Beclomethasone inhaler versus intravenous lidocaine in the prevention of postoperative airway and throat complaints: a randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Previous reports indicate that inhaled corticosteroids attenuate airway inflammation. Beclomethasone inhaler was highly effective in the prevention of postoperative airway symptoms. Intravenous lidocaine prior to endotracheal intubation has also been shown to decrease the incidence of postoperative sore throat and cough. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of beclomethasone inhaler with various clinically used dosages of intravenous lidocaine prior to endotracheal intubation on the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat, cough, sputum, hoarseness, and dysphagia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty patients undergoing elective operations were assigned to one of four treatments: intravenous lidocaine 1mg/kg (Group L1, n=30), intravenous lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg (Group L2, n=30), beclomethasone inhaler 50 μg (Group B, n=30) or intravenous normal saline (Group C, n=30). The incidence and severity of sore throat, cough, sputum, hoarseness, and dysphagia were compared between the beclomethasone inhaler and intravenous lidocaine groups before they left the operating room, 1 hour later, at time of the first postoperative drink or meal (for assessment of dysphagia), and on the morning after surgery. RESULTS: In the evaluation of postoperative symptoms, the incidence and severity of sore throat were significantly lower in Group L2 and B than Group C (P<.05) at all time intervals. One and 20 hours after emergence from anesthesia, the incidence and severity of cough were significantly lower in Group L2 and B than Group C (P<.05). The incidence and severity of sore throat or cough was not significantly different between Groups L2 and B. Throughout the study, the incidence and severity of sputum were significantly lower in Group B than group C (P<.05). CONCLUSION: Beclomethasone inhaler is comparable with intravenous lidocaine prior to intubation in decreasing postoperative sore throat and cough. In addition, beclomethasone inhaler decreases the incidence and severity of postoperative sputum.