Steam Inhalation Research Articles

Steam inhalation: More harm than good? Perspective from a UK burns centre

IntroductionSteam inhalation is common practice in UK households for coryzal symptoms in adults and children. Steam inhalation has the potential to and has caused significant scald injuries, predominantly due to unintentional contact with the hot water used. MethodsThe authors used electronic health records to retrospectively identify all patients admitted with scald injuries secondary to steam inhalation over a 2-year period from January 2018-December 2019 at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, a regional burns centre. Data collected included patient demographics, mechanism of burn, as well as burn size, depth, treatment and any associated complications. An International Burns Injury Database enquiry assessed the national prevalence steam inhalation scalds over the same time period. Results19 adult and paediatric patients were identified in our centre over a 2-year period, with an age range of 2 weeks to 91 years old. The majority (16/19, 84%) of patients received burns to their lower body, with three patients receiving burns to their chest and/or upper limbs. Six patients underwent surgery, 98 clinic appointments were utilised and the total length of hospital stay was 83 days. The estimated total cost of treating these 19 patients was over £31,872. Nationally, 201 cases were identified between Jan 2018–Dec 2019. ConclusionsScald injuries secondary to steam inhalation have a significant impact both in terms of hospital stay and cost. Since this study captured only patients admitted to hospital, the true negative impact of steam inhalation is likely to be much higher than calculated. Better public awareness on the risks of steam inhalation and primary prevention policies could reduce the frequency of such injuries.

Turning up the heat on COVID-19: heat as a therapeutic intervention.

Enveloped viruses such as SAR-CoV-2 are sensitive to heat and are destroyed by temperatures tolerable to humans. All mammals use fever to deal with infections and heat has been used throughout human history in the form of hot springs, saunas, hammams, steam-rooms, sweat-lodges, steam inhalations, hot mud and poultices to prevent and treat respiratory infections and enhance health and wellbeing. This paper reviews the evidence for using heat to treat and prevent viral infections and discusses potential cellular, physiological and psychological mechanisms of action. In the initial phase of infection, heat applied to the upper airways can support the immune system's first line of defence by supporting muco-ciliary clearance and inhibiting or deactivating virions where they first lodge. This may be further enhanced by the inhalation of steam containing essential oils with anti-viral, mucolytic and anxiolytic properties. Heat applied to the whole body can further support the immune system's second line of defence by mimicking fever and activating innate and acquired immune defences and building physiological resilience. Heat-based treatments also offer psychological benefits and enhanced mental wellness by focusing attention on positive action, enhancing relaxation and sleep, inducing 'forced-mindfulness', and invoking the power of positive thinking and 'remembered wellness'. Heat is a cheap, convenient and widely accessible therapeutic modality and while no clinical protocols exist for using heat to treat COVID-19, protocols that draw from traditional practices and consider contraindications, adverse effects and infection control measures could be developed and implemented rapidly and inexpensively on a wide scale. While there are significant challenges in implementing heat-based therapies during the current pandemic, these therapies present an opportunity to integrate natural medicine, conventional medicine and traditional wellness practices, and support the wellbeing of both patients and medical staff, while building community resilience and reducing the likelihood and impact of future pandemics.

A Quasi Experimental Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Selected Nursing Interventions (Steam Inhalation, Deep Breathing Exercises and Ambulation) in Terms of Physiological Parameters and Selected Post-operative Outcomes among Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery in Selected Hospital of Delhi, India

