Chewing gum or cold water gargle to ease throat discomfort after bronchoscopy

The Effect of Chewing Gum and Gargling With Cold Water on Post-Bronchoscopy Sore Throat, Dysphagia, and Patient Satisfaction: A Randomized Controlled Study

NA · Ankara University · NCT07517926

This trial will test whether chewing sugar-free gum or gargling cold water before bronchoscopy reduces sore throat and swallowing problems and improves patient satisfaction for adults having diagnostic bronchoscopy.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAnkara University (other)
Locations1 site (Ankara)
Trial IDNCT07517926 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

In a randomized, controlled, single-blind design, adult patients scheduled for diagnostic bronchoscopy are assigned to chew sugar-free xylitol gum for 15 minutes, gargle cold water (8–12°C) for 15 minutes, or receive standard care prior to the procedure. Patients are blinded to group allocation while researchers supervise and perform the interventions and will collect symptom severity and patient satisfaction measures after bronchoscopy. Key outcomes include post-procedure sore throat, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and overall satisfaction with the bronchoscopy experience. The trial excludes patients with gastroesophageal reflux, recent steroid or NSAID use, active mouth/throat infection, chewing/gargling impairments, or intra-procedural complications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older scheduled for diagnostic bronchoscopy who have normal speech and swallowing, are conscious and able to communicate, and consent to participate.

Not a fit: Patients with gastroesophageal reflux, recent steroid or NSAID use, active oral or throat infection, anatomical or functional inability to chew or gargle, or those who experience complications during bronchoscopy are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, these simple, low-cost measures could reduce throat pain and swallowing difficulty and improve comfort after bronchoscopy.

How similar studies have performed: Comparable low-risk interventions for post-procedural throat discomfort have shown mixed but sometimes positive results in small studies, while application specifically to bronchoscopy remains limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* • Being 18 years of age or older

  * Having a scheduled diagnostic bronchoscopy
  * Having normal speech and swallowing functions
  * Being conscious and able to communicate
  * Volunteering to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Complications during bronchoscopy

  * Gastroesophageal reflux
  * Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  * Receiving steroid treatment within 1 week prior to the procedure
  * Active infection or disease in the mouth or throat area
  * History of allergy or intolerance to the procedure
  * Previous anatomical or functional impediment to chewing gum or gargling

Where this trial is running

Ankara

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Sore Throat, Dysphagia, Patient Satisfaction, Bronchoscopy, Chewing Gum, Cold Water Gargle, Nursing Care

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.