Citation

Dearden AS, North AS, Varma S. JPRAS Open 2022; 32: 8-12.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jpra.2021.12.004

PMID

35198720

PMCID

PMC8851155

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Steam inhalation therapy (SIT) is a common home remedy for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. Literature reports are increasingly discouraging this practice in the paediatric population due to the risk of scalds, however, this is yet to be echoed for adults.

METHODS: A retrospective review of patients admitted to a tertiary burns centre from 2015 to 2020 was undertaken identifying all adult patients requiring in-patient specialist treatment for scald injuries sustained during steam inhalation. Cost analysis and long-term patient outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS: Twelve adult patients required inpatient management with a mean length of admission of 8 nights. One patient required operative intervention, long-term sequelae included scarring, skin sensitivity, pain, or psychological morbidity. The estimated mean cost per patient was £5402 giving a mean cost per year of £12 964.

CONCLUSION: SIT can be associated with severe scald injuries in adults and incur considerable costs for healthcare providers.

Language: en

Keywords

Public health; COVID-19; Scalds; Economic burden; Steam inhalation injury