Effects of steam inhalation on patients receiving steam and patients not receiving steam prior to intubation

Background: Endotracheal intubation is a rapid, simple, safe &non surgical technique that maintains airway patency, protects the lungs from aspiration & permits leak free ventilation &remains the gold standard procedure for airway management. There are also several alternatives including LMA & the combitube. Both ETI & the use of the other airways are associated with complications. Preventable complications are Sore throat, Cough, Tracheitis, Laryngeal oedema, Hoarseness &Nerve injury.Here we compared Effects of steam inhalation on patients receiving steam and patients not receiving steam prior to intubation. Material methods: This study was carried out in Department of Anesthesiology, AVBRH Sawangi from August 2015 - June 2016. 60 ASA class I-II patients aged between 20-50 yrs,scheduled for Endotracheal Intubation in General Anesthesia. Patients was divided into two groups S & C of 30 each.Patients of group “S” received steam inhalation half an hour prior to surgery &group “C” did’nt receive steam. Patients were observed intra-operatively, in recovery room & ward for any complication like sore throat, cough, tracheitis, hoarseness, laryngeal oedema etc. and were treated accordingly upto 24 hrs. Results and Conclusion: In our study we found the incidence of complications are quiet significant in patients not receiving steam. Hence from our study we conclude that steam inhalation prior to endotracheal intubation is beneficial to the patients in preventing complication like sore throat, tracheitis, laryngeal oedema, cough & hoarseness.