The Application of Peppermint Inhalation Aromatherapy to Address Ineffective
Airway Clearance in Children with Pneumonia (A Case Study at Dr. Hardjono
Regional General Hospital, Ponorogo)
Khusnul Arismawati
Pneumonia in children can cause inflammation, disrupting the exchange of
oxygen and carbon dioxide. This condition can lead to nursing problems such as
ineffective airway clearance, characterized by increased secretion production,
shortness of breath, ineffective coughing, and decreased oxygen saturation. One
non-pharmacological therapy that has the potential to help reduce secretion
production is peppermint aromatherapy.
The study used a case study design with a nursing process approach for
five days in the Delima Room of Dr. Harjono Ponorogo Regional General
Hospital from August 3 to August 7, 2026. The respondents were An. G, a
pediatric patient with a medical diagnosis of Febris + Chronic Tonsillitis + Susp.
Pneumonia with nursing problems of ineffective airway clearance. Data were
collected through interviews, observations, physical examinations, and
documentation, then analyzed descriptively narratively.
After applying peppermint therapy for 5 days, the patient subjectively
reported improvement, with reduced shortness of breath and coughing.
Objectively, the patient's general condition was good, phlegm was excreted, and
rhonchi had decreased. Therefore, it was concluded that the ineffectiveness of
airway clearance in An. G was resolved, and the peppermint aromatherapy
intervention was discontinued. Steam therapy with peppermint oil has great
potential for widespread implementation; this intervention supports the concept of
continuity of care because it can be continued independently at home by the
patient's family with the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Keywords: Peppermint Aromatherapy for Pneumonia and Ineffective Airway
Clearance.