“Penerapan Terapi Eucalyptus Oil Dengan Bersihan Jalan Nafas Tidak Efektif Pada Anak ISPA Di RSU Dr. Ferdinan Lumban Tobing Sibolga Tahun 2026”

ABSTRACT APPLICATION OF EUCALYPTUS OIL INHALATION THERAPY TO MANAGE INEFFECTIVE AIRWAY CLEARANCE IN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS AT DR. FERDINAND LUMBAN TOBING GENERAL HOSPITAL, SIBOLGA, 2026 Jelita Nainggolan*, Johani D. Nasution**, Maria M. Saragi** Medan Health Polytechnic of the Ministry of Health Email: jelitanainggolan71@gmail.com Background: Acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) is an infection affecting the respiratory tract, extending from the nose to the lungs, and generally lasting less than two weeks. Based on a preliminary survey conducted by the researchers on February 9, 2026, at Dr. Ferdinand Lumban Tobing General Hospital, Sibolga, the number of patients with acute respiratory tract infections increased from 2021 to 2025. Ineffective airway clearance is the inability to clear secretions from the respiratory tract. Objective: This study aimed to describe the use of eucalyptus oil inhalation therapy to manage ineffective airway clearance in children with acute respiratory tract infections. Research Methods: This study employed a descriptive qualitative case study design involving two participants with acute respiratory tract infections and ineffective airway clearance. The study was conducted at Dr. Ferdinand Lumban Tobing General Hospital in Sibolga in 2026. Data were collected through interviews, observations, physical examinations, and documentation studies. Results: Eucalyptus oil inhalation therapy effectively addressed ineffective airway clearance in children with ARTI. In Participant I, the respiratory rate (RR) was 40 breaths/minute on the first day and decreased to 24 breaths/minute on the seventh day. In Participant II, the RR was 38 breaths/minute on the first day and decreased to 22 breaths/minute on the seventh day. Conclusion and Recommendation: Eucalyptus oil inhalation therapy can resolve ineffective airway clearance in ARTI patients. This therapy may help improve airway clearance in ARTI patients. Keywords: acute respiratory tract infection, eucalyptus oil, inhalation therapy, ineffective airway clearance. Literature: 25 references (2020–2025).