Benefits of Steam inhalation

 The effects of steam inhalation on nasal patency and on nasal symptoms were studied in 62 patients with the common cold by a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Treatment consisted of two 20-minute sessions, during which the patient inhaled saturated, hot (42 degrees to 44 degrees C) air through the nose. The subjective response was recorded by each patient during the week following treatment on a daily symptom score card. Nasal patency was determined before treatment, the following day, and 1 week later by measuring peak nasal expiratory and inspiratory air flow. Highly reproducible results were obtained by using these objective methods. Steam inhalation resulted in alleviation of cold symptoms and increased nasal patency in a significantly higher percentage of patients in the actively treated group than in the placebo-treated group. Possible explanations for the effectiveness of treatment are discussed.

(Nasal patency is medical term meaning how much open each nasal cavity is )

Benefits of regular steam inhalation 

2 times a day each for 10 minutes।

(The humidified air entry 42 to 45 C temp)

1 opens nasal cavities 

2 breathing air volume increases 

3 bacteria and viruses are deactivated or weakened 

4 improves mucous drainage from nose and throat

5 loosens mucous and reduces viscosity

6 deep breathing expands lungs nodes thus improving lung function ( oxygen transfer )

7 humidifies entire respiratory tract and sinuses। reducing dryness and mucous

 production 

8 works as facial to clean skin and brings glow 

9 reduces allergic response of lining thus works as moderate anti -histamine

There is no negative effect except burns on children or adult if not uses properly

Method of use:

Boiling water and then simmering or use electric steam inhaler 

Cover face with towel

Eucalyptus oil drops can be put if nasal congestion and irritated throat।

Once in day for 10 to 20 minutes 

Or twice a day for 10 minutes

Sit straight or stand ।dont bend forward too much without resting forearms on table

Those with cervical problem be careful 

Coupled with steam , drinking luke warm lemon and honey soothes throat lining and reduces bronchial congestion and may even benefit in COPD 

Note : This is not expert advise ।just information and awareness compilation by a non medical technical expert।