STEAM

INHALATION

“tuob” or “suob”
Definition:

Steam inhalation is one of the most widely (oldest known) used home
remedies to soothe and open the nasal passages and get relief from the
symptoms of a cold or sinus infection.

Also called steam therapy, it involves the inhalation of water vapor.

The warm, moist air is thought to work by loosening the mucus in the nasal
passages, throat, and lungs, enable you breathe free again.

This may relieve symptoms of inflamed, swollen blood vessels in your nasal
passages, thus promoting better blood circulation in the respiratory tract.
While steam inhalation won’t cure an infection, like a cold or the flu,
it may help make you feel a lot better while your body fights it off.

But as with any home remedy, it’s important to learn best practices
so you don’t hurt yourself in the process.
 Steam
inhaler
(Vicks)
Benefits of steam inhalation:
A stuffy nose (nasal congestion)

The main benefit of breathing in moist, warm steam is that may help ease
feelings of irritation and swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages.

The moisture may also help thin the mucus in your sinuses, which allows
them to empty more easily.

This can allow your breathing to return to normal, at least for a short period
of time.
● While steam inhalation can provide subjective relief from the
symptoms of a cold and other upper respiratory infections, it won’t
actually make your infection go away any faster.

● Steam inhalation doesn’t actually kill the virus responsible for the
infection.

● At best, steam inhalation might make you feel a little better as your
body fights your cold.
Although the results of clinical studies have been mixed, anecdotal
evidence claims steam inhalation helps alleviate:

 Headache
 congested (stuffy) nose
 throat pain and irritation
 breathing problems caused by airway congestion
 dry or irritated nasal passages
 Cough (dry or wet)
 Facial pains experienced during sinusitis
 Contraindications for steam inhalation

 Patient with carcinoma of the lungs

 Very young and very old
 With high fever
 With severe headache
 Hypertension or hypotension(unstable
 Suffering from conditions or congestive heart failure
 Kidney failure
 Diabetes
 Epilepsy
 Pregnant
 Do not use if you are frail to cope with the heat of steam or have not seen a
doctor
 Unconscious
 How to inhale steam

Three (3) methods of using steam therapy You’ll need the following materials:

1. Hot water and bowl  a large bowl, preferably with handle

 water
2. Vaporizer or Electric Steam Inhaler  a pot or kettle and a stove or microwave
for heating up water
3. Turmeric or Vicks Steam Inhalation  Towel or wrap to cover your head

 Added ingredients/

 Salt
 Leaves (eucalyptus, herbs, ginger, etc.)
 Eucalyptus oil (essential oils), Vicks, turmeric
powder
 Steam
inhaler
(Vicks)
Here’s the process:

1. Heat up the water to boiling.

2. Carefully pour the hot water into the bowl on a table. (Hot water and
bowl)
3. Drape the towel over the back of your head to prevent the steam from
escaping.
4. Turn on a timer.
5. Shut your eyes and slowly lower your head toward the hot water until
you’re about 8 to 12 inches away from the water. Be extremely careful
to avoid making direct contact with the water.
6. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose for at least two to five
minutes.
7. Once done, remove the towel and wipe your face with tissue or a clean
cloth.
 Reminders:

 Don’t steam longer than 10 to 15 minutes for

each session.
However, you can repeat steam inhalation
two or three times per day if you’re still having
symptoms.
 Steam vaporizers can get dirty with germs
quickly, so you’ll need to wash it often to
prevent bacterial and fungal growth.
 Do not use leftover water from previous
day.
 If you are using vaporizer or Electric steam
Inhaler, Do not use tap water as it can
damage the system. Soft and filtered water
is always recommended.

 Wash the bucket and filter system every few

days during use, too.
Side effects of steam inhalation
● Steam inhalation is considered a safe home remedy if done right, but it’s very possible to hurt
yourself unintentionally if you’re not careful.

● Damage to mucous membranes: the mucus lining inside our nose and throat is very delicate and
can easily get damaged due to excess heat.

● Risk of Burn: There’s a risk of scalding yourself if you make contact with the hot water.

● The biggest risk is accidentally knocking over the bowl of hot water into your lap, which can
cause severe burns in sensitive areas.
To avoid burns:
Make sure the bowl of hot water is on a level, sturdy surface and can’t be knocked over.

Don’t shake or lean on the bowl.

Avoid allowing the steam to make contact with your eyes.

Your eyes should be closed and directed away from the steam.

Keep the bowl of hot water out of reach of children or pets.

Steam inhalation isn’t advised for children due to the risk of burns. In fact, one study
found that most people who received burns from steam inhalation therapy were
children.

However, you can have your child sit in a steamy bathroom while you run hot water in
the shower for a similar effect.
“The Spirit of God has made me, and the
breath of the Almighty gives me life.”

Job 33:4 ESV