Sore throat
24 to 48 hours20 to 40 people in 100 are affectedDiscomfort or pain in the throat after a general anaesthetic
- Discomfort or pain in the throat
- Hoarse voice
- Very dry throat
You can take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Ask your GP or your pharmacist which painkiller suits you best.
Some anaesthetic gases and medicines can make your throat dry.
Some of the equipment anaesthetists use during a general anaesthetic can irritate your throat.
During a general anaesthetic the muscles of your body relax, including those around your throat and chest. This can reduce the amount of air reaching your lungs.
To keep oxygen flowing steadily to your lungs, the anaesthetist may place a breathing tube in your throat to hold your airway open. This is usually done once you are unconscious.
The tubes or masks your anaesthetist uses while you are unconscious can cause a sore throat for the following reasons:
- They can irritate your throat as they are put in or taken out.
- Some of them are inflatable
- If the pain gets worse and you have difficulty swallowing a week after your anaesthetic, see your GP or practice nurse, or ask your pharmacist for advice.
- If at any point you have difficulty breathing or you cough up blood, contact your GP or your anaesthetist immediately for further advice.