The use of mentholated popsicle to reduce thirst during preoperative fasting: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Aims and objectives To compare mentholated popsicle with usual care (absolute fasting) in the change of thirst intensity and discomfort of patients in the preoperative fasting. Background Thirst is defined as the desire to drink water, and it is considered to be a multifactorial symptom. In the preoperative fasting, the patient may experience intense thirst, often for a long time, that can lead to feelings of suffocation, desperation, fear and anxiety. Design A randomised controlled trial. Methods Forty patients, aged between 18–60 years, were randomised to mentholated popsicle group or absolute fasting group (twenty in each). The primary outcomes were thirst intensity, evaluated by a numeric scale ranging from 0 (no thirst)–10 (the worst possible thirst), and discomfort from thirst (evaluated by the Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale), both measured twice (baseline and after 20 min of intervention). The CONSORT checklist was used to report this study. Results Mean age was similar in both groups (38 years in the mentholated popsicle group and 39 in the absolute fasting group). At baseline, the mentholated popsicle group had higher median for the scales of intensity (6.5) and discomfort (7.5) from thirst than the absolute fasting group (5.0 and 5.0, respectively). At the end of 20 min, the popsicle group had a statistically significant decrease in intensity and discomfort from thirst (median decreases of 5.0 and 7.0 points, respectively) when compared to the absolute fasting group (median increases of 0.5 and 1.0 points, respectively). Conclusions The use of mentholated popsicle decreased the intensity and discomfort from thirst, and it is a viable strategy for the management of thirst in the preoperative fasting. Relevance to clinical practice In the preoperative fasting, making mentholated popsicles available to patients is an easy strategy to manage thirst, which might lead to better care.

Effect of Spray Use on Mouth Dryness and Thirst of Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study

“…9 In another study of Aroni et al, it was concluded that menthol ice application was effective on thirst. 29 Considering the a The statistically significant difference between the control group and intervention group 1. b The statistically significant difference between the intervention group 1 and the intervention group 2.…”

Advances in the Management of Perioperative Patients' Thirst

“…The second strategy compared maintained fasting with the use of a 30‐mL menthol popsicle on thirst intensity and thirst discomfort three hours before the procedure. There was a significant decrease in thirst intensity ( P < .001) and discomfort ( P < .001) after the use of the menthol popsicle …”

“…To reduce preoperative thirst, the Thirst Study and Research Group researchers evaluated two low‐cost strategies . In the first randomized clinical trial, the researchers compared maintained fasting with chewing one unit of menthol gum for 10 minutes.…”

Evaluation of the protocol for thirst management using ice popsicles in the immediate postoperative period: A pilot study in southern Brazilian hospital

“…With regard to this problem, previous reports evaluating different interventions to relieve thirst or dry mouth in the pre-and postoperative periods suggested the effectiveness of menthol moisturizers (Aroni et al 2020, Eccles 2000, Schafer et al 1986, ice popsicles (Conchon & Fonseca 2018, Nascimento et al 2014, Motta et al 2020, sprays of cold sterile water from squirt bottles, gargling with cold water and oral swabs with cold sterile water (Cho et al 2010. Currently, it is known that cold water satiates thirst more effectively than body temperature water (Deaux 1973) and is preferred because it offers greater relief from mouth dryness (Brunstrom 2002).…”