Humidification
A humidifier increases the amount of moisture in the air in a room or a building. Air that is too dry may dry out mucous membranes and cause these tissues to be irritated. Personal humidifiers, worn at night, have been investigated in patients with cancer treatment-related mucositis as a way to promote the healing of mucus membranes.
Human Leukemia Inhibitory Factor
Human leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is an interleukin class cytokine that inhibits cell differentiation. Recombinant human LIF was evaluated for its effect on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with cancer.
Human Intestinal Trefoil Factor
Intestinal trefoil factor is a peptide that is found in mucosal goblet cells and plays a role in mucosal defense and repair. Topical use of recombinant human intestinal trefoil factor was evaluated for its effect in patients with cancer for the prevention and management of mucositis.
Honey Impregnated Gauze
Honey is a carbohydrate compound made by bees. Most microorganisms do not grow in honey because of its osmotic pressure, and its use has been examined for local application to affect wound healing. Honey has been examined in patients with cancer for management of mucositis as an oral application and in radiodermatitis in a dressing application. Various formulations of medical grade honey have been used.
Honey
Honey is a carbohydrate compound made by bees. Most microorganisms do not grow in honey because of its osmotic pressure, and its local application has been examined for its effects on wound healing. Honey has been examined in patients with cancer for the management of mucositis as an oral rinse and for radiodermatitis as a dressing. Various formulations of medical and nonmedical grade honey have been used.
Homeopathy
The alternative medical system of homeopathy was developed in Germany at the end of the 18th century. Supporters of homeopathy point to two unconventional theories: “like cures like”—the notion that a disease can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms in healthy people; and “law of minimum dose”—the notion that the lower the dose of the medication, the greater its effectiveness. Homeopathic remedies generally involve pills or elixirs containing an active ingredient, usually a plant or mineral substance.
High Flow Oxygen
High flow oxygen consists of a blend of air and oxygen that flows through a humidifier and a heated circuit and is subsequently delivered via nasal cannula. High flow oxygen has been tested as a possible intervention to treat dyspnea in hospitalized patients who have cancer.
High Dose Laser Therapy (HDLT)
High-dose laser therapy (HDLT) is a non-invasive use of laser energy that attempts to affect cells and physical symptoms often related to inflammation. HDLT is produced by Class IV lasers and uses a higher wavelength and energy power than low-level laser therapy. HDLT has been investigated in patients with cancer as a treatment for mucositis.
Herbal Medicine
An herb is a plant or part of a plant that people take for health benefits as dietary supplements or medication. Herbal medicine may also be referred to as phytotherapy or use of botanicals. Herbal medicine interventions include a variety of substances and combinations of substances. Herbal medicine is contraindicated with some chemotherapy agents.
Henna Ointment
Henna is a plant derivative that has been used as a dye for hair and body art. Henna may have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and may facilitate wound healing. A topical combination of steroid and henna ointment has been tested for effects on radiodermatitis.