Introduction & Background of the Study: Surgery is one of the unique experiences for the individual. There is an increased demand of oxygen to the cells of the body during this period. Patients may have some impairment of respiratory functions after surgery. If it is not treated earlier it may lead to development of respiratory complications such as hypostatic pneumonia, atelectasis, and respiratory failure. In post operative period patient has a greater risk of alteration in the physiological parameters. Postoperatively 30% patients experience alteration in physiological parameters. Documentation of vital signs aids management decisions, indicating the physiological derangement of a patient and dictating treatment. Physiological parameters monitoring in the perioperative period for moderate- and high-risk surgical patients can improve postoperative outcome. Steam inhalation Deep breathing, coughing exercises and ambulation helps in oxygenation of the tissues However improvement in physiological parameters and post-operative outcomes delivered the overall quality of care. Aim: The study is to assess the effectiveness of selected nursing interventions (steam inhalation, deep breathing exercises and ambulation) regarding post-operative outcomes in terms of physiological parameters (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, pain) and selected post-operative outcomes (presence of cough, presence of bowel sounds, passage of flatus, passage of stool, amount of nasogastric tube aspiration, amount of abdominal drainage, activities of daily living, oral feeding, day of foleys catheter removal and days of hospital stay) among abdominal surgery patients. Material & Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group research design was adopted on 60 patients by using purposive sampling technique. 30 patients for control group and 30 patients for experimental group. A self-prepared observation checklist was used before and after implementation of nursing interventions to assess the physiological parameters and selected post-operative outcomes. Conclusion: It was concluded that physiological parameters were more stable and better results were observed in terms of post-operative outcomes in the experimental group than the control group.

GAMBARAN TATA CARA PENGELUARAN SPUTUM DAN KUALITAS SPUTUM PASIEN CURIGA TUBERCULOSIS DI PUSKESMAS GAJAH II KABUPATEN DEMAK

Although the Indonesian government has conducted various efforts to prevent and deal with Tuberculosis disease, new TB cases consistently appear from time to time in this country. Accurate steps and techniques are needed to diagnose tuberculosis as early as possible, thereby reducing transmissions and curing patients as early as possible. One method to conduct early diagnosis of tuberculosis is the microscopic screening of Mycobacteriu Tuberculosa. The purpose of this journal is to get an overview of sputum removal procedures and sputum quality of TB suspects at Gajah II Public Health Centre, Demak District. The first method is spontaneous expectoration, and the second method is warm steam inhalation before sputum removal. In this study, the sputum samples were taken from 32 TB suspect patients who visited Gajah II Public Health Centre for the first time during the period of September 2019. The examination results of sputum quality were recorded into three (3) categories or groups, namely: (1) purulent, (2) mucopurulent, and (3) saliva. The study indicated as follows: using the first method, 2 (two) patients (6.25%) produced purulent quality of sputum, 8 (eight) patients (25%) with mucopurulent quality, and 13 (thirteen) patients (40.62%) with salivary quality, while 9 (nine) patients (28.13%) failed to produce sputum. Using the second method, by which patients were asked to inhale warm steam before removing sputum, the study revealed the following: 3 (three) patients (9.37%) with purulent sputum quality, 13 (thirteen) patients (40.62%) with mucopurulent quality, and 11 (eleven) patients (34.37%) with salivary quality, while 5 (five) patients (15.62%) failed to produce sputum. From the above, using the spontaneus expectoration or first method, most patients produced poor quality of sputum while using the second method, by which patients were asked to inhale warm water vapor before removing sputum, the patients produced improved quality of sputum for smear examination. Keywords: Tuberculosis, sputum quality, Mycobacterium Tuberculosis screening.

Rose and In-vitro Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 spike: ACE-2 Interaction

The study was performed to evaluate the novel potentials of red rose extract to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-Ace2 receptor interaction in vitro. ACE2 receptors were His-labelled, and the interaction was studied by chemiluminescence after the addition of anti-His HRP and HRP substrate. The inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 was seen in a dose-dependent sequence. The 50% inhibitory concentration was observed at 0.75 percent v/v of the rose extract, and the 90% inhibition was seen at about 1.8 percent v/v. Steam inhalation or nebulization could be simple methods of delivering rose extract to the lower respiratory tract and pulmonary tissues. There is a potential for the rose extract to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 receptor inhibition in-vitro, which could have beneficial effects in Covid-19 treatment. Further tests need to be performed to study the therapeutic benefits in vivo.

