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Use of Mentholated Ice Popsicle in Reducing Thirst Discomfort among
Postoperative Patients

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K. Pimta, W. Potisopha, and B. Somjaivong 1
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Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Thailand

Background: Thirst and dry mouth are common symptoms in patients after surgery, causing discomfort
and influencing other complications. However, these symptoms are usually left untreated.

Objective: To develop a mentholated ice popsicle and evaluate its effectiveness in managing thirst
discomfort among patients who underwent major surgeries.

Methods: This study included two phases: developmental and experimental. In the developmental
phase, researchers applied the formulation of the mentholated ice popsicles based on a literature
review. A 10-milliliter, round-shaped popsicle with a handle was created. Then, it was verified for safety
and satisfaction by 20 healthy volunteers. There were no adverse events or side effects, but a smaller
size was suggested. The experimental phase was conducted in a university hospital between January
Oral Presentation Abstracts
and March 2024. Postoperative patients admitted to two intensive care units who were extubated and
still fasting were recruited, and 17 participants received an 8-milliliter mentholated ice popsicle. The
Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale was assessed at baseline and 15 and 30 minutes after
intervention. A generalized estimating equation was used to examine mean score changes from the
baseline.

Results: Of 17 patients, the average age was 53.82 ± 18.71 years. 52.9% were females, and 58.8%
underwent abdominal surgeries. At baseline, participants self-reported moderate thirst discomfort
(mean 10.53 ± 3.15). The highest discomfort was dry throat, followed by dry mouth and dry lips.
After using the mentholated ice popsicles for 15 minutes, their mean score of thirst discomfort was
significantly dropped to 5.41 (mean changes -5.12, 95%CI -6.12, -4.03). Their thirst discomfort scores
slightly increased to be 7.88 at 30 minutes after intervention but were still significantly different from
baseline (mean changes -2.65, 95%CI -4.08, -1.21).

Conclusion: Using mentholated ice popsicles is feasible and safe to relieve thirst discomfort in
postoperative patients.

Keywords: menthol, postoperative patient, thirst discomfort, thirst

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Correspondence: Kawida Pimta, Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
E-mail: Kawida.p@kkumail.com

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