Administration of a 'Thirst Relieve Kit' Versus Placebo in Patients After Hospital-based Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy and Assessment of Thirst Intensity

Administration of a 'Thirst Relieve Kit' Versus Placebo in Patients After Hospital-based Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy and Assessment of Thirst Intensity

The goal of this study is to evaluate whether a "thirst kit" (lemon popsicle) is effective in reducing thirst intensity in patients undergoing hospital bowel preparation for colonoscopy. The study also aims to assess the impact of the thirst kit on associated symptoms and patient satisfaction. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does the thirst kit reduce the intensity of thirst after bowel preparation for colonoscopy?
• Does the thirst kit reduce symptoms such as dry mouth and dry throat?
• How satisfied are patients when using the thirst kit compared to a placebo?

Researchers will compare the thirst kit to a placebo to determine its effectiveness in managing thirst during the pre-colonoscopy period.

Participants will:

• Be randomly assigned to receive either the thirst kit (lemon popsicle) or a placebo
• Use the assigned intervention during the hospital preparation period for colonoscopy
• Rate thirst intensity, associated symptoms, and satisfaction using numerical scales

Inclusion Criteria:

• both sexes
• aged 18 years or older, with clear awareness and good cooperation
• who underwent colonoscopy with hospital bowel preparation

Exclusion Criteria:

• any risk of oral fluid aspiration
• swallowing disorders
• post-operative advanced head and neck surgeries
• advanced head and neck neoplasia, active oral diseases (oral mucosal lesions, stomatitis, among others)
• history of gastric surgeries (gastrectomized, upper gastrointestinal tract surgeries for obesity)
• use of GLP-1 analog medications and derivatives in the last 10 days according to hospital protocol (e.g., semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide...)
• history of dementia.