COVID-19 Disease Pandemic in the 21st Century: As Africa Braces up for the Disease What Needs to be known

It was on 7th of January 2020 that China announced an outbreak of a form of strange pneumonia among her people in Wuhan Hubei province and little did the global community anticipate that the announcement would turn out to be a global nightmare within 60 days; COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-COV-2 a beta-Coronavirus. This study was therefore set up to review the present impact of COVID-19 pandemic in presentations and drug management along with clinical presentations and suggest best approach for Africa. Study was carried out based on available information, data, records and published scientific works from electronic and print media, social media and communications, newsletters and broadcasts. Data and information was obtained from 1st January 2020 to 31st March 2020 and relevant information such as evolution of Coronaviruses, clinical presentation of SARS-COV-2 infections, laboratory diagnosis, drugs on therapeutic trial for COVID-19 and control models from different endemic countries were compiled. Data obtained was analysed using simple quantitative and qualitative methods. Coronaviruses were first discovered to be human pathogens in 1965 and the first strain to cause disease was CoV-NL-63 that caused only mild respiratory symptoms and SARS-COV-2 SARS-COV-2 is a long term evolutionary mutant of a mild CoV-NL-63 and has no relationship with 5G radiations in the present COVID-19 pandemic. Fever, difficulty in breathing, tiredness and dizziness accounted for 97.3% (n=2,713), 88.6% (n=2,470), 66.2% (n=1,846), 62.7% (n=1,748), and 32.5% (n=906) respectively of the clinical presentation, and gastrointestinal features ranged from 11% to 22%. Rate of specimen positivity from infected individuals showed that bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, sputum, nasal swabs and fibrobronchoscope brush biopsy specimens would give 93%, 72%, 63% and 46% positivity respectively. Drugs on therapeutic trials for SARS-CoV-2 infections across the globe include: chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin, remdesevir, actemra, kevzara, convalescent plasma, avigan, TAK-888, and antibody treatment among others all with mixed degrees of success in different parts of the world. We therefore recommend an Afrocentric control model with the following components: wearing of face mask, proper hand washing with soap and water, sanitizers, avoid reflex hand touch on the face, eyes or picking nose, avoid unhealthy cultural practices like handshakes, observe social distancing, regular habit of removing cloaks or outer wears outside the house, regular steam inhalation and drinking of hot fluids. Hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin should be readily available for mass treatment.

Rose and in-vitro Inhibition of Sars-CoV-2 spike: ACE-2 interaction

The study was performed to evaluate the novel potentials of red rose extract to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-Ace2 receptor interaction in vitro. ACE2 receptors were His-labelled, and the interaction was studied by chemiluminescence after the addition of anti-His HRP and HRP substrate. The inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 was seen in a dose-dependent sequence. The 50% inhibitory concentration was observed at 0.75 percent v/v of the rose extract, and the 90% inhibition was seen at about 1.8 percent v/v. Steam inhalation or nebulization could be simple methods of delivering rose extract to the lower respiratory tract and pulmonary tissues. There is a potential for the rose extract to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 receptor inhibition in-vitro, which could have beneficial effects in Covid-19 treatment. Further tests need to be performed to study the therapeutic benefits in vivo.

The Effect of Aromatherapy on Sleep and Quality of Life in Menopausal Women with Sleeping Problems: A Non-Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Introduction: Menopause is the termination of menstruation and fertility. Women commonly experience sleeping problems during the menopausal period. Aromatherapy is among the complementary therapies used to remedy sleeping problems. Methods:This study aims to investigate the effects of lavender oil on sleep and quality of life of menopausal women through steam inhalation. This study was quasi-experimental with pre-test/post-test placebo control groups. It was conducted with 57 women, 27 of whom were subject to aromatherapy and 30 to a placebo. Data were collected using the Questionnaire Form, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL). Results: For the intervention group, the PSQI median scores after the administration of aromatherapy were found to be significantly lower than those before the administration (p < 0.001) and those of the placebo group (p < 0.001). Similarly, for the intervention group, the total median MENQOL scores after the administration of the aromatherapy were found to be significantly lower than the scores prior to the administration (p < 0.001) as well as the scores of the placebo group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: It was found that aromatherapy involving lavender-scented steam inhalation increased sleep quality and quality of life in women with sleep deprivation problems during menopause.

