Effect of Licorice Mouthwash on Xerostomia among Hemodialysis Patients

Most patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis had complaints as
thirst, xerostomia and saliva reduction. These complications can be due to; high sodium intake,
potassium depletion, increased blood urea, increased blood sugar, high angiotensin II (Ang II) levels,
as well as psychological factors. Licorice is used for treating upper respiratory problems as coughs,
hoarseness, sore throat, mouth ulcer and dry mouth. Objective: Determine the effect of licorice
mouthwash on xerostomia for patients undergoing hemodialysis. Setting: The study was conducted in
Hemodialysis Department, Ras- Elteen General Hospital. Subjects: A convenience sample of 44
patients-fulfilling the inclusion criteria were involved. Tools: Two tools were used to collect the
necessary data; tool I: Hemodialysis Patients’ Assessment, and tool II: Xerostomia Inventory
Assessment Tool. Results: 90.9% of study group had improvement in their salivary secretion. This
indicated that patient who used licorice mouth wash had lower xerostomia than those who did not.
Conclusion: Licorice mouth wash was effective in reducing xerostomia for patients undergoing
hemodialysis. Recommendations: Licorice mouth wash could be used as an intervention to reduce
xerostomia for patients undergoing hemodialysis.