Using Eucalyptus oil steam therapy to improve airway clearance in community-dwelling patients with asthma

Abstract

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract that can impair airway clearance and negatively impact the quality of life of those affected. Eucalyptus oil steam therapy has emerged as a potential non-pharmacological intervention to address this issue. This case study aimed to investigate the application of eucalyptus oil steam therapy in managing ineffective airway clearance in a patient with bronchial asthma. Using a descriptive case study design with a nursing care approach, the study included assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care. The subject was an adult patient with bronchial asthma experiencing ineffective airway clearance. The intervention involved administering eucalyptus oil steam therapy for 10-15 minutes, following standard operating procedures. The evaluation results showed significant improvements in airway clearance, including reduced shortness of breath, thinner and more easily expelled phlegm, and decreased frequency of coughing. These findings suggest that eucalyptus oil steam therapy can be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for managing ineffective airway clearance in patients with bronchial asthma. As a result, eucalyptus oil steam therapy can be applied at the family level to improve the quality of life of individuals with bronchial asthma. This intervention offers a promising approach to complement existing treatments and enhance patient outcomes.

Keywords: Asthma, community nursing, eucalyptus oil steam therapy, ineffective airway clearance, nursing care