Effectiveness of Sodium Bicarbonate Mouth Wash on mucositis associated symptoms in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Abd Elnaeem, Hossam Hassan; Ahmed, Amal Mohamed; Sulemian, Khaled Abdeeen Talha; Diab, Thana Mohamed

doi:10.21608/sjns.2025.397687.1079

Effectiveness of Sodium Bicarbonate Mouth Wash on mucositis associated symptoms in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Nursing specialist at technical institute of nursing - Faculty of Nursing- Aswan University

² Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Aswan University., Aswan, Egypt

³ Oncology Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Aswan University., Aswan, Egypt

⁴ Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt

10.21608/sjns.2025.397687.1079

Abstract

Oral mucositis is one of the most debilitating complications of chemotherapy during the treatment period. It is important to prevent and treat mucositis because this complication is associated with pain, inability to maintain hydration and nutrition. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate mouth wash on mucositis in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Research Design: A quasi experimental design was utilized in this study. Setting: The study was conducted at oncology medical department at Aswan University Hospital. Sample: A convenient sample of 100 adult patients of both sex who undergoing chemotherapy treatment and received sodium bicarbonate mouth care. Tools: In this study two tools were used for data collection: I) Interview questionnaire sheet included Patients’ socio- demographic characteristics and Patients’ medical history. II) Oral Mucositis severity Scale. Results: The results revealed that, more than two fifth of the studied patients have fourth degree of oral mucositis and more than one third of them have third degree pre intervention while, this percentages improved after use of Sodium Bicarbonate Mouth Wash. Furthermore, regarding oral mucositis symptoms, more than two fifth of the studied patients have severe level of oral mucositis symptoms pre intervention while, this percentages improved to less than one tenth post intervention. Conclusion: The study concluded that sodium bicarbonate mouthwashes are effective in treating and reducing the severity symptoms in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Recommendations: using sodium bicarbonate mouthwash as a therapeutic care measure in clinical settings at the beginning of chemotherapy for these patients.

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