[Therapy of acute diseases of the upper airway. Comparison of 2 antiseptic pharyngeal sprays in otorhinolaryngologic practice].

100 out-patients with subacute or acute stages of pharyngitis, tonsillitis, pharyngotonsillitis or angina participated in a randomized 3 day trial on antiseptic mouth-sprays comparing one containing a combination of chlorhexidine, tramazoline and aluminiumtrilactate with one containing only hexetidine. At the beginning of therapy and 3 days afterwards the local symptoms rubor and tumefaction of the throat, dysphagia, fur, swelling and tenderness of the cervical superficial lymph nodes were classified according to a graded scale. Using the combination these symptoms were markedly improved in 34 patients, improved in 7; 8 showed no alteration and one patient showed a deterioration (n = 50). With the monosubstance 18 patients showed good improvement, 11 an improvement, 17 no change and 3 patients a deterioration (n = 49), one patient needed penicillin-treatment during the trial. Under treatment with the combination the symptoms rubor and tumefaction of the throat showed a significant better improvement. The possible role played by a vasodilator are discussed.