Steam Inhalation

Definition: Supplying of warm, moist air to congested mucous membranes.

Effective for:

Warm moist air directed toward the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract will often help to loosen the dry cough or stuffiness which is commonly felt.

A steam inhalation will relieve inflammation and congestion of the upper respiratory mucous membranes, as well as relieving an irritated throat, and spasmodic breathing. It will also loosen secretions and stimulate a discharge of mucous from the throat and lungs.

Proceedure:

1. Have a cleared space next to stove with a large pan of water and ice.

2. On the front burner of the stove have a pan or tea kettle with boiling water.

3. Place a towel over the head and stand over the steam being careful not to touch the hot pan. Breath steam slowly and deeply for 3-4 minutes.

4. Move over to the pan of ice water and take a deep breath and lower the face into the cold water. If possible stay for about 20 seconds.

5. Dry the face and gently blow your nose into a Kleenex.

6. Repeat steps 3, 4 & 5 several times until the nasal cavity is clear and breathing is easier.

7. After treatment dry the face and keep warm and away from drafts. Rest for 30 minutes.

Note: Air passing to the lungs during breathing passes through the nasal cavity. There it is warmed and humidified since in the nose it is exposed to a large surface of warm, moist mucous membranes. In the case of a cold, the nasal cavity becomes congested so that breathing has to be done largely through the mouth which does not warm and humidify the air as well. The dry, cold air irritates the passages and thus aggravates the inflammation processes, which makes mucous in the air passages thick and even forms plugs. The mouth is constructed for food passage rather than breathing. Steam inhalation treats these problems by humidifying and warming the air breathed.

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