SITZ BATH

Sitz Bath(Hip Bath)

  • The Sitz bath originated in Europe, especially Germany, in the 19th century.
  • The word comes from the German “sitzen” meaning “to sit
  • It is a local application of moist heat to the pelvic organ. The patient is usually immersed from the mid-thigh liac crest. The temperature of the water should be 110-115°F (43-46°C). Duration of bath is 15-30 minutes.
  • A sitz bath or hip bath is a bath in which a person sits in water up to the hips. It is used to relieve discomfort and pain in the lower part of the body, for example, due to hemorrhoids (piles), anal fissures, perianal fistulas rectal surgery, an episiotomy, uterine cramps, inflammatory bowel disease, pilonidal cysts and infections of the bladder, prostate or vagina.

Definition 

  • "A sitz bath or hip bath is a bath in which a person sits in water up to the hips. It is used to relieve discomfort and pain in the lower part of the body”

PURPOSES

  • To relieve pain, inflammation, or congestion if the patient is suffering from conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and postrectal surgeries.
  • To induce menstruation
  • To induce urination in case of retention
  • To relieve muscular spasms
  • To provide comfort to the client.

Indications for Sitz Bath

  1. Hemorrhoids-“Hemorrhoids are dilated, swollen veins of the rectum and anal canal that cause discomfort, bleeding, or pain.”
  2. Anal fissures-Ananal fissure is a tear in the lining of the anus. fissures can be extremely painful when passing a stool. 
  3. Anal surgery
  4. Episiotomy cut-Episiotomy is a procedure in which the perineum is cut as a means of enlarging the vaginal opening for ease of childbirth.
  5. Cramps in uterus-Apainful spasmodic muscular contraction in the Uterus.

Contraindications for Sitz Bath

  1. Pregnancy
  2. Menstruation
  3. Renal inflammation

SOLUTIONS USED FOR SITZ BATH

  • Potassium permanganate solution (1:5000)
  • Dettol (1:40)
  • Betadine (1:20)
  • Boric acid (1dram to 1 pint.)
  • Eusol solution.

Articles Required -

  1. A bed screen if treatment is to be done at bedside
  2. A suitable bath tub or basin
  3. A bath thermometer
  4. A jug with warm water
  5. Bath towel and Blanket
  6. A bed side stool 
  7. Patient  clean cloths

Steps of the Procedure 

  • Explain the purpose of the procedure to the patient.
  • Fill the tub with water about half full at a temperature of 105 degree ferenhite or 40 degree Celsius.
  • Add the desire amount of solution that is potassium permanganate or betadine solution.
  • Screen the patient if at the bedside or wheel him to the bathroom in a chair if his condition permits.
  • Assist the patient to undress, avoid unnecessary exposure. Stand directly at the patients back; help the patient to sit down in the tub with the feet flat on the floor. There should be no pressure on the sacrum or thighs.
  • Be sure that the thighs, buttocks and lower abdomen are immersed in the solution.
  • Drape the patient’s legs and thighs. Wrap a bath blanket around the patient’s shoulders to protect him from chills.
  • Observe the patient closely for any signs of weakness and fatigue. Discontinue the bath if the patient has any signs of fatigue, pallor, rapid pulse and nausea.
  • Test the water in the tub several times and keep it at the desired temperature 105 degree ferenhite or 40 degree ferenhite. Additional hot water may be added by pouring it slowly from the jug.
  • Allow the patient to remain in the basin for 15 to 30 minutes. 
  • Do not leave the patient alone unless it is absolutely certain that it is safe to do so.
  • Help the patient to come out of the basin when the bath is completed. Stand in front of him. Place the hand under the axilla and partially lift him from the tub to the stool.
  • Dry the patient with the bath towel and cover him adequately. Assist him into the bed.
  • Avoid chill

After Care-

  • Rinse the basin, scrub well with soap, rinse, dry and replace.
  • Leave the patient comfortable, leave the bathroom in order. Remove the bedside stool.
  • Record time, duration, type of solution used reaction of the patient.

Points to Remember

  • Observe the patient carefully for any signs of weakness and fatigue.
  • Discontinue the bath if the patient has signs of faintness, pallor, rapid pulse and nausea.
  • Allow the patient to remain in basin for 15-30 minutes.

 

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