What Are the Benefits of Moist Heat Therapy?

Heat therapy

Heat therapy is a method for treating tumors. It is a method of killing tumor cells by heating the lesion site according to the sensitivity of tumor cells and normal cells to heat. Heat therapy can be divided into two types: Therapies that usually control the treatment temperature above 47 ° C are called thermoablation. This method can cause tumor tissues to rapidly necrosis at high temperature, but it also damages normal tissues. In addition, clinical trials are complicated, so they are generally not used. Therapies that control the treatment temperature between 42 ° C and 46 ° C are called hyperthermia. ^[1]

(1) Promote the dissipation and limitation of inflammation Hyperthermia can dilate local blood vessels, speed up the blood flow, and facilitate the excretion of toxins in tissues; at the same time, promote blood circulation, increase blood flow, accelerate metabolism, and enhance the phagocytosis function of white blood cells. Therefore, the use of heat in the early stage of inflammation can promote the absorption and dissipation of inflammatory exudates; the use of heat in the late stage of inflammation can release proteolytic enzymes from leukocytes to dissolve necrotic tissue, thereby helping to clear necrotic tissue and repair tissue, making inflammation Limitations.

(B) Relieve pain Hyperthermia can reduce the excitability of the pain sensory nerves, improve blood circulation, reduce inflammatory edema, accelerate the discharge of painful substances and the absorption of exudates, thereby relieve the pressure on local nerve endings. Hyperthermia can also relax tissues such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which can relieve the cause

(A) using heat

The methods of hyperthermia are divided into dry heat method and moist heat method. Since the ability of water to conduct heat is stronger than air, and the permeability is greater, the effect of hyperthermia is better than dry heat method. Therefore, when using the wet heat method, the water temperature should be lower than the dry heat method.

(B) the site of hyperthermia

Due to the thickness of the skin, the effect of different parts of the heat treatment is different. Generally, the thinner parts of the skin and the parts that are not often exposed are more sensitive to heat. In addition, the effect of hyperthermia is also affected by the condition of blood circulation. The better the effect of hyperthermia on the blood circulation.

(Three) hyperthermia area

The effect of hyperthermia is proportional to the size of the heat area. If the area is large, the response is strong; if the area is small, the response is weak. However, it should be noted that the larger the area of hyperthermia, the poorer the body's tolerance and the more likely it will cause systemic reactions.

(D) Hyperthermia time

1. Acute abdomen has not yet been clearly diagnosed. Hyperthermia can reduce pain before diagnosis, thus concealing the truth of the disease and delaying diagnosis and treatment.

2. When the dangerous triangle of the face is infected with suppuration, because the dangerous triangle of the face is rich in blood vessels without venous valves, and communicates with the intracranial cavernous sinus, hyperthermia can expand blood vessels there, increase blood flow, and cause bacteria and toxins to enter the blood circulation, making Inflammation has spread, causing intracranial infections and sepsis.

3. When various organs bleed, hyperthermia can cause local blood vessels to dilate, increase blood flow and vascular permeability of the organs, and aggravate bleeding tendency.

4. Early soft tissue damage (48 hours) Soft tissue damage, such as bruises, sprains or smashes, should not be treated with hyperthermia. Hyperthermia can promote local blood circulation, which can increase subcutaneous bleeding, swelling and pain.

Fourth, the method of hyperthermia

There are two types of hyperthermia methods: dry heat method and moist heat method. Dry heat method includes hot water bag, infrared, gooseneck lamp, etc .; moist heat method includes wet heat compress, hot water bath, warm water immersion method, etc.

Dry heat

1. Use of hot water bottle

(1) Purpose: It is often used to keep warm, relieve spasm and analgesic.

(2) Operation steps

1) Have everything ready, check the hot water bottle for damage, measure the water temperature and adjust the temperature to 60 ~ 70 .

2) Put the hot water bottle flat and remove the plug. Hold the hot water bottle mouth with one hand and fill the hot water with the other hand. Raise the hot water bottle mouth while filling to prevent hot water from overflowing. Fill the hot water bottle with 1/2 ~ 2/3 full. .

3) Slowly lay the hot water bottle flat, exhaust the air in the bag, tighten the plug, dry the hot water bottle and lift it up, and shake it slightly to check that there is no water leakage, and put it in the cloth cover.

4) Bring the hot water bottle to the bed. After checking the explanation, place the hot water bottle at the required location.

5) Heat time: 30 minutes.

6) Finish finishing the articles, place the patient, and arrange the bed unit.

7) Empty the hot water bottle, hang it upside down to dry, blow in a little air, tighten the mouth of the bag and store it in a dry and cool place to prevent the two layers of rubber from sticking.

8) Wash your hands and record the location and time of the hyperthermia and the effect and response of the hyperthermia.

(3) Matters needing attention

1) For infants, the elderly, coma, poor peripheral circulation, unconscious anesthesia, and sensory disorders, the water temperature of the hot water bottle should be adjusted to within 50 ° C and wrapped with a large towel to avoid direct contact with the patient's skin and cause burns.

2) During the use of the hot water bottle, the local skin color should be observed frequently. If skin flushing is found, stop using it immediately and apply Vaseline topically to protect the skin.

3) If the hot water bottle needs to be used continuously, the hot water should be replaced in time.

4) Strictly implement the transfer system.

2.Infrared light

(1) Purpose: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, promote dry crusting of wounds, protect the growth of granulation tissue, and facilitate wound healing.

(2) Operation steps

1) Select bulbs with different powers according to the needs, prepare all supplies, bring them to the bed, check and explain to get cooperation, and increase screen shielding when needed.

2) Assist the patient to take a comfortable position and expose the treatment site.

