STEAM INHALATION
PRESENTED BY;
MRS. SUGI KUMARI B.SC ( N )
DEFINITION
Steam inhalation is a method to provide warm, moist air into the nose,
throat and thereby lungs for therapeutic and healing benefits
(or)
Steam inhalation is the act of drawing in warm, moist water vapour
from heated water source into the lungs for local effect on the air
passage or for a systemic effect
PURPOSE
To soften thick tenacious mucous
To relieve inflammation Swelling, congestion, pain in the nose, throat,
respiratory track and paranasal sinuses.
To relieve spasmodic breathing.
To helps in expectoration
To aid in absorption of oxygen in lungs.
common drugs used
Tr. Benzoin 5ml per 500ml of boiling water
Eucalyptus 2ml Per500ml of boiling water.
menthol few crystals Per 500ml of boiling water.
Menthyl salycylate few drops per 500ml of boiling water
methods of steam inhalation
Jug method
Steam tent method
Electric steam inhaler
JUG METHOD:
Nelson inhaler is filled with boiling water and the patient breathes
the vapour.
STEAM TENT
. When high concentration of steam is required a steam tend
may be used.
.
Method:
place Screens on either side of patient’s bed and stretch blankets (or)
sheet across them and fire with safety pins forming with canopy. steam
can be directed into the tent from the spout of Kettle.
Electric vapourizer
.
It is a device which has a small jar which a heating element extended
into the jar. The jar is filled with water on top of the jar is a removable
perforated cup, to which a Small spout is attached cotton saturated
with medication is Placed inside the cup and it is filled over the Cup. As
the water boils, the medicated steam is directed to the patient.
Indication
Acute / chronic inflammation and congestion of throat, nose due to
common cold (or) bronchitis
Cough
Dry (or) thick secretions
Acute/chronic Sinusitis
Contra indications
Extreme young/ very old patients.
Congestive heart failure
Articles Required
1. A tray containing
a) Towel
b) Nelson inhaler
c) Inhaler mouth piece
d) gauze piece
e) cotton ball
f) ounce glass
g) sputum cup
h) face towel
i) Kidney tray
. ( Continued)
2. cardiac table
3. Pillow
4. Boiling water in a kettle
5. medication if ordered
PREPARATION OF PATIENT AND
ENVIRONMENT
Explain the procedure to the patient and tell him how he can take the
inhalation.
Ensure that the Patient has emptied his bowel and bladder
Rationale: To Promote relaxation as the patient has to remain in bed
for at least I hour.
Place the patient in fowler's position with a cardiac table in the front
( Continued)
Close windows, door and Put-off the fan to prevent draught.
Provide sputum cup with in the reach of Patient.
Provide face towel to wipe of perspiration.
PROCEDURE
Wash hands
measure the capacity of the inhaler with cold water
warm the inhaler by a little hot water into Pouring the jug and empty it
after I minutes.
Pour the required amount of hot water into nelson inhaler until it is
2/3rd full. The water level should remain just below the Spout.
Rationale :- To avoid drawing water into mouth.
( Continued)
Add the prescribed medication
place the mouth piece and close the inhaler tightly see that the mouth
piece is in the Opposite direction of the Spout.
Cover the mouth Piece with a gauze and plug the spout with cotton
ball.
( Continued)
Cover the inhaler towel.
Rationale: To provide insulation to the inhaler.
Place the inhaler in the basin and take it to the bedside without losing
time.
Place the apparatus conveniently infront of the patient with the spout
opposite to the patient remove the cotton plug and discard it.
( Continued)
Instruct the patient to inhale by mouth and exhale through nose for
through about 15 to 20 minutes.
Observe the patient throughout the procedure.
After the stated time, remove the inhaler from the patient, place is a
side.
POST- PROCEDURE CARE
keep the patient in comfortable position
Keep the sputum cup and face towel near the Patient
Give chest physiotherapy encourage to bring out and sputum by
coughing.
Instruct the patient to remain in the bed for at least 1 hour
. Rationale: Reduces the enhance of dizziness and effects of sudden
temperature variation.
( Continued)
Empty the inhaler in Clean utility room, clean the articles and replace it.
wash the mouth piece and send for autoclave.
wash hands.
Record the procedure in nurses record with date and time, indication
and the Patient's response to treatment
COMPLICATIONS
Scald burns
Allergic reaction ( medication used)
Dehydration
