How to Get Relief From Post-Endoscopy Sore Throat

Key takeaways:

• Endoscopy is a safe and effective procedure that carries minimal risks while offering potentially significant benefits.
• Although an endoscopy may cause a temporary sore throat, this rarely indicates a serious medical issue that requires further treatment.
• Most sore throats after an endoscopy resolve within a few days and respond well to rest, hydration, over-the-counter medications, and supportive care.

Endoscopy has become an essential therapeutic procedure for diagnosing and managing various medical conditions. A sore throat following an endoscopy is likely more common than patients report, as it is usually mild and temporary and tends to respond quickly to home remedies. Healthcare providers may be unaware of this discomfort because patients often do not mention it, especially when they are starting to feel better. While other complications from endoscopy are rare, it is important to report any specific signs and symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Is it normal to have a sore throat after an endoscopy?

After an endoscopy, it is common to experience a sore throat, which is usually not a cause for concern.

Both healthcare providers and patients often underestimate the degree of discomfort that may be experienced. Many patients may not recall having a sore throat, but it typically resolves quickly.

The primary reason for this irritation is mechanical trauma from the insertion of a tube into the throat. Additionally, there are several other potential causes for a sore throat after the procedure, many of which relate to the anesthesia used.

Causes of a sore throat after an endoscopy

Determining the cause of a sore throat after an endoscopy can be challenging for several reasons. It's essential to discuss the procedure with your healthcare providers to understand how it will be performed. By familiarizing yourself with what to expect and ensuring your doctors are aware of your concerns, you can enhance your overall satisfaction with the procedure and potentially reduce the chances of experiencing a sore throat afterward.

Mechanical trauma

A lighted scope will be placed into your mouth and passed down your throat. Your doctor will use a tiny camera to transmit images to a video screen during the procedure, which may be recorded. Mild trauma to your mouth and throat may result from the following:

• Passing the endoscope
• The doctor may use gentle air pressure to visualize your throat and esophagus.

Suctioning your mouth and throat

A suction device may be used through the endoscope or separately with a small flexible tube by the doctor performing the endoscopy, the anesthesiologist, and the nurses or respiratory therapists after you wake up from the procedure.

Using a tube or airway in your mouth or throat

Your doctor or anesthesiologist may use different types of tubes or airways to perform the endoscopy. These can irritate your throat and cause soreness. An airway is a soft device placed in your mouth or nose to help you breathe more efficiently and to assist doctors in suctioning your throat during the procedure.

Using special tools

During the endoscopy, special tools may be used to take samples, cultures, biopsies, or to treat areas of your throat. These procedures may lead to a sore throat afterward, and symptoms may vary depending on the particulars of the procedure.

How to get at-home relief from a post-endoscopy sore throat

Fortunately, most sore throats after endoscopy will be brief, even though they may be significant initially. Typically, rest and home remedies are effective.

Salt water rinses

Salt water rinses will soothe your sore throat. Use ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of water and gently swish the liquid around your throat. It is recommended that you don’t swallow the salt water rinse.

Warm liquids

Warm liquids can soothe your sore throat, but it’s important to be sure they are not overly hot. Using your throat muscles after the procedure will help your sore throat heal more quickly. The sooner you start swallowing normally, the better you will feel.

Throat lozenges or hard candies

Many over-the-counter throat lozenges are available. Lots of them may contain menthol or pectin, which can soothe a sore throat by increasing saliva production. Hard candies may also be helpful. Many hard candies are available sugar-free.

Over-the-counter numbing sprays

Many throat sprays contain phenol or numbing medicines such as benzocaine. Like lozenges, they provide a cooling feeling and relieve sore throat by increasing saliva production. However, sore throat relief from both lozenges and sprays is temporary and may make swallowing difficult.

Tylenol or other analgesics

Tylenol can help relieve a sore throat and mild fever after an endoscopy. Consult your doctor before taking other medications like ibuprofen or naproxen, as they may irritate your stomach following the procedure.

