Steam Inhalation Research Articles

Investigating the potential to assess severe lung inhalation injuries using computed tomography

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the potential use of computed tomography (CT) in assessing inhalation injuries at various levels by studying the changes in lung imaging of rabbits with severe inhalation injury. MethodsThe sham, serious, critical, and extremely critical lung inhalation injury models were established by the New Zealand white rabbits’ inhalation of steam for 0s, 0.25s, 0.50s, and 1.00s, respectively. Lung CT scans were performed at 1, 4, and 12h after the administration of steam and a radiologist’s scores (RADS) were collected for each CT scan. Lung tissues were later collected to measure the lung wet/dry weight (W/D) ratio and to determine pathological scores. The correlation of the RADS with the lung-tissue pathological scores and W/D changes was investigated. ResultsThe RADS and lung-tissue pathological scores are dependent on the time after injury and the level of injury. W/D ratios are dependent on the level of injury. The W/D ratio showed an increasing trend from 1h to 4h for the 0.25s, 0.50s, and 1s inhalation injury groups, while the W/D ratio decreased from 4h to 12h for the 0.25s and 0.50s inhalation injury groups. Further analysis indicates that, at the same time point, the lung RADS positively correlates with both the lung pathological scores and W/D ratios. ConclusionA lung CT scan is able to reflect the early-stage lung injuries of rabbits with different levels of severe inhalation injury.

Nasal saline irrigation may reduce rhinosinusitis symptoms in adults

University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO Little P, Stuart B, Mullee M, Thomas T, Johnson S, Leydon G, et al; SNIFS Study Team. Effectiveness of steam inhalation and nasal irrigation for chronic or recurrent sinus symptoms in primary care: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. CMAJ. 2016; 188(13):940–949.

Prospective study to assess knowledge regarding wheezing disorders among mothers of children aged between 6 months to 10 years: hospital based study

Background: Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, usually characterized by chronic airway inflammation. It is defined by history of Respiratory symptoms, most common being wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough that vary over time. Medical professionals are trained to manage and prevent asthma exacerbations, however prevailing environmental triggers along with non adherence to medical advice are major challenges in prevention of asthma exacerbations. This occurs because of poor parental knowledge regarding the disease. Parents specially Mother play crucial role in preventing & Management of acute exacerbation of Asthma at home. The objective of this study was to assess maternal knowledge regarding wheezing disorders a among children aged between 6 month - 10 years.Methods: The present study is a prospective study, carried out at department of pediatrics, at Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Amritsar from October 2016 - January 2018 over period of 15 months. Total 275 mothers of children aged between 6 month -10 years when enrolled as sample. The Aim of the study was to assess knowledge of mothers of wheezing children between 6 month-10 years and to educate and counsel mothers about home management of wheezing episode.Results: Early recognition of asthma exacerbations at home in order to intensify treatment early can often prevent worsening of asthma. Lack of skill and cooperation is most common cause for aerosol delivery problems in children. The present study shows that although 80% of the mothers were aware of aerosol therapy but only 37.8% were using it at time of sudden wheezing attack at home. About 14.9% mothers considered using steam inhalation and 37% mothers using medications prescribed at time of previous attack beneficial.Conclusions: The present study was conducted to asses knowledge about asthma in mothers of children aged between 6 month-10 years having wheezing disorders. Study revealed that mothers had poor knowledge about home management of an acute attack of asthma. Asthma management programmes should focus on augmenting awareness of parents, eliminate social stigma and misconceptions regarding asthma in community. This study is a step towards it.

A Study to assess the effectiveness of Steam Inhalation to Relief Chest Congestion among Post Operative Patient in Saveetha Medical College and Hospital

A Study to assess the effectiveness of Steam Inhalation to Relief Chest Congestion among Post Operative Patient in Saveetha Medical College and Hospital

The Effects of a Warmed Steam Inhalation on Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Cross-Sectional, Controlled Study

The Effects of a Warmed Steam Inhalation on Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Cross-Sectional, Controlled Study

A comparative study between amoxicillin + clavulanic acid and levofloxacin in the management of acute maxillary sinusitis at RIMS, Ranchi

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Acute rhinosinusitis is an acute viral or bacterial in which there is inflammation of the mucosa of the nose and paranasal sinuses. The aim of study was to compare the efficacy of oral amoxicillin-clavulanate with levofloxacin in the management of acute maxillary sinusitis.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The present prospective study was conducted in the Department of ENT, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi during a period of 8 months i.e. from July 2016 to June 2017. In Group I patients 1 gm of amox­icillin-clavulanate was given two times a day and in Group II, 500 mg of Levo­floxicin was given once a day for a period of 10 days. Patient’s complete demographic details were recorded including name, age and gender. Xylometazoline nasal spray and steam inhalations were given to all the patients. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The mean age of the subjects was 36.43±6.43 years. In both the groups, majority of the subjects were between 36-45 years of age. There were 34.7% (52) in Group I and 38.7% (n=58) in Group II who belonged to this age group. Least number of subjects was those aged more than 48 years. There were 88% subjects (n=132) in group I and 86% (n=129) subjects in Group II in whom complete resolution of symptoms was seen.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> From the above study we can conclude that both amoxicillin–clavulanic acid and levofloxacin are equally efficacious in managing cases of acute sinusitis. In this study there was no difference in the rate and duration of resolution amongst both the groups.</p>

Qualitative interview study of antibiotics and self-management strategies for respiratory infections in primary care

ObjectiveTo explore perceptions of illness, the decisions to consult and the acceptability of delayed antibiotic prescriptions and self-help treatments for respiratory tract infections (RTIs).DesignQualitative semistructured interview study.SettingUK primary care.Participants20 adult...

