Experiencing a dry mouth is a common and temporary side effect following an endoscopy, a procedure where a doctor uses an instrument to view your internal organs. This sensation is an expected part of recovery and resolves on its own.
Causes of Post-Endoscopy Dry Mouth
Dry mouth after an endoscopy stems from several factors. A primary cause is the required fasting from food and drinks for several hours beforehand, which can lead to mild dehydration. This lack of fluid intake reduces saliva production, setting the stage for a dry mouth.
The medications administered for sedation are a significant contributor. Anesthetics can suppress the nervous system, which includes the nerves that signal your salivary glands to produce saliva. Some medications given to prevent nausea can also have a drying effect on the mouth.
A local anesthetic is often sprayed into the throat to numb the area, which can temporarily interfere with the glands responsible for salivation. Lastly, patients often breathe primarily through their mouths during the endoscopy. This increases air exposure across the oral tissues, causing moisture on their surfaces to evaporate more quickly.
Managing Dry Mouth at Home
The most direct approach to alleviate discomfort is to focus on rehydration. Sipping cool water frequently throughout the day is beneficial. Sucking on ice chips can also provide both moisture and a soothing sensation to the mouth and throat.
Stimulating your natural saliva production can also provide relief. Sucking on sugar-free hard candies or chewing sugar-free gum encourages the salivary glands to become more active. This increased saliva flow helps lubricate the mouth, and choosing sugar-free options protects your dental health.
Modifying your environment while you sleep can make a noticeable difference. Using a humidifier in your bedroom adds moisture to the air, which helps prevent your mouth from drying out overnight. This is helpful if mouth breathing continues during recovery.
For a day or two after your procedure, it is wise to be mindful of your diet. Avoiding substances known to have a drying effect is recommended. This includes beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, tobacco products, and foods that are excessively salty or spicy.
Duration and When to Seek Medical Advice
For most people, dry mouth is temporary. The feeling subsides within a few hours to a day or two following the endoscopy as the effects of anesthesia wear off and you rehydrate your body.
While a dry mouth is expected, certain accompanying symptoms should prompt a call to your doctor. If the dryness persists for more than 48 to 72 hours without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical advice. You should also contact your healthcare provider if you experience difficulty swallowing that does not get better, a severe or worsening sore throat, or the development of a fever.