Kang HY, Ahn HY, Kang MJ, Hur MH. Effects of aromatherapy on sore throat, nasal symptoms and sleep quality in adults infected with COVID-19: A randomized controlled trial.
Integr Med Res 2023;
12:101001. [PMID:
38024288 PMCID:
PMC10654541 DOI:
10.1016/j.imr.2023.101001]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) usually complain of fever, cough, and sore throat. This study examined the effects of aromatherapy on sore throat, nasal symptoms, stress, fatigue, and sleep quality by administering it to adults with post-COVID-19 condition.
Methods
This study was conducted in a randomised controlled design. Its target population were adults who were released from COVID-19 quarantine treatment within 45 days from infection onset and capable of performing daily activities after isolation treatment. The participants were randomised into aromatherapy group (AG) and control group (CG). To test experimental treatment effects, the levels of sore throat, nasal symptoms, stress, fatigue and sleep quality were measured at the baseline (pre-test) and after the trial (post-test), using the numerical rating scale for sore throat, stress and fatigue, the Total Nasal Symptoms Score for nasal symptoms, and the Korean Version of Modified Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire for quality of sleep.
Results
After experimental treatment, there was a significant difference in sore throat in AG compared to CG on the 3rd day (t=-2.022 p=0.048) and 4th day (t=-2.450, p=0.017) of treatment. There was also a significant difference in fatigue between AG and CG on the 2nd day(t=-2.748, p=0.008), 3rd day (t=-2.948, p=0.005) and 4th day (t=-3.084, p=0.003) of treatment. There was no significant difference in TNSS, stress, and sleep quality between the two groups after the experimental treatment.
Conclusion
Inhaling aroma essential oils reduced sore throat and fatigue in adults with post-COVID-19 condition, demonstrating the feasibility of aromatherapy as an effective treatment.
Trial registration
The study was registered with Clinical Research Information Service (KCT0008029).
Collapse