Diet

Please return to a regular diet following your doctor’s instructions. Avoid spicy or greasy foods, as they can irritate your throat and lead to nausea after an endoscopy. It’s advisable to start with liquids and soft foods, especially if you are experiencing a sore throat.

Popsicles or ice chips

Ice and cool liquids can help soothe a sore throat. Most doctors advise avoiding ice cream or milk products immediately after an endoscopy, as these may thicken your saliva and make it harder to swallow.

When you should see a doctor about a sore throat after an endoscopy

Follow-up care after an endoscopy is essential. Your sore throat should improve quickly with home remedies. However, if it persists or worsens, this may indicate a more serious issue, so you should contact your healthcare provider.

You should see a doctor if:

• You experience worsening sore throat, chest, or abdominal pain.
• You have bloody stools.
• You have a high fever.
• You have nausea, vomiting, or can’t keep liquids down.
• You are unable to pass stool or gas.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You have passed out or lost consciousness.
• You have chest or abdominal pain that does not go away.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You have trouble swallowing or handling your saliva.
• You pass bloody, black, or maroon-colored stools.

Questions to ask your doctor about post-endoscopy sore throat

• How soon can I expect my sore throat to resolve itself after my endoscopy?
• When should I be concerned about my sore throat if it does not improve?
• What foods or drinks should I avoid after the endoscopy so my sore throat will improve?
• What are warning signs I should look out for that may indicate a more serious issue?

How a doctor may help you treat post-endoscopy sore throat

Endoscopy is a low-risk, high-reward procedure. However, it's common to experience a sore throat afterward. To help ease this discomfort, your doctor may suggest several treatment options to speed up your recovery and relieve the pain.

Pain medicines

Your doctor may provide prescription pain medications after an endoscopy. These medications are more potent than over-the-counter options and should be used sparingly. Most patients choose to take only a few of the tablets prescribed or none at all.

Acid reflux medicines

Your doctor may prescribe or advise that you resume acid reflux medicines after endoscopy. Keeping acid reflux under control will lessen the likelihood of nausea, vomiting, or stomach acid irritating your throat. Acid reflux medicines may heal areas in your throat, esophagus, or stomach.

Antibiotics

During your endoscopy, your doctor may find that you have stomach irritation or ulcers caused by an infection. This infection is due to the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which affects up to half of the global population. The condition is usually treated successfully with antibiotics.

Frequently asked questions: post-endoscopy sore throat

You may have questions about a sore throat after an endoscopy. The following are frequently asked questions you might find helpful.

Can an endoscopy cause a throat infection?

Yes, but the risk of a throat infection from endoscopy is very low. Such infections typically arise from trauma caused by the endoscope or other instruments used during the procedure. Occasionally, there may be a minor tear in the lining of the throat as a result of the endoscopy, which can lead to an infection.

What if you have a sore throat weeks after an endoscopy?

It’s uncommon, but some individuals may experience a sore throat lasting for weeks after an endoscopy. This prolonged soreness is often due to mild injury and a subsequent throat infection caused by the placement of the endoscope and other instruments during the procedure.

Another possible reason for your persistent sore throat could be unresolved acid reflux. In either case, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.

What if you feel like you have a lump in your throat after an endoscopy?

A lump in your throat after endoscopy may be expected and temporary. There are several possible reasons, including:

• Globus sensation: This is a feeling of throat fullness caused by stress, anxiety, dry throat, and acid reflux.
• Anesthesia mumps: These are not really mumps but swelling of your saliva glands that may occur temporarily after anesthesia.
• Bloating: You may experience discomfort from excessive gas and bloating after endoscopy, which is temporary.

Final thoughts

A sore throat after an endoscopy is common and usually brief. This discomfort is easily treated with home remedies, rest, fluids, and sometimes medication prescribed by your healthcare provider. If symptoms persist, you should visit your doctor to rule out the possibility of something more serious.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

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