Sore Throat After Intubation, Endoscopy, or Intranasal Oxygen

What is normal, what helps, and when to see your GP

Why a sore throat can happen

Medical procedures that involve the airway or nose can irritate delicate lining tissues. Breathing tubes (intubation), endoscopy instruments, and intranasal oxygen prongs all pass through or rest against areas that are sensitive and richly supplied with nerves and blood vessels. Even when procedures are performed carefully, short-term irritation can occur as part of normal recovery.

Common symptoms you may notice

Many people experience throat scratchiness, hoarseness, dryness, or mild pain when swallowing. Some notice a feeling of swelling or a “lump” sensation without true blockage. After nasal oxygen, soreness may sit higher in the nose or at the back of the throat. These symptoms often peak within the first day and gradually ease over several days.

How long recovery usually takes

Most procedure-related sore throats improve within 24–72 hours. Voice changes and mild discomfort can last up to a week, especially after longer procedures, repeated airway manipulation, or dry oxygen flow. Improvement should feel steady, even if symptoms fluctuate during the day.

What helps soothe irritation

Hydration supports healing by keeping tissues moist. Warm fluids, lozenges, and avoiding smoke or alcohol reduce further irritation. Resting your voice, particularly if hoarseness is present, helps recovery. If nasal dryness is prominent, gentle saline sprays may improve comfort. Pain relief should be simple and short-term unless otherwise advised.

When symptoms are less likely to be normal

A sore throat deserves GP review if pain worsens rather than improves, lasts longer than expected, or significantly limits eating, drinking, or speaking. Fever, increasing swelling, difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing up blood, or persistent voice loss are not typical recovery features and should be assessed promptly.

Specific situations needing earlier review

People with asthma, reflux disease, sleep apnoea, immune suppression, or recent head and neck surgery may experience more pronounced symptoms. Persistent throat pain after endoscopy may also reflect reflux irritation or infection rather than procedure trauma alone. A GP helps clarify the cause and guide appropriate care.

How your GP can help

Your GP reviews the procedure details, timing, and your broader health history. They assess for infection, vocal cord irritation, reflux-related inflammation, or rarer complications. Management may include reassurance, targeted treatment, or referral if needed. Early review often shortens recovery and reduces unnecessary worry.

This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.