Comparative Study of the Prophylactic Effect of Intravenous or Gargling Dexamethasone in Reducing Postextubation Sore Throat and Cough

Sore throat, cough and hoarseness after tracheal extubation are common complications after surgery. Due to the proven effect of dexamethasone on reducing these complications, in this study, we compared the prophylactic effect of intravenous dexamethasone and dexamethasone gargle on sore throat and cough after extubation.

In this clinical trial study, 96 patients between the ages of 18-64 years who underwent elective surgery and intubation under general anesthesia were randomly divided into three groups, respectively, the first group received 6 mg dexamethasone gargle. The second group received 6 mg intravenous dexamethasone and the third group received normal saline. The frequency of cough and sore throat were assessed and compared in these three groups.

There was no significant difference between the three groups based on hemodynamic variables and demographic data (P> 0.05). The frequency of cough in the first (1.54± 2.82) and second (1.57±2.73) groups was less than the third group (1.79±3.14), but this difference was not statistically significant (P>0.66). The mean severity of sore throat in the second group and then in the first group was lower at the time of entry into recovery and 2 hours after surgery, than the third group. (P <0.005) Also, the mean severity of sore throat in the second group and then the first group in 24 hours after surgery was significantly lower than the third group. (P <0.005).

Prophylactic single-dose intravenous dexamethasone is more effective than dexamethasone gargle in reducing sore throat due to endotracheal intubation. Also, gargling and intravenous injection of dexamethasone, both are effective in reducing postoperative cough without any side effects after extubation.