Combating paediatric pneumonia: the dynamic duo of cinnamon-clove steam and physiotherapy

Introduction

Paediatric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a prevailing respiratory infection that impacts children in non-medical settings, giving rise to substantial morbidity and mortality, especially in less developed areas. The current study was aimed at finding a holistic approach for improving the management and treatment of paediatric CAP. For that purpose, a comparative interventional study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of chest physiotherapy (CPT) combining with Cinnamon varum and Syzygium aromaticum steam therapy in paediatric CAP.

Methods

A total of 60 paediatric patient hospitalised with CAP were assessed. The study included both male and female participants aged between three and 14 years. The study was conducted at Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health in Faisalabad, Pakistan. The subjects were divided into three equal groups: group 1 received CPT, group 2 underwent CPT accompanied with nebulization, and group 3 received CPT along with steam therapy using C. varum and S. aromaticum. Each participant received the assigned therapy twice a day for seven consecutive days. The study was approved and registered by Ethics Review Committee, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan (Reference number GCUF/ERC/214).

Results

Among the three groups studied, those who received the combined therapy exhibited improved outcome by improving the complete blood count (CBC), spirometer index, arterial blood gases (ABGs) and Systolic blood pressure, Multilobar infiltrates, Albumin, Respiratory rate, Tachycardia, Confusion, Oxygen and pH severity score for pneumonia.

Conclusions

The antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties of cinnamon and clove, along with the positive effects of CPT, resulted in reduced lung inflammation, enhanced respiratory performance, and improved vital signs.