Healing from Palate Injury After Intubation
Hello everyone, I have a brief inquiry to share. I’m a 38-year-old female who underwent a fertility procedure earlier today, which required general anesthesia. Upon waking in the recovery room, I noticed a small abrasion on the roof of my mouth, likely caused by the intubation tube. I’m looking for recommendations on how to alleviate this discomfort and how long it typically takes for such a wound to heal. At this point, I’m experimenting with different foods to see which do not aggravate the area. The injury resembles a canker sore in size, and I can feel that the skin is somewhat bunched up at the back of the scrape. I’m uncertain if this is a frequent issue related to intubation. I realized something was amiss after taking a sip of ginger ale, which stung my mouth, prompting me to ask the nurse, who mentioned that they had noted some bleeding during the procedure. To manage the pain, I’ve been rinsing with warm salt water and snacking on pretzels to avoid further irritation. It’s not something requiring immediate medical attention, so I will consult with their staff tomorrow afternoon. I don’t smoke or drink, and I was only prescribed Tylenol upon discharge, so overall, my day went well. If anyone has suggestions for speeding up the healing process or specific foods and drinks I should steer clear of, I’d greatly appreciate it. Currently, I’m considering avoiding anything carbonated, spicy, or citrus-based. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
3/30/2025, 11:10:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds like you're managing a painful but common issue following intubation, specifically an abrasion on the roof of your mouth. Here are some key points and practical steps to support your healing:
Main Points:
- Oral Injuries from Intubation: Mild abrasions often occur during intubation and typically heal within 1 to 2 weeks.
- Managing Discomfort: Saltwater rinses are beneficial, and you’re already on the right track by avoiding irritating foods.
- Healing Tips: You can take simple steps to promote healing and comfort during this time.
Explanation:
Oral abrasions from intubation can feel uncomfortable and may resemble canker sores. The wound might sting when you eat or drink certain substances, especially those that are spicy, citric, or carbonated. This is normal, and your proactive approach to care is important for healing.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Saltwater Rinses: Rinse your mouth 2-3 times a day with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water). This can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
-
Avoid Irritating Foods: You’re correct to steer clear of spicy, citrus, and carbonated items. In addition, consider avoiding crunchy foods (like pretzels) that may aggravate the area. Instead, try soft, soothing foods such as:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Applesauce
- Smoothies (avoid citrus-based ones)
-
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist, but avoid extremely hot beverages which might cause discomfort.
-
Pain Management: If Tylenol isn’t enough, you can consider using over-the-counter topical numbing agents like benzocaine, but use them sparingly and after consulting with a healthcare professional.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep an eye on the area for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus. If you notice these symptoms, it's best to consult your healthcare provider sooner.
Wrap Up:
You're taking commendable steps to alleviate your discomfort, and healing usually progresses well with proper care. If you have any further questions or if your symptoms worsen, don’t hesitate to bring these up during your follow-up consultation. Take care, and I wish you a smooth recovery!
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