The Effect of Inhaler Aromatherapy on Pain and Anxiety in Patients undergoing Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of inhaler aromatherapy on pain and anxiety during the shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) protocol. Material and Methods: This placebo-controlled prospective double-blind study included 120 patients who were scheduled to undergo SWL. Patients were randomly assigned a control placebo group 1 (n=40), the lavender group 2 (n=40), and the frankincense group 3 (n=40). The nebulizer (a rate of 2%) was prepared and operated on in the SWL room before the procedure. Data were collected using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI-I). Results: Of the 120 patients included in the study, 67 (55.8%) were male and 53 (44.2%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 37.38±11.35 years. The mean stone size was 11.07±3.09 mm. There were no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of VAS scores of the patients after the procedure (p=0.557). While there was no statistically significant change in the STAI-I score in group 1 and group 2 after the procedure compared to the pre-procedure, a statistically significant decrease was detected in group 3 (p=0.030). The percentages of patients with changing STAI-I scores were compared, it was observed that the decrease in STAI-I score in group 2 and group 3 at a higher rate compared to group 1 (p=0.018). Conclusion: Frankincense reduced anxiety more significantly than lavender. Both had no significant effect on pain. Inhaler aromatherapy can be used in the SWL process to reduce anxiety and improve treatment compliance.