EFFECTIVENESS OF STEAM INHALATION WITH TULSI LEAVES ALONG WITH TURMERIC VERSUS STEAM INHALATION WITH PLAIN WATER TO RELIEVE RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS OF NASAL CONGESTION AMONG CHILDREN.

INTRODUCTION: Children health reflects the national and wealth. Today's children are tomorrow's citizens. A well developed child contribution to the National welfare and children are the priceless resources of the Nation. They are the most vulnerable group in the society. Respiratory illnesses are common in children under 5 years of age. Most children will develop three to eight colds a year. This number even is higher in children who attend day care or are exposed to Tobacco smoke. In this age 2 group are due to respiratory problems, including asthma and pneumonia.2 AIM: The present study aims to assess the effectiveness of steam inhalation with tulsi leaves along with turmeric versus steam inhalation with plain water to relieve respiratory symptoms of nasal congestion among children admitted in pediatric department of GGSMH, Faridkot, Punjab. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A quantitative research approach and quasi experimental pre test post test design was used and 60 children were selected through Convenient sampling. Structured interview schedule was used for collection of data. RESULTS: The results of the study revealed that mean difference and SD in experimental and control groups related to beneficial effects of steam inhalation on respiratory symptoms of nasal congestion among children is 23.76 ± 4.59 of Experimental group and 30.46 ± 6.50 of Control group for which t value is 4.60 at df 58 with p value 0.000. Thus, there is significant reduction in the respiratory symptoms of nd nasal congestion at the end of 2nd day in the experimental group as compared to control group. CONCLUSION: Steam inhalation with tulsi leaves along with turmeric is an effective home remedy in relieving the respiratory symptoms of nasal congestion among children as compared to the steam inhalation with plain water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]