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What are steam inhalers?
Steam inhalers are medical devices used to administer medication through steam inhalation. They work by heating water to produce moist steam which helps open up the airways of the respiratory tract. The steam carries any added medications deep into the lungs to provide relief from various respiratory issues.
How do steam inhalers work?
All steam inhalers have a built-in heat source that heats water to produce steam. Some common heat sources used are electrical heating elements and fuel burning stoves. The heated water is stored in a reservoir inside the device. Users can add medicine drops, essential oils or just plain water to the reservoir depending on their need.
When switched on, the heat converts the water into steam. Users need to position their face close to the steam outlet and inhale the warm moist air through their mouth or nose. The steam reaches deep inside the lungs through inhalation. It helps loosen up mucus, soothes irritation and delivers any added medications for maximum benefits.
Benefits of using Steam Inhaler Devices
– Helps relieve nasal and chest congestion: The warm moisture of steam helps loosen congested nasal and chest secretions for easier expectoration. It provides instant relief from blockage.
– Soothes irritated airways: Steam helps reduce inflammation and soothe irritation in the nasal passages, sinuses, throat and lungs caused by conditions like cold, flu, allergies, etc.
– Helps break up lung mucus: Moist steam makes it easier to cough up thick mucus trapped in the lungs. This helps prevent infections and makes breathing more comfortable.
– Carries medication: Some inhalers allow adding medication drops like eucalyptus, menthol or decongestants to the steam. This allows the active ingredients to reach deeper into the lungs for quicker symptom relief.
– Loosens chest tightness: For conditions causing chest tightness like asthma, COPD, steam helps relax constricted airways and ease breathing difficulties.
– Moisturizes dry airways: The humidification provided by steam prevents drying and cracking of nasal and lung tissues seen due to dry air, pollutants, etc.
Popular types of steam inhalers
There are different types of steam inhalers available based on their design, features and portability. Some of the commonly used varieties include:
Portable personal steam inhalers: These are compact and lightweight devices that can be used anywhere conveniently. They have water tanks that plug into power outlets or take AA/AAA batteries. Brands like Vicks, Dr Brown, Nasaline make personal steamers.
Steam pot inhalers: Consisting of a sturdy stainless-steel pot with a lid, these generate steam on stovetops or electric hotplates. They are inexpensive and allow adding multiple ingredients but need a heat source.
Steam vaporizers: Similar to humidifiers, these expensive devices have large water tanks that sit on furniture or counters. They provide continuous all-day humidification and medication delivery through diffusion or ultrasonic methods.
Digital steam inhaler: The latest innovation, these feature an electronic display, precise temperature control and optional aromatherapy. Models like Arovapedic and Inspirotec allow customized settings for various needs.
Tips for effective steam inhalation
To get the maximum benefits from steam therapy, it is important to use steam inhalers properly. Some best practices include:
– Add 2-3 drops of a steam-compatible essential oil or medicine to the water reservoir as prescribed.
– Position the inhaler a few inches from the face and breathe in the steam slowly through the mouth or nose.
– Inhale steam in short bursts till the airways feel moist, around 5-10 minutes per session.
– Use a towel or tissue to wipe condensed steam from the inhaler body periodically during use.
– Drink warm fluids like tea to soothe dry throat after inhaling steam.
– Use the inhaler 2-4 times daily during active illness or as needed for maintenance.
– Clean reservoirs, tubes and attachments as per manufacturer guidelines to prevent bacterial growth.
Steam inhaler devices are safe, natural and inexpensive way to relieve respiratory troubles for most people. Following the right approach and precautions ensures maximizing the therapy’s benefits. Consult a doctor for chronic or severe breathing problems before starting steam treatments at home. Using a quality inhaler device as directed offers rapid symptom relief in a convenient format.
