The number of positive coronavirus cases is increasing every day, and with each passing day, people are looking for new ways to safeguard themselves from this deadly virus. One such method that is currently hyped is steam inhalation which can help in fighting coronavirus. Go through this blog to learn how steam kills coronavirus.
What is Steam Inhalation?
It is one of the oldest and recommended home remedies found in our grandparent’s cookbook, which is used for treating common cold and sinus infection. Steam inhalation is used for calming and opening the nasal passage by loosening the mucus in the throat, lungs and nasal passage. This method is also called steam therapy, where you inhale water vapor to relieve symptoms of swollen and inflamed blood vessels and ease congestion and other respiratory symptoms.
How Steam Inhalation Help You Fight Against COVID-19?
You must be wondering does steam kill coronavirus. To answer this, you must know that WHO and CDC don’t recommend steam inhalation therapy to prevent coronavirus. But American Lung Association suggests the steam inhalation can help in easing respiratory symptoms; however, it will not work as the cure for coronavirus.
Wearing a mask, washing and sanitizing your hands at regular intervals and social distancing are best practices to combat against the deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Steam Inhalation and Its Benefit
Inflammation in the blood vessels of sinuses triggers the blocked or stuffy nose. You can feel inflammation in a sinuses blood vessel because of an acute respiratory infection such as sinus or cold infection.
The benefit of inhaling warm and moist steam is that it can help in alleviating irritation and swollen blood vessels in your nasal passage. The steam may even help in thinning the mucus in the sinuses to clear out easily. Steam also reduces soreness and inflammation, relaxes throat muscles, and dilates blood vessels to improve blood circulation. This will make your breathing return to normal and will help you to breathe well. Steam inhalation therapy may provide relief from the following symptoms:
- The flu
- The common cold
- Nasal Allergies
- Bronchitis
- Sinus Infections
However, you can take steam for coronavirus only to get relief from respiratory symptoms. Because steam inhalation cannot kill the virus that is responsible for the infection; however, it can make you feel better and get relieved from various respiratory symptoms.
There are many mixed results about steam inhalation coronavirus; however, evidence claims that steam inhalation can help you in easing symptoms of:
- Blocked or Stuffy Nose
- Breathing Problem causes by congestion in airway
- Cough
- Throat irritation
- The dry or irritated nasal passage
- Headache
How to Inhale the Steam for Coronavirus?
Curious does steam kills coronavirus or not. Even if there is no solid substantiation to prove this theory, it is not wrong to say it can help you ease a few symptoms of coronavirus related to the respiratory system. Before you begin the steam inhalation coronavirus therapy, you must know how to inhale the steam.
- Material Required – Water, large bowl, a kettle or pot and a towel.
- Now heat the water to boiling temperature.
- Then safely pour the hot water into the bowl.
- After that, cover the back of your head with a towel.
- You need to slowly lower your head toward the steam about 10 inches away from the bowl by closing your eyes.
- Never make direct contact with the water.
- Now you need to slowly inhale deeply via your nose for at least five minutes.
- Remember to steam only for 10-15 minutes per session. However, repeat steam inhalation coronavirus therapy twice or thrice a day to get relief from congestion.
A vaporizer or electric steam inhaler is simple, handy and readily available equipment that uses electricity for making steam. Some electric inhalers come with a built-in mask that can fit perfectly around your nose and mouth. Make sure to wash and clean the vaporizer for preventing fungal and bacterial growth.
Read related- Covid-19 Symptoms Day By Day In English
Side Effects of Steam Inhalation
The therapy of taking steam is the most effective home remedy; however, if you are not careful enough, then you can hurt yourself. If you come directly in contact with hot water, you can burn yourself. Follow these precaution to avoid burns:
- Place the bowl of hot water on the levelled surface.
- Keep the bowl of hot water away from the reach of children
- Don’t try to shake or lean on the bowl.
- Ensure to keep your eyes away from making contact with steam.
Key Takeaway
It’s still a mystery whether steam kill coronavirus or not, but one can use it for relieving other respiratory, cold and sinus symptoms.
Speak to a Professional doctor over Meddo for personalized advice on Covid-19 if your symptoms become worse.