Turning up the heat on COVID-19: heat as a therapeutic intervention

Enveloped viruses such as SAR-CoV-2 are sensitive to heat and are destroyed by temperatures tolerable to humans. All mammals use fever to deal with infections and heat has been used throughout human history in the form of hot springs, saunas, hammams, steam-rooms, sweat-lodges, steam inhalations, hot mud and poultices to prevent and treat respiratory infections and enhance health and wellbeing. This paper reviews the evidence for using heat to treat and prevent viral infections and discusses potential cellular, physiological and psychological mechanisms of action. In the initial phase of infection, heat applied to the upper airways can support the immune system’s first line of defence by supporting muco-ciliary clearance and inhibiting or deactivating virions where they first lodge. This may be further enhanced by the inhalation of steam containing essential oils with anti-viral, mucolytic and anxiolytic properties. Heat applied to the whole body can further support the immune system’s second line of defence by mimicking fever and activating innate and acquired immune defences and building physiological resilience. Heat-based treatments also offer psychological benefits and enhanced mental wellness by focusing attention on positive action, enhancing relaxation and sleep, inducing 'forced-mindfulness', and invoking the power of positive thinking and ‘remembered wellness’. Heat is a cheap, convenient and widely accessible therapeutic modality and while no clinical protocols exist for using heat to treat COVID-19, protocols that draw from traditional practices and consider contraindications, adverse effects and infection control measures could be developed and implemented rapidly and inexpensively on a wide scale. While there are significant challenges in implementing heat-based therapies during the current pandemic, these therapies present an opportunity to integrate natural medicine, conventional medicine and traditional wellness practices, and support the wellbeing of both patients and medical staff, while building community resilience and reducing the likelihood and impact of future pandemics.

Turning up the heat on COVID-19: heat as a therapeutic intervention

Enveloped viruses such as SAR-CoV-2 are sensitive to temperature and are destroyed by temperatures tolerable to humans. All mammals use fever to deal with infections and heat has been used throughout human history in the form of hot springs, saunas, hammams, steam-rooms, sweat-lodges, steam inhalations, hot mud and poultices to prevent and treat respiratory infections and enhance health and wellbeing. This paper reviews the evidence for using heat to treat and prevent viral infections and discusses potential cellular, physiological and psychological mechanisms of action. In the initial phase of infection, heat applied to the upper airways can support the immune system’s first line of defence by supporting muco-ciliary clearance and inhibiting or deactivating virions in the place where they first lodge. This may be further enhanced by the inhalation of steam containing essential oils with anti-viral, mucolytic and anxiolytic properties. Heat applied to the whole body can further support the immune system’s second line of defence by mimicking fever and activating innate and acquired immune defences and building physiological resilience. Heat-based treatments also offer psychological benefits by directing focus on positive action, enhancing relaxation and sleep, inducing 'forced-mindfulness', and invoking the power of positive thinking and remembered wellness. Heat is a cheap, convenient and widely accessible therapeutic modality and while no clinical protocols exist for using heat to treat COVID-19, protocols that draw from traditional practices and consider contraindications, adverse effects and infection control measures could be developed and implemented rapidly and inexpensively on a wide scale. While there are significant challenges in implementing heat-based therapies during the current pandemic, these therapies present an opportunity to integrate natural medicine, conventional medicine and traditional wellness practices, and support the wellbeing of both patients and medical staff, while building community resilience and reducing the likelihood and impact of future pandemics.

Public Health Approach of Ayurveda and Yoga for COVID-19 Prophylaxis.

Public Health Approach of Ayurveda and Yoga for COVID-19 Prophylaxis.

