PENERAPAN TERAPI INHALASI UAP DENGAN MINYAK KAYU PUTIH TERHADAP MASALAH KEPERAWATAN BERSIHAN JALAN NAPAS TIDAK EFEKTIF PADA ANAK DENGAN ISPA DI RUMAH SAKIT UMUM MUHAMMADIYAH PONOROGO

Acute Respiratory Tract Infection (ARI) is an infectious disease that often affects children, especially those with a high risk of causing nursing problems such as ineffective airway clearance due to airway hypersecretion. Steam inhalation therapy with eucalyptus oil contains the active ingredient cineole, which has mucolytic, bronchodilator, and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially helping to thin sputum and loosen airways. This case study was conducted on a 2-year-and-4-month-old child diagnosed with ARI at Muhammadiyah General Hospital in Ponorogo. Eucalyptus oil steam inhalation therapy was administered using a portable nebulizer for 5 consecutive days, twice daily. The assessment included observation of vital signs, breath sounds, and the patient's ability to cough and expectorate sputum.
The results showed significant improvements in ineffective airway clearance, characterized by decreased sputum production, reduced rhonchi, a decrease in respiratory rate from 28 breaths/minute to 20 breaths/minute, and an increase in oxygen saturation (SpO2) from 97% to 98%. Patients also reported reduced shortness of breath and greater breathing comfort.
Conclusion: Steam inhalation therapy with eucalyptus oil is effective as a non-pharmacological intervention in improving airway clearance in children with ARI. This therapy can be an additional option in the nursing management of ineffective airway clearance in children with ARI.