Efficacy of Lavender Essential Oil Chest Wraps in Infants With Bronchiolitis

Efficacy of Lavender Essential Oil Chest Wraps in Improving Cough and Respiratory Distress in Infants With Bronchiolitis: a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if lavender essential oil chest wraps relieve cough in infants with bronchiolitis compared to standard care. Furthermore, the researchers will evaluate if breathing difficulties, nighttime awakening and impact on parents will be improved by the lavender oil chest wraps. Infants will be randomized to receive standard care with the addition of lavender oil chest wraps or to receive standard care alone. The study will take place in two locations in Switzerland, at the Geneva University Hospital and the Fribourg Cantonal Hospital.

Inclusion criteria:

• Bronchiolitis: clinical diagnosis based on the combination of respiratory distress (tachypnea, grunting, nasal flaring, retractions, and/or need for supplementary oxygen) and fine crackles sometimes accompanied by wheezing on auscultation.
• Hospitalization.
• Written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria:

• Patients with underlying diseases that impact respiratory or heart function (congenital heart disease, congenital malformation of the lung or airway system and severe chronic lung disease).
• More than 3 episodes of bronchiolitis.
• Critically ill infants who have an immediate need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission.
• Respiratory deterioration needing Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or transfer to ICU during study enrollment.
• Atopic dermatitis, eczema or other skin lesions (particularly on the chest).
• Oncologic disease.
• Premature infants with mild bronchopulmonary dysplasia will not be excluded.