’Well, it literally stops me from having a life when it’s really bad': a nested qualitative interview study of patient views on the use of self-management treatments for the management of recurrent sinusitis (SNIFS trial)

ObjectiveTo explore the experience and perceptions of illness, the decision to consult a general practitioner and the use of self-management approaches for chronic or recurrent sinusitis.DesignQualitative semistructured interview study.SettingUK primary...

Swine Flu (H1N1 Influenza A): A Recent Pandemic and Future Threat

flu is one of the most recent pandemic that have created a global health threat. It is also known as Swine or Influenza A due to a new H1N1 strain of influenza virus. World Health Organization (WHO) has announced it as a Public Health Emergency in April 2009. The transmission of flu in human beings occurs as normal influenza either through droplet infection or by contaminated hands. flu mainly affects the respiratory tract and characterized by sudden onset of chills, malaise, fever, body ache, headache, throat pain, cough and common cold. Sometimes symptoms may worsen leading to respiratory failure and death. The incubation period is of 2–3 days but could range up to 7 days. For lab diagnosis, respiratory tract specimen should be collected through the swabs from nose, nasopharynx or throat. The live attenuated vaccines and inactivated vaccines are available worldwide to control the pandemic. Patient at higher risk of developing severe or complicated illness and presenting with uncomplicated illness should be treated with Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) or Relenza (Zanamivir) following onset of illness. Nursing management includes isolation, use of mask, lukewarm water sponging, saline gargles, steam inhalation, maintaining adequate hydration, personal hygiene including frequent hand washing, ensuring adequate rest and sleep in a well-ventilated room and disinfection of contaminated articles. Vitamin-C rich diet, herbal remedies and yoga boosts the body's immune system and helps to prevent the flu.

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alone or combined, for pain relief in acute otitis media in children.

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alone or combined, for pain relief in acute otitis media in children.

Nasal Saline Is Modestly Effective for Chronic or Recurrent Sinus Symptoms

Nasal saline irrigation and steam inhalation often are recommended for patients with acute and chronic sinusitis, but studies on the effectiveness of

Effectiveness of steam inhalation and nasal irrigation for chronic or recurrent sinus symptoms in primary care: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial.

Systematic reviews support nasal saline irrigation for chronic or recurrent sinus symptoms, but trials have been small and few in primary care settings. Steam inhalation has also been proposed, but supporting evidence is lacking. We investigated whether brief pragmatic interventions to encourage use of nasal irrigation or steam inhalation would be effective in relieving sinus symptoms. We conducted a pragmatic randomized controlled trial involving adults (age 18-65 yr) from 72 primary care practices in the United Kingdom who had a history of chronic or recurrent sinusitis and reported a "moderate to severe" impact of sinus symptoms on their quality of life. Participants were recruited between Feb. 11, 2009, and June 30, 2014, and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 advice strategies: usual care, daily nasal saline irrigation supported by a demonstration video, daily steam inhalation, or combined treatment with both interventions. The primary outcome measure was the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI). Patients were followed up at 3 and 6 months. We imputed missing data using multiple imputation methods. Of the 961 patients who consented, 871 returned baseline questionnaires (210 usual care, 219 nasal irrigation, 232 steam inhalation and 210 combined treatment). A total of 671 (77.0%) of the 871 participants reported RSDI scores at 3 months. Patients' RSDI scores improved more with nasal irrigation than without nasal irrigation by 3 months (crude change -7.42 v. -5.23; estimated adjusted mean difference between groups -2.51, 95% confidence interval -4.65 to -0.37). By 6 months, significantly more patients maintained a 10-point clinically important improvement in the RSDI score with nasal irrigation (44.1% v. 36.6%); fewer used over-the-counter medications (59.4% v. 68.0%) or intended to consult a doctor in future episodes. Steam inhalation reduced headache but had no significant effect on other outcomes. The proportion of participants who had adverse effects was the same in both intervention groups. Advice to use steam inhalation for chronic or recurrent sinus symptoms in primary care was not effective. A similar strategy to use nasal irrigation was less effective than prior evidence suggested, but it provided some symptomatic benefit. ISRCTN, no. 88204146.

Effects of steam inhalation on voice quality-related acoustic measures.

