Effectiveness of Indian Gooseberry Cough Pastilles in Reducing Sore Throat and Hoarseness after Endotracheal Intubation during General Anesthesia

Abstract

Indian gooseberry or Emblica officinalis has been found to contain vitamin C and tannin component which is believed responsible for several of therapeutic actions including the reduction of sore throat and dryness of mouth. In Thailand, some formulations containing Indian gooseberry are available as over-counter herbal medications for the relief of cough, sore throat and mouth dryness. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of Indian gooseberry cough pastilles in reducing sore throat and hoarseness resulting from endotracheal intubation during general anesthesia. It was conducted in Buriram hospital during October 2010 to March 2011 using triple-blinded randomized controlled trial methodology. The study samples were 300 female patients aged 15-75 years old who underwent nonemergency surgery with general anesthesia. The samples were divided into 2 groups: 150 in experimental group receiving 2 cough tablets, and 150 in control group receiving placebo at 30 minutes before the surgery. Data on general information, cuff pressure and airway pressure were recorded every 30 minutes throughout the surgical process. Symptoms of sore throat and hoarseness were assessed by nurses and recorded at recovery room as well as 2, 6 and 24 hours after surgery. Comparison of the incident of symptoms between the two groups was conducted using percentage, mean and standard deviation, Chi-square test at the p-value of 0.05. It was found that there was no statistical difference on variables of age, weight, ASA physical status, underlying disease and surgery between the two groups. However, the incidents of sore throat and hoarseness were significantly lower among patients in the experimental group at all checking times – (at recovery room, 2, 6 and 24 hours after surgery, respectively). Therefore, the Indian gooseberry cough remedy was found to be effective in reducing sore throat and hoarseness resulting from general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Further investigation is recommended to measure patient satisfaction, time and dose of herbal pastille, along with more research the effectiveness in patients who still had symptoms of sore throat and hoarseness beyond 24 hours after surgery.