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Nonpharmacologic Therapy for Pediatric Posttonsillectomy Pain: A Systematic Review
Justina T Sargios1, David Kayekjian1, Shaun A Nguyen1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Pediatric Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
Summary
Nonpharmacologic therapies like acupuncture and sugar-free gum significantly reduce pediatric posttonsillectomy pain. Some interventions also lower bleeding risk, supporting their use as adjuncts.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pain Management
- Evidence-Based Medicine
- Complementary Therapies
Background:
- Posttonsillectomy pain is a significant concern in pediatric care.
- Effective pain management strategies are crucial for recovery.
- Nonpharmacologic therapies offer potential adjuncts to pharmacologic treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the efficacy of nonpharmacologic interventions for pediatric posttonsillectomy pain.
- To identify specific nonpharmacologic therapies that reduce pain and/or postoperative bleeding.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of studies from CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Scopus.
- Inclusion of studies on nonpharmacologic interventions for pediatric posttonsillectomy pain.
- Standardization of pain scores (0-10 scale) and analysis of means, proportions, and confidence intervals.
Main Results:
- Several nonpharmacologic interventions showed significant pain reduction at 6 hours postoperatively, including acupuncture, ice cream, cartoon distraction, and lavender essence inhalation.
- Sugar-free gum was effective in reducing pain by postoperative Day 7.
- Salvia officinalis, cold diet, and activity restrictions were associated with reduced postoperative bleeding.
Conclusions:
- Nonpharmacologic therapies such as acupuncture, sugar-free gum, distraction, and certain essential oil therapies can effectively manage pediatric posttonsillectomy pain.
- Some interventions may also decrease the risk of postoperative bleeding.
- These findings support the integration of nonpharmacologic adjuncts in pediatric posttonsillectomy care, pending further high-quality research.
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