Effect of Cold Water Spray on Swallowing Difficulty, Pain, and Thirst After Thyroid Surgery

Dysphagia and thirst are common in the early period after thyroidectomy and negatively affect patient comfort. This study aims to evaluate the effect of cold water spray on dysphagia, pain during swallowing, and thirst after thyroid surgery. In this randomized controlled trial, patients will be divided into two groups. Patients in the experimental group (n=54) will receive +4 °C cold water sprayed into the mouth once every hour for 6 hours postoperatively, while the control group (n=54) will receive routine care. In both groups, data will be collected hourly for 6 hours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Having undergone thyroid surgery * ASA physical status classification I-II Exclusion Criteria: * Impaired integrity of the oral and tongue mucosa in the preoperative period * Having an oral or nasal disease * Having visual, hearing, speech, or comprehension impairment * Having diabetes mellitus * Having a diagnosis of xerostomia (dry mouth) * Having hypercalcemia * Having hypokalemia * Regular preoperative use of antidepressants or anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) medications