3) Move the infrared lamp head diagonally above or to the side of the treatment site. Generally, the lamp distance is 30-50cm, and it is appropriate for the patient to feel warm. If the lamp cap has a protective cover, it can be illuminated vertically.

4) Each irradiation time is 20-30 minutes.

5) After irradiation, turn off the switch. Patients should be instructed to rest for 15 minutes before leaving the treatment room to prevent a cold.

6) Clean up the supplies and arrange the bed unit.

7) Wash your hands. Record the treatment site, time, and treatment effect and response.

(3) Matters needing attention

1) Choose lamp heads with different powers according to the treatment site. For small parts such as hands and feet, 250W is appropriate, and 500 ~ 1000W headlamps can be used for chest, abdomen, waist and back.

2) Patients who irradiate the face, neck and front chest should pay attention to protecting the eyes. They can wear colored glasses or cover with wet gauze.

3) During the irradiation process, the patient should be kept in a comfortable position. If the patient is overheated, flustered, dizzy, etc., he should inform the medical staff in a timely manner.

4) During the irradiation process, the patient's local skin reaction should be observed at any time, such as a pink uniform red spot on the skin, which is an appropriate dose; if the skin appears purplish red, stop the irradiation immediately and apply petroleum jelly to protect the skin.

3. The gooseneck lamp uses the radiant heat of infrared and visible light to generate thermal effects. The operation method and precautions are the same as the infrared lamp.

Heat therapy

Hot and humid method

(1) Purpose: It is often used for anti-inflammatory, swelling, antispasmodic and analgesic.

(2) Operation steps

1) Bring everything to the bed and explain to the patient to get cooperation.

2) The patient should take a comfortable position, place a rubber sheet and a treatment towel under the hot compress area, and apply local Vaseline, and cover it with a layer of gauze.

3) Immerse the compress in hot water, twist the compress with long forceps to prevent dripping, and shake the compress to test the temperature with the palm of your hand. If you are not hot, you can fold it on the affected area. A hot water bottle can be placed on it, covered with a cotton pad or wrapped with a large towel to maintain the temperature. If the patient feels hot, remove the corner of the drape to dissipate heat.

4) Replace the compress in time, every 3 to 5 minutes, and the hot and wet compress time is 15 to 20 minutes.

5) After the hot and wet compresses, wipe the affected area with gauze and arrange the objects.

6) Place the patient and arrange the bed unit.

7) Wash your hands and record the location and time of hot and wet compresses, as well as the effect and response of hot and wet compresses.

(3) Matters needing attention

1) For patients with facial hot and wet compresses, go out 15 minutes after applying to prevent colds.

2) During hot and wet compressing, pay attention to observe the local skin condition and change the compresses in time, every 3 to 5 minutes to maintain proper temperature.

3) When applying hot and wet compresses to the wounded area, perform aseptic operation, and treat the wound after dressing according to the dressing change method.

2.Hot bath

(1) Purpose: To reduce the congestion of pelvic and rectal organs, to achieve anti-inflammatory, swelling, analgesia, and local cleansing and comfort. It is often used for patients with perineal, anal diseases, and before and after surgery.

(2) Operation steps

1) Bring everything to the bed, check the patient, explain it, close the doors and windows, cover with a screen, assist in defecation, and wash your hands.

2) Put the bidet on the bidet chair, pour the bidet solution to 1/2 of the bidet, and adjust the water temperature to 40 45 .

3) Assist the patient to take off his pants to the knee, first dip it with gauze, and wait for the hip skin to adapt to the water temperature before sitting in the basin.

4) Adjust the water temperature at any time, pay attention to safety when adding hot water, and instruct patients to deviate from the bathtub to prevent burns.

5) The bath time is 15-20 minutes.

6) After the bath, dry your hips, assist in wearing pants, and rest in bed.

7) According to the condition of the wound, perform dressing change according to aseptic operation, arrange the bed unit, and clean up the supplies.

8) Wash your hands and record the time of the bath, the liquid used, and the effect and response of the bath.

(3) Matters needing attention

1) During the sitting bath, the patient's safety should be paid attention to, and his complexion and pulse should be observed at any time. If the patient complains of dizziness, fatigue, etc., the sitting bath should be stopped immediately.

2) For patients with perineal and anal wounds, prepare a sterile bath tub and bidet solution, and treat the wound after dressing according to the dressing change method.

3) Female patients should not take a bath during menstrual period, late pregnancy, two weeks after delivery, vaginal bleeding, or acute inflammation of pelvic organs to avoid causing infection.

3. Local soaking

(1) Purpose: for anti-inflammatory, analgesic, cleaning and disinfecting wounds.

(2) Operation steps

1) Bring everything to the bed, check the patient and explain it to get cooperation.

2) Mix the solution to 1/2 full of the soaking tub, and adjust the water temperature to 40 45 .

3) Put the limbs to be soaked into the basin slowly, soak the gauze with tweezers and clean the wound surface repeatedly if necessary.

4) Add hot water or liquid medicine at any time to maintain the required temperature.

5) Soak time is 30 minutes.

6) After soaking, dry the limbs to assist the patient in a comfortable lying position.

7) For patients with wounds, treat wounds according to dressing changes.

8) Organize the bed unit and clean up the supplies.

9) Wash your hands and record the immersed area, time, the liquid used, and the effect and response of the immersion.

(3) Matters needing attention

1) During the immersion, the patient's local skin condition should be observed. If redness, pain and other reactions appear, they should be handled in time.

2) During the immersion, hot water or liquid medicine should be added at any time to maintain the required temperature; when hot water is added, the patient's limb should be removed from the basin to prevent burns.

3) Patients with wounds should use sterile soaking tub and soaking solution, and treat the wounds according to dressing change after soaking.