EVALUATION OF THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF T-AYU-HM PREMIUM AND ONION STEAM INHALATION IN MILD TO MODERATE COVID-19 PATIENTS

Background: Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has impacted many nations' health care and their economic growth within no time. This Pandemic situation demands a safe and cost-effective treatment as early as possible to prevent any further suffering. Objective: To clinically evaluate the safety and efficacy of T-AYU-HM Premium Tablets (600mg) and Onion steam inhalation in mild to moderate Covid-19 patients. Methodology: The trial is an Open-label, Single-arm study conducted in mild to moderate level coronavirus patients. 30 participants infected by the coronavirus enrolled for the study, on providing informed consent. AYUSH standard mark anti-sickling tablet T-AYU-HM Premium 600mg twice a day and onion steam inhalation once every morning once for 21 days was prescribed to the patients along with strict home quarantine instructions. Both clinical and pathological changes recorded on the baseline, 5th, and 21st day of the trial. Any adverse events reported by the patients and those observed by the principal investigator recorded. Result: All the patients recovered clinically, and no untoward effects observed during this trial period. A significant reduction (p is less than0.05) observed in the pathological parameters like C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The oxygen saturation (SpO2) level sustained within normal limits during the treatment period suggesting that further complications and hospitalization evaded. Conclusion: The impact of the treatment regimen T-AYU-HM Premium and onion steam inhalation on clinical and pathological parameters suggest that it is safe and indicate its potential candidacy in the treatment of covid-19.

A Review of Heat Therapy in African Traditional Medicine

Heat therapy – also known as thermotherapy or thermal therapy – is the transfer of heat or thermal energy in and out of the human body especially at the joints, using towels, ice packs, wax, hot/warm water, steam, etc within a given temperature range. The objective is the expansion of blood capillaries and increased blood flow to the affected area for healing. The principle is the application of the heat or cold to change the cutaneous, intraarticular or core temperature of soft tissues to improve symptoms of certain conditions. Categories of heat therapy include: diathermia (<41°C), hyperthermia (41°C - 45°C), and thermal ablation (>45°C). Heat therapy is classified on the bases of contact of heat, mode of transfer, type of heat, penetration of heat, and use of heat. Examples include: steam inhalation, hot fomentations, hot foot bath, Seitz bath (hip bath and half-bath), hot and cold contrast bath, and sun therapy. Heat therapy has several benefits in African traditional medicine and has also been used extensively for treating various diseases including: sickle cell disease, primary dysmenorrhea, skeletomuscular pain, trauma, inflammatory and degenerative rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis, acute and non-specific chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia, cutaneous leishmaniasis, tumours, musculoskeletal injuries, diabetic kidney disease, etc.

AYUSH-Ayurveda guidelines: A conceptual review on the rationale in prophylaxisduring COVID -19 pandemic.

Background: COVI9 -19 is a global pandemic tightening its grip across the globe. Different systems of medicine are doing rigorous works in finding out ways to combat the SARS-CoV-2. Researches and previous pandemics have demonstrated the potential of Traditional systems like Ayurveda in managing viral infections. Aim: To explore the scientific rationale behind the AYUSH-Ayurveda guidelines and its possibility in prophylaxis or Management or post-infection rehabilitation against COVID 19. Materials and Methods: Ayurveda classics were searched for relatable pathogenesis, treatment, preventive and dietary advice. An electronic search was done in PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and PMC using specific keywords related to AYUSH guidelines, and the data were evaluated. Result: The data from Ayurveda classics and studies from electronic databases evidenced the possible potential of the AYUSH –Ayurveda guideline in the management strategy of COVID-19. The results suggest that the guidelines take cares of multiple domains like – providing the first line of defence at the portal of entry (nasal oil installation, oil pulling, and steam inhalation); Measures to prevent mental stressors through Yoga, Pranayama, and meditation practice; Measures to maintain GUT-LUNG Axis homeostasis (Drinking Hot water & Spice usage in food and beverages) and immune modulation through Rasayana (rejuvenators) like Chyavanprasha. All the guidelines focus on improving the immune response of the host which is necessary during pandemic times. Conclusion: The current review establishes the four domains of probable action of AYUSH Ayurveda guidelines. The cost-effective, simple and time tested practices may be a possible way of integration along with the present social distancing norms and existing Government strategies in the fight against COVID -19. The potential of Ayurveda can also play a pivotal role in flattening the curve by modulation of the host immune system.

