Aromatherapy using peppermint to alleviate nausea and vomiting post-adenoidectomy

Abstract

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are a common complication in pediatric patients, particularly those undergoing adenoidectomy. This condition can significantly affect the child’s comfort, appetite, and overall recovery process. Peppermint aromatherapy has emerged as a safe and effective complementary therapy for managing nausea. Its active compound, menthol, functions as an antispasmodic and provides a calming effect on the central nervous system, thereby helping to alleviate nausea symptoms. This case study focuses on a preschool-aged patient treated in the Cempaka 1 room of RSUD Temanggung who presented with complaints of nausea following adenoidectomy. Comprehensive nursing care was provided, encompassing assessment, intervention, and evaluation. The primary intervention involved the administration of peppermint aromatherapy via inhalation. The results demonstrated a reduction in the frequency of nausea and an improvement in the patient’s appetite. The patient showed signs of enhanced comfort and faster recovery. These findings support the use of peppermint aromatherapy as an effective non-pharmacological approach to managing PONV in pediatric surgical patients. Moreover, the therapy is easy to administer, well-tolerated, and free from significant side effects, making it a valuable addition to postoperative nursing care.

Keywords: Aromatherapy, complementary therapy, nausea, post-adenoidectomy, vomiting