Steam inhalation: Do they really work against colds and the flu?

It's getting cold again and flu season is starting. Vaccination is recommended for certain groups of people, while others wait for the first cold of the season.

Cold remedies, nasal sprays, paracetamol and ibuprofen are part of almost every cold. Many people also use inhalation to clear their nose. This is because it is important to avoid blowing your nose too much, as this can trigger sinusitis.

Inhalation is not always good

Putting a towel over your head and bending over a bowl of hot water and possibly essential oils is not always a good idea, according to doctors. Anyone who suffers from inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, eye diseases, low blood pressure or other circulatory disorders should generally refrain from inhaling.

You should be careful if you have an infection, as your mucous membranes are swollen and irritation can be exacerbated by heat.

How to do inhalation right

Inhaling is a good idea as a preventive measure. You can promote blood circulation, support the removal of mucus and activate the defense cells of the mucous membranes. Temperature is also important. To prevent burns, the water should be between 38 and 42 degrees.

However, a clear medical effect has not yet been proven and does not help everyone. The feeling of improvement is therefore rather subjective.

This article has been translated from Gentside DE.

Read more:

⋙ It’s flu season: Know how long you’re contagious for and how to stay safe

⋙ Here's how you can prepare for flu season

⋙ Gimber: Your go-to winter cocktail for health and vitality

Sources:

MSN: Grippe-Welle hat Deutschland im Griff – diese gefährlichen Fehler machen Kranke immer wieder

Fife Health and Social Care Patrnership: Steam Inhalation

T-Online: Inhalieren: Welche Fehler Sie vermeiden sollten