Knowledge assessment among caregivers about various allergic disorders in a hospital-based pediatric outpatient department in North India

CONTEXT: Various types of allergic disorders are increasing worldwide. The diagnostic and treatment facilities are limited compared to their vast magnitude. Lack of awareness among caregivers and beneficiaries could be one of the critical factors for inadequate management especially in developing countries. AIM: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge among caregivers about various allergic disorders in a pediatric setup. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Caregivers of children, presenting for their illness at pediatric outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital of North India, were recruited over 6 months' period using a 22-item prevalidated questionnaire. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Sigma Plot Software version 12. RESULTS: Among the 1000 participants, majority (94%) had some knowledge about allergy. Doctors were major source (55%) of information. More than half (53%) believed it to be contagious. House dust (70%) and food additives (24%) were considered major allergens. Seasonal variations (54%) and environmental pollution (48%) were considered the most common aggravating factors while steam inhalation (14%), yoga (11%), and air purifiers (10%) helped in symptom reduction. Skin and respiratory symptoms were a common knowledge amongst many study participants. Only 8% were aware about skin tests for allergy diagnosis. Alternative medicine was the treatment of choice among two-third of people. Oral route was preferred over inhaled medicines. CONCLUSION: The current study highlights limited knowledge and existence of misconceptions regarding allergic disorders in general population necessitating the need to improvise awareness campaigns.

Effectiveness of Tulsi Leaves and Turmeric in Steam Inhalation to Relieve Symptoms of Common Cold

Common cold is one of the frequently occurring illness and affects people of all ages. There are many home remedies being used to treat common cold. One such home remedy is the use of Tulsi leaves and turmeric in steam inhalation. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of steam inhalation with Tulsi leaves and turmeric versus steam inhalation with plain water. A quantitative approach with quasi-experimental non- equivalent groups design was used. Sample comprised of 60 patients who were having common cold for not more than 2 days selected through purposive sampling. Study subjects in the experimental group were given steam inhalation with Tulsi leaves and turmeric while in the control group with plain water twice a day for three days. Common cold was assessed before and after the intervention through a checklist and the scores were recorded. Study was conducted in a community setting in Delhi. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. In the present study, there was difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of common cold in control as well as experimental groups. When the post-intervention scores of control and experimental group were compared, the t value was 4.14 at df (58) at 0.05 level of significance, which was found to be significant. This shows that steam inhalation with Tulsi leaves and turmeric is more effective than steam inhalation with plain water in relieving symptoms of common cold. How to cite this article:Saleem AM, Rani S, Daniel S. Effectiveness of Tulsi Leaves and Turmeric in Steam Inhalation to Relieve Symptoms of Common Cold. Int J Nurs Midwif Res 2019; 6(2&3): 45-51.

Effectiveness of Deep Breathing Exercises and Incentive Spirometry on Arterial Blood Gases in Second Degree Inhalation Burn Patients.

To find out the effectiveness of the deep breathing exercises and incentive spirometryon arterial blood gases in second degree inhalation burn patients. Randomised control trial. The study was conducted in the Burns Unit of PIMS Hospital, Islamabad from September 2017 to March 2018. The data was collected on structured questionnaire using respiratory distress scoring and objective tools including arterial blood gases (ABGs) and vital signs with signed consent. There was random allocation of patients in the control and experimental groups. Baseline data was collected on day 00 and after completion of 14 sessions, it was recollected on day 07, and was assessed by using independent t-test and paired t-test. Both groups were given standard medical and nursing care. The experimental group was given single treatment regimen i.e. deep breathing exercises (given twice daily with 5-10 repetitions of each DBE possible onto patient for a period of 15-30 minutes). ISM was being performed on control group patients with 10-15 cycles along with steam inhalation and nebulization with beta 2 agonist for a period of 15-20 minutes for 35-45 minutes twice daily for a period of 07 days. The male to female ratio was 7:8 in control group and 8:7 in the experimental group. The mean age was 29.6 ±6.66 years in the control group, and 38.4 ±4.91 years in the experimental group. The pH in arterial blood gas analysis of the experimental group was 7.33 (p=0.002) > pO2 was was 90.53 (p<0.001) and pCO2 was 41.61 (p=0.626). For control group, the pH in ABGs was 7.36 (p=0.268), pO2 was 88.06 (p=0.739) and pCO2 was 38.86 (p<0.001). Deep breathing exercises are significant in improving pulmonary complications in patients of second degree inhalation burns.

