Warm moist air directed toward the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract will often help to loosen a dry cough or congestion.
A. PHYSIOLOGIC EFFECTS
1. Mucous membranes are moistened, relieving irritation and congestion.
B. INDICATIONS
1. Irritation (tickling or pain in throat) by moistening mucous membranes.
2. Acute or chronic inflammation and congestion of mucous membranes of nose
and throat due to colds and bronchitis.
3. Coughing (relaxes muscles).
4. Dry or thick secretions.
C. EQUIPMENT
1. Teakettle with boiling water.
2. Newspaper cone.
3. Hot plate
4. Medication: pine, mint or eucalyptus oil (optional)
5. Sheet
6. Umbrella
D. PROCEDURE
Important Considerations:
a. Check inhalation frequently
b. Be careful to not burn patient.
c. Be very careful when treating children.
Preparation for Treatment:
a. Assemble necessary equipment
b. Bring water to a boil.
c. Be sure the treatment room is warm and free from drafts.
Treatment:
a. Fill teakettle with boiling water and add medication, if desired.
b. Place teakettle on hot plate beside bed.
c. Cover spout with a paper cone over spout in order to carry the steam directly
to person’s mouth or nose.
d. Treatment should last for 30-60 minutes two or three times a day.
e. For continuous inhalation, place tea kettle on hot plate without the paper
cone and let steam fill the room
f. If patient desires to lie down, place the umbrella at the head of the
bed and drape sheet over it to form a tent only over the patient’s
head. Put the paper cone under the tent.
Completion of Treatment:
a. Be sure patient is warm and dry.
b. Encourage bed rest for at least one half hour.