The Effect of Cold Vapor Applied for Sore Throat in the Early Postoperative Period.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted for the purpose of determining the effect of cold vapor applied for sore throat in the early postoperative stage. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental design was used. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 60 patients who underwent lumbar disc herniation surgery in the Neurosurgery Clinic of Gazi University Health Research and Practice Center in Ankara, Turkey. The study involved two intervention groups and one control group. The study data were collected through questionnaire and observation forms. FINDINGS: 65% (n = 39) of patients experienced sore throat. There were no statistical differences between the groups in terms of sore throat and hoarseness (P > .05); however, a significant difference was determined in the group to whom oxygen together with cold vapor was applied for dry throat (4th and 8th hours) and swallowing difficulties(8th and 12th hours) (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Cold vapor did not have an effect on sore throat on its own; however, it decreased hoarseness and swallowing difficulties when applied together with oxygen.