A Randomised Controlled Trial of Chewing Gum to Relieve Thirst in Chronic Heart Failure (RELIEVE-CHF).

Background Thirst is a common and troublesome symptom of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). To date, there are no interventions to help alleviate thirst in this cohort. Chewing gum is a novel intervention, which has been tested in people undergoing haemodialysis, also prescribed with a fluid restricted therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of chewing gum on the level of thirst in the short-term (average of 24 hours each day for 4 days) and in the longer-term (Days 7, 14 and 28) individuals with CHF. Methods Seventy-one (71) individuals with CHF on oral loop diuretics were randomised to chewing gum (n=36) or control (n=35) for 2 weeks. Both groups were assessed for their level of thirst at Days 1–4, 7, 14 and 28. Results Significant improvements in the level of thirst of those who received chewing gum compared to the control group at Day 4 (p=0.04) and Day 14 (p=0.02) were observed. Conclusion Chewing gum provided relief from thirst in the short-term and in the longer term. This trial provides important information to inform future clinical trials on ways to relieve thirst.