Steam inhalation involves breathing in steam in order to help clear your sinuses during an episode of sinusitis or to soothe your voice during an episode of Laryngitis.

Steam inhalation is an important part of treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis.

We advice you to boil water in a vessel and then use it for steaming. Let us have a look at the do’s and don’ts of steam inhalation in this blog post.

Do’s of steam inhalation

• Use boiled water for steam, or a face steamer.
• Use clean water and a clean vessel
• Do steam inhalation for 10-15 minutes everyday.
• Use only plain water for steam inhalation.
• Breathe normally. Avoid forceful inhalation.
• Try some gentle humming after you steam to warm up your voice, in case of laryngitis.
• In case of sinusitis, take deep breaths after steam inhalation as this would help clear your sinuses.

Don’t’s of steam inhalation

• Never use boiling water when you steam – use water that’s just off the boil  
• Do not be too close to the boiled water. Maintain a safe distance
• Don’t add eucalyptus or any menthol oils to your water because these can irritate your airway
• Avoid breathing cold air for 20 minutes after you steam  
• Do not keep your eyes open during steam inhalation, it is better to keep them closed.
• Do not overuse steam inhalation

It’s important to remember that steam inhalation is a complementary remedy and should not replace professional medical advice or treatment.