Secrets are found in the simplest things around us. Have you ever thought that inhaling the water vapor that rises in front of you every day in the kitchen, or while preparing a hot drink, or even while taking a hot shower, can provide you with many health benefits? What if we add salt to this steam, making it salt water vapor? These benefits will certainly increase. What is water vapor? What are the benefits of inhaling it? And how can you quickly open a blocked nose? We will answer these questions through the Dalili Medical website in the following lines.

How can I clean my child's blocked nose using steam?

 

In general, it is preferable not to let children inhale steam due to the risk of burns. In fact, one study showed that most cases of burns resulting from steam inhalation were among children. However, you can have your child sit in a steam bath by running hot water in the bathroom to get a similar effect. Steam inhalers available for purchase online or in stores are generally safer, as the water is tightly sealed and cannot easily spill on the skin. For babies under 6 months of age, it’s common to have a stuffy nose, commonly known as a “snot.” This is usually the result of normal mucus building up in the nose, making it difficult for the baby to clear it. Treatment isn’t needed if the baby is happy and feeding well.

Here are some safe options you can try if your baby is having trouble feeding:

- Give your baby a warm bath. If your baby can sit up, they’ll enjoy the playtime and distraction, and the warm water can help loosen congestion.

- Try placing a bowl of warm water in your baby’s bedroom. This will help increase humidity, which can help loosen thick mucus.

- Try sitting with your baby in a steamy environment before feeding. For example, you could run a hot shower and close the door, then sit in the room with your baby for five minutes before feeding.

- Try offering smaller, more frequent feedings.

Run a humidifier in your baby’s room while he sleeps. If the above methods do not work, salt water drops (saline solution) or sprays can be helpful. Saline drops work to thin the mucus, making it easier for the baby to clear it from his nose. Saline solution is thought to be more effective than plain water. You can buy saline drops from a pharmacy, where the pharmacist can also advise you on how to use them. It is best to use the drops just before feeding, and when the nose is blocked. If the saline solution is used excessively, it may cause the skin around the nose to feel a little sore.

**The correct way to make your baby inhale salt water vapor**

 

To benefit from salt water vapor inhalation for infants, it is essential to follow the correct steps to ensure that your baby gets the desired benefits that will help him feel comfortable. Here are the steps to follow:

1. **Wash your hands**: Make sure to wash your hands and your baby’s hands thoroughly with soap and water before starting the treatment.

2. **Preparing the device**: Use a steam inhaler designed for children and follow its instructions to prepare it correctly.

3. **Place the mask on the child's face**: Place the mask on the child's face, and you may need to distract him during this step to prevent him from trying to remove the mask.

4. **Stop the device**: If it is necessary to stop the treatment, it is preferable to stop the device to avoid wasting any amount of medication.

5. **Clean the device**: It is recommended to clean the device after each use, by washing the medication container and the face mask or mouthpiece with hot water and soap.

**Water vapor inhalation methods**

 

**Manual steam bath**

**Materials and tools required:**

- A large metal pot

- Half a gallon of water

- A towel

- A plastic bowl

- A group of herbs such as thyme, chamomile, lavender, eucalyptus, or linden

**Steam inhalation method:**

1. Put the amount of water on the fire and leave it until it boils completely, then add the herbs to the boiling water.

2. Pour boiling water into the plastic bowl and wait a little while for it to cool down to avoid face or neck burns.

3. Sit comfortably, then lean towards the bowl of hot water, making sure to keep your face at least fifteen centimeters away from the steam source.

Place a towel on your head so that it covers it and the bowl, as the towel will help direct the steam towards the face and protect the water from cooling quickly. It is preferable to open the mouth slightly while inhaling for best results, and continue in this position for ten minutes.

**How ​​to prepare steam from water, salt and vinegar:**

 

You can use a steam inhaler that has become widely available in many pharmacies, as many companies have manufactured it after learning about the benefits of inhaling steam from water and salt. You can also use traditional methods to inhale steam in the following way.

