Chewing Gum and Cold Gargle on Post-Bronchoscopy Symptoms

Overview

This study aims to evaluate the effects of chewing gum and gargling with cold water on common post-bronchoscopy symptoms, such as sore throat and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Bronchoscopy is a procedure that can cause temporary throat discomfort. In this randomized controlled trial, patients will be divided into groups to receive either chewing gum, cold water gargle, or standard care. The researchers will then measure and compare patient satisfaction levels and the severity of throat symptoms to determine if these simple interventions can improve patient comfort after the procedure.

Study Implementation and Procedures All patients in the intervention and control groups will be informed about the study's purpose. Patients undergoing bronchoscopy receive routine verbal education from bronchoscopy nurses. In addition to routine education, the intervention groups will receive specific instructions from the researchers. Patients will be blinded to their randomization status and study hypotheses. However, researchers will not be blinded as they will perform the interventions. The chewing gum and cold water gargle procedures will be explained and demonstrated to the intervention groups during face-to-face interviews. Chewing Gum Procedure All patients will follow the hospital's standard pre-procedure fasting protocol (8 hours of fasting). A researcher will be responsible for supervising the chewing gum procedure. Patients in this group will be asked to chew a commercially available sugar-free gum containing xylitol for 15 minutes immediately before the procedure. After 15 minutes of chewing, patients will discard the gum. The researcher will ensure the gum is removed before the patient is admitted for bronchoscopy. Patients will be strictly instructed not to swallow the gum. Cold Water Gargle Procedure Patients in this group will perform a cold water gargle under the supervision of a researcher 15 minutes before the procedure. Patients will be instructed not to swallow the water. The researcher will prepare the water at a temperature between 8-12°C (refrigerator coldness). Patients will gargle twice for 30 seconds each, approximately 15 minutes before the procedure. Control Group The control group will receive standard hospital procedures without any additional intervention. Data Collection and Evaluation Sore throat, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and patient satisfaction levels will be evaluated before the procedure, and at the 2nd and 24th hours post-procedure. The 24-hour evaluation will be conducted via telephone by the research team.