Inhalation of Vapor With Medication (Diclofenac Sodium, Menthol, Methyl Salicylate and N-Acetyl Cysteine) Reduces Oxygen Need and Hospital Stay in COVID-19 Patients - A Case Control Study

Background: In the midst of the devastating COVID pandemic where there is no specific and effective treatment, traditional therapy may help to ease the patient's suffering. Inhalation of vapor (VP) is an essential home remedy for stuffy, running nose in common cold, influenza and sinusitis. Steam inhalation is helpful in destroying the capsid of the SARS-CoV-2 envelope and preventing infection. Vapor with diclofenac sodium, menthol, methyl salicylate and N-acetyl cysteine may augment this effect. Objective: To evaluate the effect of inhalation of vapor with medication and to compare with inhalation of vapor without medication. Methods and Materials: A case control study taken place in Corona unit, Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barishal. 43 patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 were participated in this study. All are RT-PCR positive cases. Among them 16 patients were in control group and 27 in study group. In study group they were given vapor with Diclofenac Sodium, Menthol, Methyl Salicylate and N-Acetyl Cysteine and control group they were given normal steam/aquatic vapor two times in a day.