STEAM INHALATION

Introduction
Deep breathing of warm & moist air (vapor) into the lungs for local effect on the air passage or
for a systemic effect.
Purposes
1. To relieve the inflammation & congestion of the mucus membranes of the respiratory
tract & paranasal sinuses thus to produce symptomatic relief in cute & chronic sinusitis.
2. To soften thick tenacious mucus, this helps in its expulsion from the respiratory tract.
3. To aid in absorption of oxygen
4. To relieve spastic conditions of the larynx & bronchi
5. To provide antiseptic action on the respiratory tract (e.g.) by using menthol, eucalyptus
& tincture benzoin.
6. To provide moisture & heat & to prevent dryness of the mucous membranes of the lungs
& upper respiratory passages following operation such as tracheostomy.
Contraindications

Severely compromised cardiovascular system or congestive heart failure because stem

may make breathing difficult.

List of articles required

Clean Tray
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.

Towel
Nelsons inhaler in a bowl
Sputum cup with antiseptic solution
Inhaler mouthpiece
Gauze piece
Cotton balls
Ounce glass
Face towel
Kidney tray
Cardiac table
Pillows
Medication like tincture benzoin if ordered
Boiling water (160F)

Preparation of client, articles & unit

Explain the procedure to the patient

Make the patient to understand that he has to remain in the bed one to two hours more
after the inhalation
Ask the patient to empty the bladder &bowel if necessary
Place the patient in fowlers position with a cardiac table in front.
Close the doors & windows &put off the fn to prevent draught
Place the sputum cup in convenient place within the easy reach of the patient
Provide a face towel to the patient to wipe the sweating from the face during inhalation.

Procedure
S.No
Nursing action
1
Check the physicians order & nursing care
plan
2.
Explain the procedure to patient & ensure
that patient hs emptied his bowel & bladder
3.
Warm the inhaler by pouring a little hot
water into the inhaler & emptying it after one
minute
4.
Pour the required amount of inhalant into the
inhaler & fill to a level below the spout with
the boiling water. The water should remain
just below the spout
5.

6.

7.
8.
9.
10
11

12

Place sterile mouth piece & close the inhaler

tightly. See that the mouthpiece is in the
opposite direction to the spout.
Cover the mouth piece with a gauze piece &
plug the spout with a cotton ball.
Place a towel around the inhaler & position it
in the bowl.
Take it to the patient without losing time.
Switch off fan & close windows & doors.
Position the patient in high fowlers or sitting
position.
Place the apparatus conveniently in front of
the patient on cardiac table with spout
opposite to the patient. Remove the cotton
plug & discard it into the kidney tray.
Instruct the patient to place lips on the mouth
piece & take deep breath. After removing the
lips from the mouthpiece, breathe out air

Rationale

Helps in promoting relaxation. Patient will

have to remain in bed for one hour.
Reduces loss of heat from inhaler during
procedure.
If the inhaler is filled upto the level of spout
there is possibility of drawing water into the
mouth when inhaling & causes scalds. If the
spout is filled with water it will not act as an
air inlet.
This arrangement keeps the spout way from
the patient when inhalations are taken in.
Covering the mouthpiece with a gauze piece
will prevent burns of the lips. Cotton ball in
the spout will prevent escape of steam
Insulates the inhaler & prevents heat loss.

Keeping the spout opposite to the patient

reduces the chances of burns. Removing the
cotton plug helps to open spout, so that it can
act as an inlet for air.
Directing the steam out through the nostril
relieves the congestion of the mucous
membranes of the nostril.

13

14

15
16
17

18

through nose.
Continue the treatment for 15- 20 minutes as
long as patient gets the vapors. Observe the
patient during procedure.
Remove inhaler from the patient after the
stated time, wipe off perspiration from the
patients face.
Give chest physiotherapy & encourage
patient to bring out sputum by coughing
Instruct the patient to remain in the bed for
1-2 hours
Take articles to the utility room, empty the
inhaler, and clean the inside with alcohol to
remove Tr. Benzoin. Wash it with warm soapy
water & then rinse with clean water. Clean
the ounce glass with alcohol swab followed by
soapy water. Remove the gauze covering the
mouth piece & wash the mouthpiece with
soap & water & send for autoclaving. Dry the
articles & replace them. Wash hands.
Record the procedure in nurses record with
date, time, purpose & patients response to
the procedure.

Helps in effectiveness of the procedure.

Enhances comfort of patient

Reduces chances of dizziness & effects of

sudden temperature variation.
Cleaning of articles avoids contamination &
cross infection.

Communication to staff about effectiveness

& reinforcement of the procedure.

Complications

Severe scalds
Burn injury

After care of client, articles & unit

1. Continue the treatment for 15 to 20 minutes or as long as the patient gets the vapor
2. Remove the inhaler from the patient after the stated time. Wipe off the perspiration from
the face.
3. Remove the back rest & cardiac table. Adjust the position of the patient in bed. Make him
comfortable
4. Instruct him to remain in bed for 1-2 hours to prevent draught
5. Take articles to utility room. Empty the inhaler, clean it inside with spirit to remove Tr.
Benzoin .then wash it with clean water
6. record the procedure on the nurses record with date & time
7. Return to the patient to assess his comfort & to observe any untoward reactions in him.