Steam inhalation and Covid-19

SOCIAL media posts and home-made tutorials with health advice on how to recover from Covid-19 from unverified sources have gone viral.

One of the so-called natural methods to recover from the novel coronavirus is steam inhalation. However, medical researchers have not proved this theory being spread around, including by the president of Tanzania and doctors.

The Lancet medical journal article states that studies have shown that there is no additional symptomatic relief from the use of steam inhalation therapy to treat the common cold.

The head of Namibia’s case management team on Covid-19, Dr Theo-Ben Kandetu, gives five facts about steam inhalation.

There is not enough evidence available to prove that steaming will “paralyse” the virus in an infected person or is a “remedy”.

Researchers have also stated that steaming could not be used to eradicate the virus, as the steam inhalation procedure can only reach upper airways.

Although steaming is not a cure for Covid-19, it can relieve inflammation, nasal congestion, loosens mucus and helps breath comparatively better.

Steaming can bring about symptomatic relief, however, the public is cautioned against excessive steaming, as this can lead to burns in the respiratory tract.

Steam inhalation is not advised for children due to the risk of burns. Studies found that most people who developed burns from steam inhalation therapy were children.

The best way to minimise the spread of Covid-19 is by wearing a mask, maintaining social distance and proper hand hygiene.

Meanwhile, Namibian infectious disease specialist Dr Gordan Cupido said he has not seen evidence of steaming’s benefits in the fight against Covid-19 and, therefore, cannot give any recommendation.

However, a survey of general practitioners in 2016 showed that 80% of general practitioners recommended steam inhalation as a home remedy to their patients.

The journal states that, globally, there is a common misconception that steam inhalation is beneficial in preventing and treating respiratory tract symptoms.

Steam inhalation has proven to be a hazard to children because it results in scalds that can ultimately lead to hospital admission, surgery, and lifelong disfigurement.

The medical researchers suggest clinicians actively discourage steam inhalation and educate parents about alternative treatments for children.

The World Health Organisation concurred, highlighting that taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching Covid-19.

The normal body temperature remains around 36,5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower.

WHO said taking a hot bath with very hot water can be harmful.

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