The effects of aroma therapy on allergic symptoms, eosinophil, and the quality of life related to rhinitis in university students with allergic rhinitis

초록

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of using aroma essential oils on allergic symptoms, eosinophils and quality of life related to rhinitis for university students with allergic rhinitis. Methods: A randomized controlled experimental design was used. There were 37 participants in the experimental group, and 30 in the control group. The experimental group applied the essential oils four times a day in the nasal area as well as using inhalation of the oils each night for four weeks. Rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire was composed of 28 questions regarding seven areas associated with allergic reactions. The data were analyzed with SPSS/WIN 21.0 program. Results: Rhinitis symptom index, nose itching (p<.001), sneezing (p<.001), watery rhinorrhea (p<.001), and nose congestion (p<.001) all had significant difference for the participants in the treatment group. Further there were significant differences in eosinophils both for measured time and interaction (p<.001). For the quality of life related to rhinitis, the results showed significant difference (p<.001). Conclusion: Using aroma therapy by applying essential oils turned out to be an effective nursing intervention that can be utilized in the easing of allergic symptom and the decrease of eosinophils, causing improvement in the quality of life related to rhinitis. © 2015 Korean Journal of Adult Nursing.

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