To investigate the effects of steam inhalation using a facial steamer on voice quality-related acoustic measures. Prospective outcome research: single-blinded experimental study. Forty-five vocally healthy female subjects ranging in age from 18 to 30 years (Mean age: 22.41 years; standard deviation [SD]: 8.91) participated in the study. Phonation samples were recorded under three different conditions in triplicate: baseline recording, immediately after mouth breathing (dehydration), and immediately after 3 minutes of steam inhalation via the mouth (rehydration). In the initial voice recording (prior to dehydration), mean jitter (0.42 %; SD: 0.07), shimmer (2.20 dB; SD: 0.45), and harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR) (21.60; SD: 2.41) values were within normal limits. After short-term mouth breathing (dehydration, approximately 10 minutes), the mean jitter (1.57 %; SD: 1.82) and shimmer (4.73 dB; SD: 1.83) were significantly increased (P < 0.05), and HNR (18.64; SD: 3.16) was reduced (P < 0.05). After steam inhalation (rehydration) for 3 minutes, mean jitter (0.48 %; SD: 0.12) and shimmer (2.70 dB; SD: 0.71) showed significant decrease (P < 0.05), and HNR (20.10; SD: 3.69) showed significant increase (P < 0.05). All parameters statistically significantly improved from post dehydration values. The simple procedure of steam inhalation using a facial steamer displayed positive effects on parameters proposed to reflect voice quality. 4. Laryngoscope, 126:2305-2309, 2016.

Home remedy or hazard?: management and costs of paediatric steam inhalation therapy burn injuries.

Steam inhalation has long been considered a beneficial home remedy to treat children with viral respiratory tract infections, but there is no evidence to suggest a benefit and children are at risk of serious burn injuries. To determine the demographics, mechanism, management, and costs of steam inhalation therapy scalds to a regional burns centre in the UK, and to ascertain whether this practice is recommended by primary care providers. A retrospective study of all patients admitted to a regional burns centre in Swansea, Wales, with steam inhalation therapy scalds. Patients who attended the burns centre for steam inhalation therapy scalds between January 2010 and February 2015 were identified using the burns database and data on patient demographics, treatment, and costs incurred were recorded. In addition, an electronic survey was e-mailed to 150 local GPs to determine whether they recommended steam inhalation therapy to patients. Sixteen children attended the burns centre with steam inhalation scalds. The average age attending was 7.4 years (range 1-15 years) and, on average, three children per year were admitted. The most common indication was for the common cold (n = 9). The average size of the burns was 3.1% (range: 0.25-17.0%) of total body area. One child was managed surgically; the remainder were treated with dressings, although one patient required a stay in a high-dependency unit. The total cost of treatment for all patients was £37,133. All in all, 17 out of 21 GPs surveyed recommended steam inhalation to their patients; eight out of 19 GPs recommended it for children aged <5 years. Steam inhalation incurs a significant cost to patients and the healthcare system. Its practice continues to be recommended by GPs but children, due to their limited motor skills, curiosity, and poor awareness of danger, are at significant risk of burn injuries and this dangerous practice should no longer be recommended.

Busted, Plausible or Confirmed

Busted, Plausible or Confirmed

An Innovative Technique for Columellar Reconstruction using ‘Flip-Over’ Buccal Mucosa Flap

Loss of columella is a significant deformity and its reconstruction proves to be quite difficult. An 18-year-old lady had loss of columella due to burn while steam inhalation at a young age and required reconstruction for the same. Labial mucosa has been used as a source of tissue for columellar reconstruction since long. We describe a modification of the buccal mucosal flap to manage a difficult case of columellar deficiency. The buccal mucosa flap was used to cover the columellar defect in the usual manner in the first stage and in second stage, along with division of the base, the residual length of the mucosal flap was used to add to the thickness of columella by doubling it on itself.

Steam inhalation not effective in patients with sinusitis

Steam inhalation not effective in patients with sinusitis

Steam inhalation warning over burns risk to children

Steam inhalation warning over burns risk to children

John Mudge

John Mudge

High-frequency oscillatory ventilation combined with partial liquid ventilation in experimental lung injury: effects on lung cell apoptosis

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate the effects of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) and partial liquid ventilation (PLV) on apoptosis of lung tissue induced by steam inhalation injury in rabbit.DesignA prospective, randomized, controlled, multiple-group study.SettingAn animal research laboratory centre in a university burns centre.SubjectsNew Zealand rabbits (n = 32; 2.25 ± 0.25 kg) of either sex.InterventionsThe animals were ventilated by HFOV with a mean airway pressure of 10 cm H2O, a frequency of 10 Hz, an amplitude of 20 cm H2O, an inspiratory:expiratory ratio of 1:1, and an FiO2 of 1.0. After the induction of acute lung injury (ALI) by steam inhalation, the animals were randomly divided into four groups: CMV, HFOV, CMV + PLV, HFOV + PLV group. Then they were ventilated for 4 h by CMV, HFOV, CMV + PLV and HFOV + PLV, respectively. After the experimental period, cell apoptosis and apoptosis indexes in the lung tissue were assessed with TUNEL FragELTM (Fragment End Labeling).ResultsLung tissue apoptosis indexes in HFOV group and HFOV + PLV group were lower than that of in CMV group and CMV + PLV group; between-group comparison had significant difference (P < 0.01). HFOV + PLV group showed lowest apoptosis indexes.ConclusionHFOV combined with PLV can suppress lung tissue apoptosis induced by steam inhalation.