Essential Oils in the treatment of

respiratory tract diseases

highlighting their role in
bacterial infections and their
anti inflammatory actions: A
Review

Gyorgyi Hurvath, Kamilla Acs

Submitted by:
Rose Angela Acosta
Subtmitted to:
Mrs. Joy Mercado

12/6/18
SUMMARY
The appearance of multi-drug resistant bacteria and growing
antibiotic resistance is leading to a continuous need for
discovering new drugs and alternative treatments against
infections. The investigation of the antibacterial effect of
essential oils (EOs), which are commonly used nowadays in
cosmetics, health care, traditional medicine and food industry,
could be one of the promising solutions for this worldwide problem.
EOs have a complex mode of action due to their multiple
composition. Respiratory tract diseases (RTDs) associated with
bacterial infection and inflammation affect a large number of
people from every age group worldwide. Because of volatility, EOs
can easily reach the upper and lower parts of the respiratory tract
via inhalation. Moreover, due to their antimicrobial and anti-
inflammatory potency, they offer an effective treatment in
respiratory tract infections (RTIs). The purpose of this review is
to describe the most frequently developing infections of the upper
and lower respiratory tract and to show methods used for the
determination of the antibacterial activity of EOs by gaseous
contact. The mode of action of EOs on bacterial cells and their
anti-inflammatory action are also discussed. Results coming from
recently performed in vivo animal studies as well as human trials
are also reported. Patents deal with the role of EOs and their
volatile constituents in the treatment of RTIs are also introduced.
On the whole, this review aimed at showing EOs as potential
antimicrobials and as anti-inflammatory agents to alleviate
symptoms and signs of RTDs including RTIs

RELEVANCE TO PT’S CASE

The Relevance of this to my patient was the chief complaint of
most of the patients were about cough and colds maybe due to
viral/bacterial infections, allergy or cold weather that could
eventually lead to pneumonia.

RELEVANCE TO AREA OF ROTATION

The Relevance of this to my Area of Rotation which at Pediatric
ward was that the most common chief complaint of patients were
cough and colds and this is very alarming since from cough and
colds it eventually lead to pneumonia maybe due to nosocomial since
every patient in the ward have different cases like others may
have severe types of pneumonia and some were not. Furthermore,
Pedia Clients were very sensitive since they are still young their
Immune system is not that mature that could easily fight back those
microorgansims that attacks their immune system.

RELEVANCE TO NURSING PRACTICE

Nurse’s plays a vital rolse in the care of the patients. Nurses
should also encourage patients suffering from cough and colds to
use non pharmacological treatment like this aromatherapy. Because
aside from its relieving the cough and colds, it also helps a
person to lessen the stress and relaxes muscles because of the
certain effect depends on the essential oil that you will use.

RELEVANCE TO NURSING EDUCATION

The relevance of this study to nsg education is that nurse
educators can add up this study to be part of their lectures
specifically in nursing interventions on oxygenation. Furthermore,
Many benefits that can be taken from aromatherapy such as promotes
relaxation of tension muscles and relieves stress.

RELEVANCE TO NURSING RESEARCH

The relevance of this study on the nsg reseaech is that this study
has limitations and it was mentioned on the abstract. This study
contributed on the growing literature of nursing researc. Student
nurses as well as clinical instructors could add also make a
research about it on the possible side effects of this

LEARNING INSIGHTS
I chose this Journal since in my own experience this was really
effective and budget friendly than buying medications. Aside from
treating cough and colds it also relaxes your body by inhalation
and it can be also applied on the skin. Futhermore, Aromatherapy
also helps olfactory system especially those who has allergic
rhinitis. But before trying this it is a must that you should
consult your doctor about it to prevent any problems to arise

References:
Horváth, G., & Ács, K. (2015). Essential oils in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases highlighting
their role in bacterial infections and their anti-inflammatory action: A review. Flavour and Fragrance
Journal, 30(5), 331-341. doi:10.1002/ffj.3252