STEAM PRESENTED BY,

MS STHITAPRAGYNA DAS
INHALATION MSC (N) 1ST YEAR ( CHN)
INHALATION
Inhalation is act of drawing in air, vapour or gas into the lungs. Drugs are inhaled
either for a local effect. (Ex- Steam inhalations to relieve congestion in the
respiratory tract) or a general effect .Ex – Inhalation of oxygen and anaesthetics.
Inhalation are given either dry to moist.
TYPES OF INHALATION
They are two types of inhalations.
1. Dry Inhalation
2. Moist Inhalation ( Steam Inhalation )
MOIST / STEAM INHALATION
INTRODUCTION
 What is steam inhalation? Steam inhalation is one of the most
widely used home remedies to soothe and open the nasal passages
and get relief from the symptoms of a cold or sinus infection.

DEFINITION
 Breathing warm and moist air produced by a vaporizer is called
steam / moist inhalation.
 A treatment to provide warm, moist air for the patient to breath.
 It involves the inhalation of water vapour.
 PURPOSES
 To relieve the inflammation and congestion of the mucus membranes of the respiratory
tract and Para nasal sinuses, thus to produce symptomatic relief in acute cold and sinusitis.
 To soften thick, tenacious mucus and help its expulsion from the respiratory tract, thus to
relieve cough in bronchitis, post-operative cases etc.
 To provide heat and moisture and to prevent the dryness of passages following operations
such as tracheostomy.
 To aid in the absorption of oxygen.
 To relieve spastic conditions of the larynx and bronchi.
 To provide antiseptic action on the respiratory tract e.g. by using menthol, Tr. Benzoin, etc.

INDICATION
1. Acute or chronic inflammation and congestion of mucous membranes if nose and throat.
2. Coughing ( relaxes muscles)
3. Dry or thick secretion
4. Irritation ( tickling or pain in throat ) by moistening mucous
membranes.
CONTRAINDICATION
1.Drug allergy
2.Extremely young children or the very aged may not be able to
respond to heat.
METHODS USED FOR GIVING STEAM INHALATION
 By jug/ pot/ basin method
 By steam tent
 By electric steam inhaler
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
 The temperature of the water should be between 120 to 160°F (or) 54.5 to 76.7°C.
 Water inhalation should remain just below the spout to avoid scalding.
 The spout of inhaler must be placed in such a way below that the patient cant touch it or put his
face too near.
 Keep the patient warm and prevent drought before, during and after inhalation.
 When volatile drugs are used, keep clients eyes closed to prevent drug irritation to the
conjunctiva.
 Observe the patient closely throughout the procedure.
PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT:
Check:
 The doctor's order for any specific instructions.
 General condition and diagnosis of patient Self-care ability, to follow instructions.
 Type duration, and medication of inhalation
 Articles available in unit.
 Tr. Benzoin to be added to hot water
PREPARATION OF PATIENT AND ENVIRONMENT
 Explain the procedure to the client.
 Allow the patient to empty the bladder and bowel, if necessary. Give bed pan or
urinal to bedridden patients.
 Provide fowler's position with back rest, cardiac table and extra pillows.
 Close windows, door and put off the fans to prevent draught.
 Provide sputum mug within the reach of the patient.
 Provide a face during inhalation face towel to remove sweat from face during
inhalation.
 Mouth piece should be boiled and cooled before use.
 Arrange the articles at the bed side
 Keep client's eyes closed in case volatile drugs are used because volatile drugs
may irritate the conjunctiva.
EQUIPMENTS
A tray containing:
•Nelson’s inhaler
•Large bowl
•Face towel to wipe the face
•Towel to wrap the Nelson’s inhaler to retain the heat.
•Gauze pieces to cover the mouth piece.
•Cotton swabs to plug the spout of the inhaler.
•Kidney tray and paper bag.
•Bed sheet to cover the client to increase the
concentration of the face around the patient's face.
Sprit in a bottle swab stick to clean the inhaler after use.
A kettle with boiling water to prepare the solution.
A towel to cover the inhaler & a bowel to keep the inhaler to prevent
the burns.
A pint measure to prepare the solution.
A cardiac tablet to give a comfortable position.
STEPS OF PROCEDURS
STEPS :
1. Measure the capacity of the inhaler with cold water. Measure the capacity when it is filled half to two thirds full.
2. Warm the inhaler by pouring a little hot water into the jug and emptying it.
3. Pour the required amount of inhaler and fill the jug 2/3 with hot water. The water should remain just below the
spout.
4. Place the mouth piece and close the jug tightly. See that the mouth piece is in the opposite direction to the spout.
5. Cover the mouth piece with a gauze piece and plug the spout with a cotton ball.
6. Cover the jug with a flannel piece or a towel
Place the inhaler in the basin and take it to the bedside without losing time.
8. Place the apparatus conveniently in front of the patient with the spout opposite to the patient.
Remove the cotton plug and discard it into the paper bag.
9. Instruct the patient to place the lips on the mouth piece and breath in the vapour. After
removing the lips from the mouth piece, breath out the air. Alternately, he should breath in the
steam through the nostrils.
10. Cover the patient's head and jug with a bath blanket or a bath towel. Continue procedure for
15-20 minutes.
RATIONALE :
1. To determine the amount of inhalent.
2. To maintain the temperature of the water, constant or the longer period.
3. If the inhaler is filled to the brim, there is possibility of drawing water into the mouth and cause scalds.
4. If the spout is filled with water, it will not act as an air inlet. The patient will not get warm air. This arrangement
keeps the spout away from the patient when inhalation is taken in.
5. Covering the mouth piece with a gauze piece will prevent burns of the lips. Cotton ball in the spout will prevent
escape of steam.
6. To insulate the jug and to prevent the heat loss.
8. Placingthe jug in the basin reduces the chances for burns.
9. Keeping the spout opposite to the patient reduces the chances of burns.
Removing the cotton plug helps to keep up the patency of the spout for the air.
10.Directing the steam through the nostrils relieves the congestion of the mucous
membranes of the nostrils.
11.To help to collect the steam around the face of the patient. Thereby the
concentration of the steam will be increased.
12. For evidence and it enables communication.
 AFTER CARE
Remove the inhaler from the patient.
Use face towel to wipe off perspiration from patient’s face.
Wash hands.
Remove the accessories and make the patient comfort.
Record the procedure in nurse’s record sheet.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
 Never leave the patient along with inhaler.
 Avoid chilling the patient.
 Check the inhaler & the mouth piece for cracks & leakage before use.
Give treatment regularly as ordered. Ex – bd, od
NURSE’S RESPONSIBILITY
 Check the patient’s name , bed number, and other identifications.
 Check the diagnosis and the general condition of the patient.
 Assess the patient’s ability for self care, his ability to move and to
maintain the desired position.
 Assess the level of consciousness and the ability to follow instructions
 Check the articles available in the patient’s unit.
SUMMARY
It is simply breathing in steam from heated water.
Many people do this to soothe and open their nasal
passages when they have a cold or sinus infection. The
warm, moist air is thought to loosen mucus and relieve
symptoms.
CONCLUSION
The main benefit of breathing in moist, warm
steam is that may help ease feelings of irritation
and swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages.
The moisture may also help thin the mucus in
your sinuses, which allows them to empty more
easily.