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What Causes Sore Throat After Insertion Of Endotracheal Tube?

Posted on Tue, 26 Aug 2014

Question: Hi, I had surgery last Wednesday on my ankle and as far as I'm aware they put an endotracheal tube in as I was put under general anaesthetic and unfortunately it's now a week since I had my operation but my throat seems to be still very sore and wondering whether I should see my local gp. The problem seems to be whilst I'm eating and immediately after but it then settles backdown again until the next time I eat. Sometimes I also cough up brown, bloody phlegm but it feels like there is something stuck in my throat that won't budge. Incidentally, the throat is actually hurting more than the ankle.

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please see the answer below...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query. I'll make an honest attempt to help you out with this problem.

The present symptoms described you could be secondary to the trauma caused by the Endotracheal tube while intubation. There could be some granulations in the injured site which can be the cause of pain and the bleeding.

Do not worry! This is one of the commonest problems of general anesthesia. With some home remedies, this can be taken care of. I would suggest you the following:
1. To drink plenty of warm water (to reduce the pain and the swelling)
2. Steam inhalation 3-4 times a day, for 2 minutes
3. Avoid straining of the voice
4. You can take OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac for the pain.
5. If the symptoms persist, please consult a good ENT specialist for a thorough examination of the larynx.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (22 minutes later)

I have been drinking lots of water and eating soft foods etc. how long do you think I should give it before I perhaps see someone? The other thing was that I had to stay in the hospital overnight when it should have been day surgery only as they thought I had aspirated so don't know whether this could be affecting it. It's so painful when I try to swallow it so. Eating is taking me twice as long.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please see the answer below...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back. I do understand your concern and I am really for the situation you are in.

Give it at least a week, to become normal. Drink XXXXXXX warm water, this will reduce the swelling soon. Eat soft food, so that, it does not hurt your throat. Also, try using povidone iodine throat spray. Povidone iodine clears the bacteria in the throat and reduces the swelling.

Wish you speedy recovery.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj