Abstract
Chronic pharyngitis, characterized by persistent oropharyngeal discomfort, halitosis, and mucosal hyperemia, significantly impairs quality of life. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of Streptococcus salivarius K12, a probiotic strain included in the product BactoBLIS, in managing symptoms of chronic oropharyngeal inflammatory diseases. A prospective observational study involving 45 adult patients with chronic catarrhal pharyngitis was conducted from September 2019 to January 2020. Patients were administered S. salivarius K12 lozenges (1 × 10⁹ CFU) nightly for 14 days. Clinical symptoms were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) at baseline, day 7, and day 14. Statistically significant improvements were observed in pain during swallowing (from 5.69±0.39 to 0.08±0.05 points), foreign body sensation (from 6.88±0.23 to 0.69±0.12 points), and halitosis severity (from 6.16±0.31 to 0.68±0.29 points). No adverse effects were reported, and good adherence to therapy was noted. The findings demonstrate the probiotic's potential as a safe and effective treatment for halitosis and other symptoms associated with chronic pharyngitis.