From the Guidelines
A sore throat after a colonoscopy is a normal and temporary condition that will pass after 24-48 hours, as stated in the guidelines for standards of sedation and patient monitoring during gastrointestinal endoscopy 1. This discomfort is usually caused by the intubation process during sedation or from oxygen delivery devices used during the procedure. To manage the sore throat, patients can try:
- Gargling with warm salt water several times daily
- Sucking on throat lozenges
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500-1000mg every 6 hours or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 400-600mg every 6-8 hours with food It is essential to avoid irritants such as smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods while recovering. If the sore throat is severe, persists beyond 2-3 days, is accompanied by difficulty swallowing, high fever (over 101°F), or if you notice unusual swelling in your throat or neck, contact your healthcare provider promptly as these could indicate complications requiring medical attention, as any pain or distress must be reported at once to the medical registrar 1. The guidelines recommend that patients be allowed to sleep for up to two hours after the procedure and then be asked to sit up and take a sip of water, and if the patient can take this without any pain or coughing, they may then take a good drink of water 1. It is crucial to follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery and minimize the risk of complications.
From the Research
Sore Throat after Colonoscopy
- A sore throat after colonoscopy can be caused by various factors, including complications during the procedure 2.
- One possible complication is pulmonary aspiration, which can occur during procedural sedation for colonoscopy, especially when the patient is repositioned 3.
- The use of airway devices, such as oral or nasal airways, can also contribute to sore throat after colonoscopy 4.
- Postoperative sore throat is a common complication after general anesthesia, with a reported incidence of up to 62% 5.
- The risk of postoperative sore throat can be reduced by using supraglottic airway devices, limiting tracheal tube and supraglottic airway device cuff pressure, and avoiding oral endotracheal intubation 5, 4.
Management of Sore Throat
- The management of sore throat after colonoscopy depends on the underlying cause and severity of the symptoms.
- In some cases, sore throat may be self-limiting and can be managed with non-pharmacological self-management and symptomatic treatment with ibuprofen or naproxen 6.
- If the sore throat is caused by bacterial pharyngitis, antibiotics may be indicated, with penicillin being the first choice and clarithromycin as an alternative 6.
- A risk-adapted approach using clinical scores can help determine the need for antibiotic treatment 6.