The effect of cold water spray on the severity of thirst and dry mouth in patients with heart failure

 One of the annoying symptoms that heart failure patients experience is thirst and dry mouth.This study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of cold water spray on the severity of thirst and dry mouth in patients with heart failure.

 In this controlled clinical trial study,the statistical population of all heart failure patients hospitalized in the Imam Reza and Qaim hospitals, which were selected by the available sampling method.After completing the informed consent form, the patients were randomly assigned to test or control groups.The intensity of thirst and dry mouth was measured using numerical rating scales.In the control group,wetting the lips and mouth with wet swap and in the test group,the cold water spray program was implemented every two hours from 9:00am to 5:00pm for 3days.The intensity of thirst and dry mouth was measured every 24hours.At the end,the data were analyzed by SPSS software version 21.

 According to the findings,before the intervention in the average intensity of thirst and dry mouth at the moment,the intensity of thirst and dry mouth in the last 24 hours and the worst intensity of thirst and dry mouth in 24 hours between the test and control groups,there was no significant difference.(P>0.05) After the intervention,the results indicated a significant decrease in the intensity of dry mouth at the moment,dry mouth in the last 24 hours and the worst intensity of dry mouth in 24 hours in the test group compared to the control-group.(P<0.05)

 The findings of the present study indicate the effect of cold water spray on reducing the dry mouth in patients with heart failure.