Bring a bowl suitable for the size of the water you want to heat. Heat the water until it boils. Then add a spoon or two of salt to the water, in addition to a teaspoon of vinegar. Inhale for a period ranging from two to five minutes maximum. You can also add some natural herbs such as thyme or lavender to the water.

The traditional manual steaming method can be replaced by using electric devices dedicated to inhalation. These devices generate water vapor that penetrates the sinuses and helps treat them quickly. It is worth noting that these devices can be purchased from pharmacies.

How does steam work? And what is the role of inhalation? Steam helps relieve inflammation and congestion of the upper mucous membrane of the respiratory system, and also contributes to reducing throat irritation and calming intermittent breathing resulting from asthma or laryngitis. In addition, it works to moisturize secretions andStimulates its exit from the throat and lungs, and helps relax the muscles and calm the cough, which prevents excessive dryness of the mucous membrane.

**Salt solution for the nose**

 

Nasal congestion occurs as a result of inflammation of the blood vessels in the sinuses, which may be caused by an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold or sinusitis. The main benefit of a warm, moist salt solution is its ability to relieve the feeling of irritation and swelling of the blood vessels in the nasal passages. The moisture also helps thin the mucus in the sinuses, making it easier to empty. This in turn contributes to restoring normal breathing, at least for a certain period.

Water and salt to treat nasal congestion

 

Warm water with salt is one of the most effective treatments for opening the nasal passages, as it helps dissolve the mucus and cough that causes nasal congestion. This mixture is recommended for use in cases of chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, in addition to cases of viral infections, pneumonia, laryngitis, dry throat, and cough.

**The fastest way to relieve nasal congestion**

 

Rinsing helps break up congestion and get rid of bacteria that cause nasal congestion. You can use the following recipe:

1. Mix a quarter teaspoon of salt with a quarter teaspoon of baking soda in 8 tablespoons of warm water.

2. Lean over the bathroom sink.

3. Use a syringe to gently spray the solution into one nostril.

4. Close the other nostril with your finger.

5. Repeat the process two to three times, then switch to the other side.

**Note:** It is preferable to avoid inhalation in the following cases:

Asthma is a condition related to bronchitis, and in its acute form it may worsen with high temperature and seizures. It is preferable to avoid inhaling steam for very young children and people who cannot tolerate high temperatures.

Saline solution for infants

Many mothers ask about the appropriate saline solution for infants. Natural saline solutions that are free of chemical components are completely safe to use with your infant. You can buy and use it without the need for medical supervision, but it is preferable to choose the type packed in drops instead of the spray. The spray may cause pressure of the solution in the nose, which may lead to damage to the inner nasal wall of your child. Therefore, a saline solution free of chemicals is the safest option for treating nasal congestion in newborns.

**Benefits of steam in treating phlegm**

 

Phlegm is a multi-colored secretion consisting of mucus and saliva, which reaches the mouth, and often appears after a cough or cold, as the nose begins to secrete clear fluids. Although phlegm is not a serious disease, it causes an annoying feeling. Its appearance is usually associated with severe coughing or colds and flu. To treat phlegm and related diseases, doctors advise, in addition to taking medications, to follow some guidelines from alternative medicine, the most prominent of which is steam inhalation. Steam inhalation is one of the best natural and easy ways to treat phlegm, and the following are its most prominent benefits:

1. Steam inhalation helps get rid of phlegm.

2. It helps remove mucus accumulated in the respiratory system.

3. It works to expand the bronchi.

4. It helps expel mucus from the body.

**How ​​long should you inhale water vapor?**

 

If you are thinking of inhaling water vapor and need to know the appropriate period for this without being exposed to any risks, know that there is no specific time period. However, it is recommended to continue inhaling for a period ranging between 10 to 15 minutes.

You can start with a few minutes until you get used to the process, but if you suffer from a severe cough or a burning sensation, you should stop immediately before the specified time is up.

It is important to drink enough water after inhaling water vapor.

When using vaporizers, make sure the device is clean before use to avoid bacterial growth.

A common mistake is to use salt or essential oils during this process without consulting a doctor.