Warm Steam Inhalation before Bedtime Improved Sleep Quality in Adult Men.

In humans, the inhalation of warm steam has been reported to decrease the respiratory rate. However, the effects of warm steam inhalation on sleep have not been studied closely. This study aimed to examine the effects of warm steam inhalation before bedtime on subsequent sleep quality. The participants included 17 adult men with mild sleep difficulties and anxiety. All experiments were conducted in the participants' homes. The participants were instructed to wear a warm steam-generating mask or sham mask over the nose and mouth for 15 minutes immediately before habitual bedtime and were then allowed to sleep until their habitual waking time. The functional mask provided approximately 600 mg of steam for 10 minutes and maintained an interior temperature of 38–40°C for 15 minutes. We evaluated the participants' electrocardiograms and subjective moods while wearing the mask. During sleep, electroencephalograms (EEGs) were recorded using a single-channel portable device. In the morning, each participant was instructed to report their sleep details subjectively using a visual analog scale. At bedtime, the subjects' subjective apprehension of the next day was reduced significantly under steam inhalation, compared with the sham condition. Compared to the sham condition, steam inhalation before bedtime was associated with a higher EEG delta power density during the first third of sleep episodes and better subjective sleep quality in the morning. These results suggest that safe and easy inhalation of warm steam via a steam-generating mask improves psychological relaxation and sleep.

Effect of deep breathing exercises and incentive spirometry on respiratory distress scoring in second degree inhalational burn patients.

Objective: Study was conducted for 6 months in PIMS Hospital Islamabad. Data was collected on self-structured Questionnaire, Respiratory distress scoring, Objective tools of Arterial blood gases and vital signs with signed consent.&#x0D; Methodology: The subjects were randomly allocated in experimental and control groups. Baseline data was collected and re-collected on Day 0 and Day 7 respectively and assessed using non-probability convenient sampling technique. Both groups were given standard medical and nursing care.&#x0D; Results: The experimental group was given single treatment regimen i.e. Deep breathing exercises (with 5-10 repetitions of each DBE being possible onto patient for 15-30 minutes twice daily). The control group was given 10-15 cycles of ISM with prior steam inhalation and nebulization with salbutamol for a period of 15-20 minutes for 35-45 minutes twice daily for a period of 07 days.&#x0D; Conclusion: The experimental group results show that deep breathing exercises are significantly effective in improving post burn complications like pneumonia in patients suffering from second degree inhalation burns.

A rare case report: Ayurvedic management of vocal cord nodules

Vocal nodules are the consequence of functional voice disorders, which are also caused by vocal abuse or misuse. An increased vocal load, for example, due to the patient's profession, demands high-volume speech for the formation of nodules. In the present case report, a 26-year-old female patient acquired this disease followed by common cold cough. Her problems were aggravating by high-volume speech and getting fatigability also. This patient was given Anutaila Nasya with Sitopaladi Churna, Naradiya Laxmi vilasa Rasa, Yashtimadhu Ghanvati (for chewing), and Dashmoola Kwatha(Kavala). The patient was advised for strict voice rest and steam inhalation for better result. After 1 month of treatment, the patient got relief from all her complaints and gained normal voice. On examination, it was found that vocal nodules disappeared in direct laryngoscopy. Hence, this single case report shows that ayurvedic management of vocal cord nodules gives excellent result and improves patients' quality of voice.