Comparative study of the effect of beclomethasone inhaler versus topical lidocaine on the attenuation of post-intubation throat symptoms in pregnant patients undergoing cesarean section

Abstract

Background: Sore throat, cough and hoarseness are common problems after endotracheal general anesthesia. They may be very distressing to the patient, they may have many unwanted sequelae .Various preparations of lidocaine, and corticosteroids have been frequently used to prevent or attenuate these complications. Aim: To compare between beclomethasone inhaler and topical lidocaine lubricant for the reduction in incidence of post-operative sore throat, cough and hoarseness of voice. Patients and method: Ninety pregnant women (18–35 years of age) with I undergoing elective cesarean section were allocated into 3 groups of 30 patients in each as follows (group A: Topical lidocaine, group B: Beclomethasone inhaler , group C: Control). The endotracheal tubes in-group (A) were lubricated with lidocaine gel 5%. Group (B) patients receive 2 puffs (100 ug) of beclomethasone inhaler.In the group C patients, no medication was administered or applied. Patients were interviewed by a blind investigator for sore throat, cough and hoarseness (as none, mild, moderate, or severe), at 2 h, 6 h,12 h. and 24 h. after full recovery. Results: Beclomethasone inhaler significantly decreases the incidence and severity of sore throat in comparison with lidocaine lubricant and control groups especially in the first 6 hours postoperatively (P-value < 0.05).