How can I use a steamer to relieve cold symptoms?

Using a Steamer for Cold Symptom Relief

Steam inhalation is not recommended for cold symptom relief as the current evidence does not show any benefits from the use of heated, humidified air for treating the common cold. 1

Evidence on Steam Therapy for Colds

The European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020 clearly states that there is high-quality evidence (level 1a) showing no benefit from steam or heated humidified air for common cold treatment 1. While older studies suggested some benefit, more recent and comprehensive reviews have contradicted these findings.

Potential Risks of Steam Therapy

When using humidifiers or steamers for colds, several important considerations must be kept in mind:

• Increased humidity can contribute to increased dust mite populations and mold growth in the indoor environment 1
• Humidifiers can serve as reservoirs for mold growth if not properly cleaned 1
• The potential benefits must be weighed against these risks of increased allergen exposure 1

Recommended Cold Treatments with Better Evidence

Instead of steam therapy, consider these evidence-based options for cold symptom relief:

For Nasal Symptoms

• Nasal saline irrigation: Possibly beneficial for relieving symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infections, especially in children 1
• Ipratropium bromide: Effective for ameliorating rhinorrhea (runny nose) 1
• Decongestants: May have a small positive effect on subjective measures of nasal congestion in adults with the common cold 1

For Pain and Systemic Symptoms

• NSAIDs: Effective for headache, ear pain, muscle/joint pain, and malaise 1
• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen): May help relieve nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea 1

For Cough

• Honey: Effective for children one year and older (not for infants) 2

For Overall Symptom Relief

• Zinc lozenges: When administered as zinc acetate or zinc gluconate at ≥75 mg/day within 24 hours of symptom onset, can significantly reduce cold duration 1, 3
• Combination antihistamine-analgesic-decongestant: May provide general benefit in adults and older children 1, 3

If You Still Want to Use a Humidifier

If you choose to use a humidifier despite the lack of evidence for effectiveness:

• Use it for a limited period of time only 1
• Clean it frequently according to manufacturer's instructions to prevent mold growth 1
• Be aware that neither viral shedding nor viral titers decrease with steam therapy 1

Important Considerations for Cold Management

• The common cold is self-limiting and typically resolves within 7-10 days 3
• Antibiotics are not effective for the common cold and should not be used 1, 3
• Adequate hydration and rest are crucial for recovery 3

Remember that most cold treatments only provide symptomatic relief and do not shorten the duration of illness significantly. Focus on evidence-based options rather than steam therapy, which lacks supporting evidence for effectiveness.