For best results, it is preferable to use distilled or sterile water instead of regular water.

Avoid using boiling water, and instead use hot water, while maintaining a sufficient distance between your face and the steam source, and the inhalation process should be done slowly.

**Benefits of inhaling steam and mint**

 

Mint added to hot water is an effective way to relieve pain and help get rid of headaches. You can use mint oil by adding a few drops to hot water and inhaling the resulting steam.

**Does steam cause suffocation?**

 

Inhaling steam is used as a treatment for respiratory conditions. However, it should be noted that excessive steam inhalation may lead to suffocation, as anything that is used excessively, even if it is useful, may have adverse results.

Therefore, it is advisable not to be exposed to steam for long periods while showering, and it is preferable to open a window to renew the air in the place filled with steam to avoid suffocation. It is preferable to inhale steam for short periods to achieve the desired benefit without negatively affecting the individual's health.

Inhaling steam may have some harms in addition to its benefits, and you can learn about these harms through the following paragraph:

**Does inhaling water vapor cause harm?**

 

Despite the many benefits of inhaling water vapor and salt, it may lead to some risks. Among these risks are:

- Steam can accumulate inside the lungs, which may lead to their blockage and failure to perform their functions, which exposes the person to the risk of suffocation.

- Swelling may occur in the trachea as a result of inhalation, which is the main passage for oxygen to enter the body.

- Inhaling water vapor can cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose, whichIt leads to breathing difficulties.

Inhaling air vapor can irritate the respiratory system due to the presence of harmful chemicals in the water, and when these substances evaporate, they may cause damage to the respiratory system.

When is it recommended to use a chest vaporizer?

 

There are some cases in which it is preferable to use a vaporizer, after consulting a doctor. Here are some of these cases and symptoms:

- Colds resulting from viral infections in the upper respiratory tract, such as the nose and throat.

- Sinus infection.

- Inflammation of the upper airways.

- Bronchiolitis.

- Bronchitis.

- Allergies that lead to itchy eyes, skin, runny nose, and congestion.

In addition to some other conditions, including the following:

- Feeling tired of the voice or having hoarseness or pain.

- Dry throat.

- Annoying cough or having thick mucus in the respiratory tract.

- Being in a smoky or dry environment.

- Excessive use of the voice.

**Benefits of Chest Steam**

Chest steam is an effective way to relieve symptoms associated with upper respiratory problems, although it is not a direct treatment. Here are some of the main benefits:

1. **Promoting sleep**

Inhaling steam at night helps to relax and prepare the body for sleep. Getting enough sleep enhances the healing process and helps fight colds and sinusitis, as the body needs rest during this period.

2. **Treatment of hoarseness**

The vocal cords can be irritated, leading to hoarseness, and this may be due to respiratory diseases, exposure to smoke, or excessive singing. Chest steam is used to moisturize the vocal cords, improve their movement, and restore their normal functions.

3. **Relieve sore throat**

Steam steam helps reduce pain and swelling resulting from inflammation of the throat tissues.

4. Relieve congestion

Steamwork helps relieve congestion by dissolving mucus accumulated in the lungs, throat and sinuses, which facilitates breathing and relieves pressure on the upper respiratory tract.

5**Prevent facial wrinkles:

Premature skin aging and wrinkles are the result of decreased collagen and elastin production, in addition to poor blood circulation in the face. To avoid premature aging, it is recommended to take advantage of steam baths that deeply moisturize the skin and stimulate blood circulation.

6**Improving blood circulation:

Water and salt vapor help stimulate and activate blood circulation in the skin, giving it a more youthful, pure, vibrant and smooth appearance.

7**Opening pores clogged with impurities:**

Water and salt vapor help cleanse the skin of impurities, and also works to soften it, which helps remove the layer that clogs the pores, and also enhances the treatment of acne.

8**Gives the face a soft and radiant appearance:**

Ridden and softening the skin with heat helps dissolve these impurities, in addition to the antiseptic properties of salt.

