Effectiveness of turmeric-based lozenges in reducing the postoperative sore throat and cough– A prospective randomized placebo-controlled study

Common issues that often arise in the interval after extubation include postoperative sore throat (POST) and postoperative cough (POC). To avoid POC and POST, medicinal lozenges can be used before intubation. In this study, we looked at the effectiveness of turmeric lozenges in reducing POST and POC after orotracheal intubation in patients having elective procedures under general anaesthesia. This prospective, randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled was conducted in 120 patients undergoing elective surgery requiring general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation. They were split into four groups. Thirty minutes before intubation, Group A received a placebo lozenge, Group B received turmeric lozenges with menthol and eucalyptus; Group C received turmeric lozenges with tulsi; and Group D received orange-flavored turmeric lozenges. Groups were compared for their effectiveness in reducing POST and POC using Harding and Mcvey’s scale at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours following extubation. The POST occurrence differed significantly across the groups (p 0.05) and same applied to the occurrence of POC also (p 0.01). Group B was more effective in reducing the POST and POC followed by Group C, Group D, and Group A. Preoperatively administered turmeric based Lozenges before general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation considerably decreased the occurrence and severity of postoperative sore throat and cough.