Thirst Relief Effect of 0.75% Citric Acid Spray During the Anesthesia Recovery Period: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Postoperative thirst is a common clinical issue. The discomfort caused by thirst during the perioperative period is strong and significant. Postoperative thirst is associated with emotional changes, giving rise to a series of adverse psychological and physical problems to patients. This study aimed to explore the effect of 0.75% citric acid spray on thirst relief during the anesthesia recovery period in China.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted on subjects immediately after the removal of the endotracheal tube in a postanesthesia care unit.

A total of 112 patients with TI scores ≥3 on 0-10 numeric rating scale were randomized to the intervention group (0.75% citric acid spray group; n = 56) or control group (cool water spray; n = 56) by computerized randomization. Thirst assessment was performed before and 5 minutes after the intervention. Five minutes after the intervention, if the TI score was still ≥3 points, the spray would be added and the thirst assessment would be performed again until the TI score was <3 points. The onset time, duration time, and the number of additional sprays within 20 minutes was recorded.

Five minutes after the intervention, the thirst intensity score of the 0.75% citric acid spray group decreased from 5.57 ± 1.35 to 3.09 ± 1.20. The onset and duration times were 0.77 ± 0.47 min and 4.41 ± 2.59 min, respectively, and the number of spray additions in 20 min was 1.09 ± 0.92. The thirst intensity score of the cool water spray group decreased from 5.29 ± 1.52 to 3.73 ± 1.54. The onset and duration time were 0.84 ± 0.42 min and 2.77 ± 1.80 min, respectively, and the number of spray additions was 1.91 ± 1.24. No incidence of adverse events, including choking, aspiration, and allergies occurred.

For thirsty patients during the anesthesia recovery period, the spray method is safe and has fewer side effects, including choking, aspiration, and allergies. Thus, 0.75% citric acid spray and cool water spray are both safe and effective; however, the 0.75% citric acid spray has a better thirst relief effect that lasts longer than the cool water spray.