Problems breathing? Breathe easier thanks to water vapor
In recent years, the use of inhalers and other asthma therapies has increased. With various triggers responsible for moderate and severe attacks (e.g., allergies, pollution, exercise, dust mites, cigarette smoke), asthma sufferers must be constantly on guard to prevent potentially catastrophic attacks. When looking for ways to relieve respiratory symptoms, one option is often overlooked: Steam heat. Symptoms of asthma and other breathing problems can be relieved by using a steam bath. Studies have confirmed this in practice.
Studies by German researchers at the University of Munich confirm the beneficial effects of warm, moist air on the respiratory system. The Institute of Medical Balneology and Climatology conducted a series of studies between 1983 and 1986 that showed steam baths helped relieve upper respiratory tract symptoms and improve asthma symptoms. Patients with bronchitis also benefited from steam treatment, as mucus and phlegm were better cleared and cough was relieved.
Hot, humid air acts as a natural expectorant
Heat treatments have been used for centuries to relieve respiratory symptoms by ventilating and clearing the lungs. However, heat can also help clear sinuses, which is a great benefit for asthmatics. Steam treatment can dilate the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes and loosen mucus.
You can’t talk about steam treatments without mentioning the positive health effects they can have. Because of these benefits, inhaling steam can help relieve asthma and other respiratory conditions. Among the many benefits of heat treatment are:
- Some of the airway dilation that occurs during an asthma attack is directly due to inflammation. Heat treatment reduces inflammation throughout the body and can help relieve the chronic inflammation associated with asthma. In fact, asthma is associated with four forms of airway inflammation, so any reduction in inflammation is particularly beneficial.
- People who hyperventilate often have problems with blood circulation. When you improve your blood flow, you reduce vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) and inflammation, which helps open the bronchi. A well-functioning cardiovascular system always has a positive impact on your overall health profile.
- The negative effects of stress on overall health are especially severe for asthmatics. Stress can promote rapid breathing, increase inflammation as a result of a hormonal response, and affect blood flow.
Asthma has many causes
There are numerous causes and no effective treatment for this condition. It is a chronic condition that significantly limits lifestyle. Asthmatics must carefully consider before engaging in strenuous activity, even if they are otherwise healthy and fit. Allergies, exercise, molds, dust mites, air pollution, and pet dander – none of these asthma triggers are going away anytime soon, so controlling asthma symptoms will remain a struggle for sufferers.
A steam bath won’t cure your breathing problems, but it can help with respiratory management and relieve symptoms. Considering the additional potential benefits of steam treatment, it’s certainly worth a try. Invigorated and revitalized – that’s how people who have tried steam baths describe it. Although the experience of a steam bath is a pleasure in itself, the experience becomes even more delightful when you consider all the ways it can affect your health.
Asthma triggers from steam baths
Depending on your asthma triggers, you may or may not benefit from a steam bath. If excessive humidity and heat aggravate your asthma, you should definitely avoid steam baths. When using for the first time, it is advisable to limit your time in the steam room to determine how your body and asthma respond. Keep your inhaler in proximity!
A warm tub bath as an alternative
A tub bath releases steam, but at a much lower temperature than steam baths. In a study of asthma patients who bathed regularly, it was found that “the effects of bathing in asthma patients varied widely from patient to patient and that triggers included multiple factors.” Among those who reported asthma symptoms while showering, steam inhalation accounted for 89.5% of the contributing variables.
A tub bath is perhaps the best alternative for a relaxing bath. A full bath offers the opportunity to relax, but can also be used as an alternative to showering if hot showers are a trigger for you.
Our tip
Inhalers are used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies and other conditions. Thus, manual or electric inhalers provide decongesting of nasal cavities and airways in colds and asthma, respectively. The nebulizer enables the transformation of a liquid into small droplets that are quickly absorbed by the respiratory tract.
Since an inhaler is a medical device, it is selected depending on the intended therapy. Some devices are designed to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, while others are intended to treat common ailments such as colds or sore throats. Therefore, it is important to choose a device that is compatible with the aerosols you will be using for your treatments.