9**Moisturizes the nasal passages:**

Symptoms such as dryness and sinus irritation are associated with health problems such as colds and respiratory infections. Therefore, using steam helps moisturize the airways, which alleviates the symptoms that the person suffers from.

10**Boosts immunity and reduces inflammation:**

Salt is an effective anti-inflammatory, as it can help cleanse the body of toxins. When you inhale salt, the respiratory system becomes able to expel these toxins. Salt inhalation therapy can also boost your immune system, helping it fight bacteria.

11**Relieves stress and improves mood:**

The negative ions produced by salt help reduce stress levels and improve mood. These particles are believed to enhance the production of serotonin, a compound that positively affects your mood.

12**Detoxification:**

Salt therapy through an inhaler helps reduce toxins accumulated in the body, which leads to reducing inflammation and reducing the risk of toxins in the body.

13**Relieve migraines:**

Steam inhalation is an effective treatment for relieving headaches, especially migraines, in addition to headaches resulting from depression. This treatment is characterized by its relaxing effect on the soul, as the inhalation water enhanced with salt and aromatic oils provides a wonderful feeling of relaxation, and helps promote comfortable sleep.

14**Eczema treatment:**

Inhalation is also recommended in cases of eczema or secretions in the facial area, such as the nose, throat and eyes, as it enhances the healing effect of sore throat, nasal congestion or cold eyes.

**Side effects of steam inhalation**

 

Steam inhalation is a safe home remedy if performed correctly, but there is a high possibility of unintended harm if you are not careful.

There are risks of burns in case of contact with hot water. The biggest risk is accidentally dropping the hot water pot on your lap, which can cause severe burns to sensitive areas.

To avoid burns, it is recommended to:

- Make sure to place the hot water pot on a flat and stable surface to avoid movement.

- Avoid shaking or leaning towards the pot.

- Make sure not to expose your eyes to the steam, preferably close them and direct them away from the steam source.

- Keep the hot water pot out of the reach of children or pets after completing the inhalation session.

- Close your eyes while inhaling to avoid direct contact with the steam.

Using inhalers available in stores reduces the risk of burns, as the water is confined in a closed chamber. However, make sure to clean the filters and replace them when necessary, as dirty parts may contain bacteria or viruses.

**Respiratory irritation**

Excessive inhalation of water vapor can irritate the respiratory systemRespiratory rather than soothing it, which is the main purpose of its use, especially in individuals suffering from conditions such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.

**Dehydration**

It is recommended to drink plenty of water to compensate for the dehydration resulting from inhaling water vapor, as this can lead to the loss of some fluids from the body, which may cause multiple health problems.

**Feeling nauseous**

In some cases, inhaling water vapor may cause dizziness or nausea.

**Interaction with medications**

If you are taking any medications, it is preferable to consult a doctor before using water vapor, as some medications can interact with water vapor.

**Essential oils**

You should avoid adding essential oils to hot water, as they may harm the respiratory system, especially clove and cinnamon oils. Even if you are not allergic, some people may be allergic to certain types of essential oils and cannot inhale them for long periods. It is also recommended not to use water vapor for children, especially infants, without consulting a doctor to determine the appropriate sessions for them and the duration of their use.

**Prevention of water vapor damage to the chest**

 

To avoid the risks associated with using water vapor, it is recommended to follow the following instructions provided by Muheet website:

1. Make sure to place the hot water bowl on a firm and stable surface to avoid it slipping, which may lead to skin burns due to hot water.

2. The head must be fixed and not moved while inhaling from the bowl.

3. Avoid allowing the steam to reach the eyes.

4. It is preferable to close the eyes while inhaling water vapor.

5. Make sure to keep the hot water bowl out of the reach of children and pets to avoid the risk of burns.

6. Children are prohibited from inhaling steam due to the risk of burns.

7. A hot water vapor bath can be replaced by sitting in a bathroom full of steam while taking a shower, while ensuring that the bathroom is well ventilated.

8. It is recommended to consult a doctor immediately upon feeling symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

9. Make sure to purchase electric steam devices from reliable sources to ensure their safety and that they do not cause any risks or burns to the skin.