Steam inhalation involves inhaling warm, moist air to relieve symptoms of respiratory inflammation and congestion. It works by loosening secretions, relaxing muscles to reduce coughing, and moistening irritated airways. To perform steam inhalation, boil water and add medication like Vicks vaporub. Direct the steam into a tent made from an umbrella and sheet covering the patient, or have them sit near the boiling water. Treatment lasts 30 minutes to an hour twice a day. Burn risks and drafts should be avoided, and extra care taken with children.

1. STEAM INHALATION
BY
KIRANMAYEE
MSC I YEAR

2. STEAM INHALATION
DEFINITION: Inhalation of warm, moist air into the
mucous membranes and respiratory tract.

3. EFFECTS:
1. Relieves inflammation and congestion of the mucous
membranes of the upper respiratory tract.
2. Relieves irritation (throat tickle) by moistening the air.
3. Loosens secretions and stimulates expectoration.
4. Relieves spasmodic breathing.
5. Relaxes muscles and thus relieves coughing.
6. Prevents excessive dryness of the mucous membranes.

4. THINGS NEEDED:
1. Boiling water in a kettle with spout.
An empty juice can may serve the
purpose.
2. Hot plate of gas stove or local
stove using charcoal.
3. Vicks Vaporub ointment or tincture Benzoin
or Camphor oil for good smelling sensation.
4. Old newspaper.

5. 5. Umbrella.
6. Sheets.
7. Paper Bag

6. PROCEDURE:
1. Fill kettle with water just below the level of
the spout, and bring the water to boiling
point. Add 1 tsp of medication (Vicks or
Benzoin) into the boiling water.
2. Carry the stove and the kettle with caution
near the bedside of the patient, if the patient
is unable to stand or sit on the chair.
3. If croup tent is indicated, open an umbrella
over the head of the patient and cover it with
a sheet to form a tent.
4. With the newspaper make a cylindrical tube
direct to the steam into the tent away from
the patient’s face.

7. 5. If the patient is able to sit on the chair, he
may sit near the stove in the kitchen. With
the cylindrical tube of paper the steam is
directed into the patient’s face for
inhalation.
6. Treatment time: 30 minutes to one hour,
morning and evening, as tolerated.

8. PRECAUTIONS:
1. Avoid all risks of burning.
2. Avoid drafts during time of treatment.
Close windows near the patient.
3. Extra care must be observed when giving
treatment to children and restless patients
to avoid scalding.

9. STEAM
INHALATION
DEVICES

10. NELSONS INHALER

11. ELECTRONIC INHALER

12. ELECTRONIC INHALER

13. ELECTRONIC INHALER

14. ELECTRONIC INHALER

16. JUG METHOD