Influence of smoking and the state of the acid-base balance of oral cavity on occurrence of peritonsillitis and peritonsillar abscesses

Introduction. Purulent-inflammatory diseases of the pharynx are considered emergency conditions. Among this group of pathologies, the most common are peritonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess. Untimely diagnosis and late initiation of treatment for these diseases can lead to the development of severe complications: neck phlegmon, purulent mediastinitis, necrotizing fasciitis, arrosive bleeding, and sepsis. According to studies conducted by dentists and gastroenterologists, it is known that a shift in the acid-base balance of the oral cavity to the acidic side creates favorable conditions for the development of opportunistic and pathogenic microflora. Changes in the acidity of saliva are influenced by the composition of food intake, the presence of concomitant pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as smoking. Purpose. To identify the relationship between changes in the acid-base balance of saliva and tobacco smoking with the development of peritonsillitis/peritonsillar abscess. Materials and methods. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on the basis of the otorhinolaryngology department of 426 Military Hospital from November 2020 to November 2023, in which 124 patients of working age participated. Results. The results of the study revealed a statistically significant relationship between salivary pH below normal and tobacco smoking with the occurrence of peritonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess in people of working age. There was also a moderate correlation between the above two traits. Conclusion. In connection with the identified connection between smoking, changes in the pH of the oral cavity in the acidic direction, and peritonsillitis/peritonsillar abscesses, it is necessary to recommend that at the stage of medical examination persons of working age should quit smoking as well as perform a study of the pH of saliva and, if it deviates from the norm, consult a gastroenterologist and a dentist to normalize it.