Use of salt water solutions and baking soda

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 92 views

Effectiveness of Oral Care Using a Solution of Salt Water and Baking Soda to Pain and Comfort of Mucositis Patients

Introduction

Mucositis is a common side effect experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, characterized by inflammation, ulceration, pain, discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty speaking. One of the most effective ways to alleviate these symptoms is through oral care using a solution of salt water and baking soda. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of this oral care method in reducing pain and increasing comfort in mucositis patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Background

Mucositis is a significant problem faced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The condition can lead to severe pain, discomfort, and difficulty in performing daily activities. Oral care is a crucial aspect of managing mucositis, and various methods have been developed to alleviate its symptoms. One of the most promising methods is the use of a solution made of ¼ teaspoon of salt (normal saline) and ½ teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) mixed in 500 ml of water. This solution has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and increasing comfort in mucositis patients.

Methodology

This study used a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test-post-test approach with a control group. The research sample consisted of 40 people, divided into two groups: 20 people in the intervention group and 20 people in the control group. The selection of samples was carried out using Consecutive Sampling techniques. The results showed that by using paired t-tests, there were significant differences in pain intensity and comfort in the intervention group before and after treatment. Meanwhile, the control group also showed a significant difference in pain intensity and comfort.

Results

The analysis using paired t-tests showed that there were significant differences in pain intensity (t = 14,257, p = 0,000) and comfort (t = -11,103, p = 0,000) in the intervention group before and after treatment. The control group also showed a significant difference in pain intensity (t = 10,341, p = 0,000) and comfort (t = -6,842, p = 0,000). Furthermore, the analysis using independent t-tests showed that there was a significant difference in pain reduction (t = -3,287, p = 0.002) and increased comfort (t = 4.001, p = 0,000) in groups that received mouthwash treatment with salt water solution and baking soda compared to the control group.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that the use of salt water solutions and baking soda is significantly effective in reducing pain and increasing comfort in patients who experience mucositis due to chemotherapy. The recommendation of this study is the use of this method as an alternative treatment for cancer patients who experience mucositis. Besides being able to provide a sense of comfort, this solution is also relatively easily accessible and economical, so that it can be a good choice for treatment at hospitals and at home.

Conclusion

This study not only provides an understanding of the importance of oral care for patients with mucositis, but also provides practical solutions that can be implemented by health workers in improving the quality of life of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The use of salt water solutions and baking soda is a simple and effective method that can be used to alleviate the symptoms of mucositis. Therefore, it is recommended that this method be used as an alternative treatment for cancer patients who experience mucositis.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Use of salt water solutions and baking soda: The use of salt water solutions and baking soda is recommended as an alternative treatment for cancer patients who experience mucositis.
Oral care: Oral care is a crucial aspect of managing mucositis, and health workers should prioritize oral care in their treatment plans.
Education and training: Health workers should receive education and training on the use of salt water solutions and baking soda as an alternative treatment for mucositis.
Accessibility and affordability: The solution should be made easily accessible and affordable for patients, so that it can be used as a treatment option at hospitals and at home.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
Short duration: The duration of this study was relatively short, which may not be representative of the long-term effects of the treatment.
Limited control group: The control group in this study was limited, which may not provide a comprehensive comparison with the intervention group.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

Increase sample size: Future studies should aim to increase the sample size to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of the treatment.
Longer duration: Future studies should aim to have a longer duration to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the long-term effects of the treatment.
More control groups: Future studies should aim to have more control groups to provide a comprehensive comparison with the intervention group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides evidence that the use of salt water solutions and baking soda is significantly effective in reducing pain and increasing comfort in patients who experience mucositis due to chemotherapy. The recommendation of this study is the use of this method as an alternative treatment for cancer patients who experience mucositis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Effectiveness of Oral Care Using a Solution of Salt Water and Baking Soda to Pain and Comfort of Mucositis Patients

Q: What is mucositis?

A: Mucositis is a common side effect experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, characterized by inflammation, ulceration, pain, discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty speaking.

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of oral care using a solution of salt water and baking soda in reducing pain and increasing comfort in mucositis patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Q: What is the solution made of?

A: The solution is made of ¼ teaspoon of salt (normal saline) and ½ teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) mixed in 500 ml of water.

Q: How was the study conducted?

A: The study used a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test-post-test approach with a control group. The research sample consisted of 40 people, divided into two groups: 20 people in the intervention group and 20 people in the control group.

Q: What were the results of the study?

A: The results showed that by using paired t-tests, there were significant differences in pain intensity and comfort in the intervention group before and after treatment. The control group also showed a significant difference in pain intensity and comfort.

Q: Is the solution effective in reducing pain and increasing comfort?

A: Yes, the results of this study suggest that the use of salt water solutions and baking soda is significantly effective in reducing pain and increasing comfort in patients who experience mucositis due to chemotherapy.

Q: Is the solution easily accessible and affordable?

A: Yes, the solution is relatively easily accessible and economical, making it a good choice for treatment at hospitals and at home.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study has several limitations, including a small sample size, short duration, and limited control group.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: The recommendations of this study include the use of salt water solutions and baking soda as an alternative treatment for cancer patients who experience mucositis, oral care as a crucial aspect of managing mucositis, education and training for health workers, and accessibility and affordability of the solution.

Q: What are the future directions of this study?

A: Future studies should aim to increase the sample size, have a longer duration, and have more control groups to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of the treatment.

Q: Can this solution be used as a treatment option for mucositis patients?

A: Yes, based on the results of this study, the solution can be used as a treatment option for mucositis patients.

Q: How can health workers implement this solution in their treatment plans?

A: Health workers can implement this solution by educating patients on the use of salt water solutions and baking soda, providing access to the solution, and incorporating oral care into their treatment plans.

Q: What are the benefits of using this solution?

A: The benefits of using this solution include reducing pain and increasing comfort, being easily accessible and affordable, and providing a practical solution for health workers to improve the quality of life of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Q: Can this solution be used in combination with other treatments?

A: Yes, this solution can be used in combination with other treatments to provide a comprehensive approach to managing mucositis.

Q: What are the potential side effects of using this solution?

A: The potential side effects of using this solution are minimal and may include mild irritation or discomfort. However, these side effects are typically temporary and resolve on their own.

Q: How can patients access this solution?

A: Patients can access this solution by speaking with their healthcare provider or pharmacist about obtaining the necessary ingredients and instructions for use.

Q: What are the long-term effects of using this solution?

A: The long-term effects of using this solution are not well understood and require further research. However, based on the results of this study, the solution appears to be safe and effective in reducing pain and increasing comfort in mucositis patients.