One of the most often used home remedies to soothe and open the nasal passages, to provide relief from the effects of a cold or sinus infection is steam inhalation. It requires the inhalation of water vapour, also called steam therapy.
Steam vapourizer can make the steam inhalation process easier at the home.
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Available on Cureka[/caption]
The warm water vapour passing through the nasal passages, mouth, and lungs loosens the mucus. This may alleviate symptoms of inflammation caused due to swelling of blood vessels in the nasal passage. Steam inhalation (in case of cold or flu) won't heal an infection, it can help make you feel much healthier while your body fights it off. But it is important to learn best practices, as with any home remedy, so you do not injure yourself in the process.
Benefits of inhaling steam using Steam vapourizer
The biggest advantage of breathing in hot, warm steam is:
- Nasal passages will relieve symptoms of pain and swelling due to inflamed blood vessels.
- The moisture can also help thin the mucus in your sinuses, which makes it easier for them to empty. This will allow, at least for a brief period of time, the breathing to return to normal.
Steam inhalation can offer some temporary relief from the symptoms of:
- Common cold
- Influenza
- Infectious sinusitis
- Bronchitis
- Allergies of the nasal tract
Although steam inhalation may provide subjective relief from the effects of cold and other upper respiratory infections, the illness won't necessarily go away faster. Currently, steam inhalation using the steam vapourizer doesn't suppress the virus responsible for the infection. As your body battles your cold, steam inhalation can make you feel a little better at best. There were mixed findings in studies conducted for the benefits of the steam treatment. In cases with sinusitis, it helps relieve headaches.
Best practises to inhale steam:
- Pick your chosen device or a pot or your own bath.
- Heat the water up to a boiling point if in your pot or WP switch on your device.
- Time yourself.
- Makes sure your face is 8-12 inches away from the boiling water. (usually, devices do have them).
- Close your eyes and drop your head slowly.
- For at least two to five minutes, inhale gently and thoroughly through your nose.
