<![CDATA[Introduction: Pneumonia is a lower respiratory tract infection causing inflammation and impaired gas exchange, leading to decreased oxygen saturation and increased shortness of breath. Nonpharmacological eucalyptus inhalation therapy, containing eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), acts as a mucolytic and bronchodilator to improve ventilation. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of eucalyptus inhalation therapy on oxygen saturation levels and shortness of breath in pneumonia patients at RSUD Sultan Imanuddin Pangkalan Bun. Method: This quasi-experimental study used a two-group pretest-posttest control group design with 44 purposively sampled respondents. Oxygen saturation was measured using a pulse oximeter, and shortness of breath was assessed via the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale (MBDS). Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: In the experimental group, average oxygen saturation significantly increased on Day 1 (93.59% to 95.23%), Day 2 (94.68% to 96.55%), and Day 3 (96.09% to 97.36%) (p<0.001). Shortness of breath also decreased from moderate to mild (Days 1–2) and resolved on Day 3 (p<0.001). Meanwhile, the control group showed less consistent improvements. Conclusion: Eucalyptus inhalation therapy significantly increases oxygen saturation and reduces shortness of breath, serving as a viable supportive nursing care intervention.]]>
Copyrights © 2026
