMENT OF CHRONIC TONSILLITIS: (CASE SERIES)

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic tonsillitis refers to hypertrophied tonsils with obstructive symptoms and recurrent infections of tonsils.The clinical manifestations are recurrent or persistent sore throat, obstruction to swallowing or breathing, halitosis, and sense of dryness. Laser therapy is a kind of therapy using irradiation with light at low power intensities and with wavelengths in the range 540nm-830nm it has effects on reducing of inflammation, pain control, and immunomodulation through photo biostimulation. Although tonsillectomy has been shown to be effective in reducing the number of infections and the symptoms of chronic tonsillitis, but there are immediate and delayed post operative complications like; bleeding, swelling of the tongue, acute air way obstruction The aim of this report is to introduce a low risk, safe, and painless method for treatment of hypertrophied tonsils.

Material & methods: Ten children came to our clinic with symptoms of chronic tonsillitis like recurrent infections, snoring, and halitosis. They had difficulties in swallowing and sleeping. Their age were between 2-10 yr. (mean age=5.3)male/female=1.5, four children had also adenoidal hypertrophy, confirmed by x-rays. We applied a diode laser (MUSTANG 2000 Russia, IR-860 nm, Dose=3j/cm², Power= 100W, Fr= 3000Hz, Δt =200ns and R- 65onm, Power= 20 mw, Cw) for 10 sessions through the skin of neck and open mouth. During the Laser therapy they were taking their medicines.

Results: After laser therapy, there were marked reductions of the size of their tonsils. There was no snoring. They could sleep well at nights, and stopped using antibiotics and 6 months follow-up showed no tonsillitis.

Conclusions: Our report shows that LLLT is a side effect free and a safe method for treatment of chronic tonsillitis. We can reduce the size of tonsils so the signs and symptoms of chronic tonsillitis will disappear and also in this method we can preserve tonsils which are potentially important to the normal development of the immune system. So it seems to be needed for more clinical trials to evaluate this kind of therapy.