If you have a stuffy nose while you have a cold or sinus infection, breathing can be difficult. Sometimes it can even cause sleep problems. One of the best home remedies for a rapidly stuffy nose is steam inhalation. This blog discusses the various benefits of steam inhalation. 

What is Steam inhalation?
Steam inhalation is the simple process of inhaling steam through the nose. The warm steam hydrates the dry mucous membranes of the nose and throat. It helps release mucus and relieve chest congestion. Vapors can be inhaled using inhaler equipment, bowls, bowls of hot water, or steam baths.

The benefits of steam inhalation
Steam inhalation is an old treatment for relieving nasal congestion. It can be used when you are thirsty, thirsty, or have a cough. The benefits of steam inhalation are detailed below.

1. Promotes respiratory health
Pollution and air pollution can cause lung infections and respiratory problems. Since heat can kill bacteria or viruses in the nasal passages, regular steam inhalation can help treat respiratory infections and improve respiratory health. Studies have shown that vapor inhalation is an effective treatment for patients with COVID-19. Another study found that steam inhalation therapy can help reduce the symptoms of respiratory infections in children. 

2. It helps to get rid of bronchitis
An older study found that steam inhalation in people with bronchitis can provide short-term relief from shortness of breath. 

3. Helps treat sinus problems
Studies have shown that steam inhalation can help relieve sinus symptoms such as sore throat, headache, and stuffy nose. But it doesn't help with traffic jams.

The benefits of steam inhalation for a cold
Steam inhalation is useful for opening blocked nasal passages during colds and sinusitis. Steam hydrates dry mucous membranes and relieve chest congestion. Hot steam can also help reduce bacterial infections in the nasal passages and reduce cold symptoms. 

How to use a vapor inhaler?
At home, you can inhale steam from a pot of boiling water. However, the easiest way to inhale steam is to use a commercially available steam inhaler. How to use steam at home:
Combine the different parts of the steam inhaler and add water. Plug in the inhaler and heat the water for 30 seconds.
Lift your face over the vapor inhaler. However, keep a safe distance as the very hot smoke can burn you.
As the water heats up, you can inhale the steam for 15 minutes. Inhale the vapor only through the nose and close the mouth.
You can unplug the inhaler for 1-2 minutes to prevent the water from getting too hot or scalding. If possible, you can also set the inhaler to a lower temperature.
You can also cover your head with a towel to absorb the steam properly. Do not overfill the vapor inhaler as it may leak when heated.
Keep your eyes closed while inhaling. 

Side effects of vapor inhalation
Steam therapy is beneficial for colds and sinus problems, but it can also have harmful effects. Some side effects of vapor inhalation include:

1. Burns or wounds
Do not use hot or boiling water to inhale the vapors. Inhaling vapors from very hot water can cause burns to the face or nose. Vapor inhalation burns are common in children. According to the investigation, several children were admitted to the emergency room with burns caused by vapor inhalation during the COVID-19 period. 

2. Eye infections
Inhalation of vapors without proper precautions may cause eye damage. Inhaling too much vapor or adding essential oils or essential oils to water reduces blood flow to the eye and may cause swelling or redness.

3. Cell damage
Prolonged inhalation of vapors can damage cells in the throat and nose. Hot steam can also paralyze or damage nerve cells. weakens the immune system.

4. Skin problems
Prolonged inhalation of vapors can dry out your skin as it opens your pores. This can lead to bacterial overgrowth on the skin, leading to acne, redness, and itching.

 A little about steam inhalation
Steam inhalation is a simple, quick, and effective home remedy for the temporary relief of nasal congestion during colds and sinusitis. It can also help prevent nasal allergies, but it won't cure a cold or sinusitis. Be very careful when breathing vapors. Prolonged exposure to hot vapors or excessive inhalation of vapors can damage cells in the nose and throat and make a cold worse. Inhalation of vapors may cause skin problems and swelling and redness of the eyes. It is safe to inhale the vapor for 10 to 12 minutes a day. However, children under 12 should not inhale the vapor.