Does Inhaling Steam Cause Injury and/or Death?
Respiratory conditions, like sinusitis, colds, flu, etc. not only make it hard to breathe normally but also cause sleep disturbances. Many people consider the age-old steam inhalation therapy in such respiratory conditions. However, the conventional steam inhalation method that involves hot boiling water in a bowl and a towel for inhaling warm mist is hazardous if not done properly. As per certain studies, it also raises concerns about injury – or even death!
Continue reading to explore the side effects of traditional steam inhalation techniques, and discuss modern steam inhalers, like MyPurmist for safe therapeutic relief.
Steam Inhalation Side Effects
While steam inhalation therapy is beneficial in relieving sinus and cold conditions, it does come with certain risks. Here are some common side effects of steam inhalation:
- Burn or Injury
Avoid using hot or boiling water during steam therapy, as extremely hot water can cause burns in the nasal airways or face. Steam-led burns are common in children and people with sensitive skin. A study reported that many children were reported for immediate medical attention due to burns caused by steam inhalation during the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Cell Damage
Hot vapour from steam can also damage nose and throat cells. This is because very hot steam can damage nerve cells while weakening your immune system.
- Eye Infection
Without proper precautions, steam inhalation can cause eye infections. For instance, excessive steam inhalation or adding homemade oil or essential oil to steam water can decrease the normal blood supply to your eyes. This can further cause redness or swelling in your eyes.
- Skin Problems
Excessive steam inhalation can cause skin dryness by opening pores. It can also cause bacterial growth on the skin, leading to redness, acne, and itching.
- Risk of death (very rare)
Although steam inhalation causing death is extremely rare. But if it causes severe airway injury – particularly in vulnerable individuals – it could be fatal.
All these concerns raise the need for safety, using temperature-controlled steam inhalation devices, especially for elderly people and children.
When to Avoid Steam Inhalation
It is best to avoid steam inhalation in the following cases:
Severe bacterial sinusitis: In severe bacterial infection, you need to rely on prescribed antibiotics instead of steam therapy which is more for symptomatic relief.
High fever: During high fever along with a sinus infection, inhaling steam can worsen the discomfort.
Chronic sinus conditions: If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis, steam inhalation cannot cure it alone. It also needs other medical treatments for relief.
While steam therapy is very effective for respiratory conditions, it must be part of your holistic treatment regimen along with dietary modifications, proper medical care, and hydration. This way, you can maintain proper sinus health more effectively.
Modern Steam Inhaler – MyPurmist
There are several modern steam inhalers in Australia to offer therapeutic benefits without any risks associated with conventional steam inhalation techniques. These advanced devices provide targeted steam delivery, temperature-controlled settings, and integrated safety mechanisms.
MyPurmist is the smarter, safer option that eliminates the risks of conventional steam inhalation methods. This revolutionary steam inhaler and vocal steamer offers maximum relief with safety. Hence, many doctors recommend it for delivering drug-free, natural therapy for respiratory conditions.
What Makes MyPurmist Stand Out?
- Deep Penetration for Instant Relief
Unlike vaporizers or bowl methods that deliver overly hot or uneven steam, MyPurmist provides even warm, fine mist that penetrates your nose, sinuses, and throat for quick targeted relief.
- HEPA Filtration
Thanks to integrated HEPA filtration, MyPurmist ensures the delivered steam is free from allergens, germs, and pollutants. This makes it convenient for people with respiratory sensitivity to easily inhale fine, germ-free therapeutic mist for quick relief.
- Two Convenient Versions
The device is available in two smart versions:
MyPurmist Free Cordless: It is a convenient, portable, and cordless device that’s easy to use no matter where you go. You can carry this rechargeable version while traveling or to the office or easily use it in the comfort of your home.
MyPurmist 2 Plug-In: As the name suggests, it is a plug-in version to offer constant, therapeutic steam. It’s ideal for home or office use. You simply need to plug it into any power outlet and get instant relief as desired.
- Temperature-Controlled Mist
MyPurmist can adjust the steam temperature as per your desired comfort level. There are no chances of overheating. So, one can inhale warm mist that’s warm enough to deliver therapeutic relief without causing any harm.
- FAA-Approved & Travel-Friendly
For frequent travelers, MyPurmist is perfect – as it’s FAA-approved for airplane use. Both the devices and their water refills are certified for use on flights. So, you can easily enjoy steam therapy even in mid-air—no compromises!
Conclusion
The technique you choose for steam inhalation makes it safe or unsafe. For instance, using traditional methods, like hot boiling water is risky and can cause burns or injury – particularly in children. Therefore, it is wise to switch to advanced, temperature-controlled MyPurmist steam. This advanced steam inhalation device provides effective, safe, and convenient steam therapy.
Searching for “steam inhaler near me?” Look for no further than MyPurmist – as it’s safe for all age groups, trusted by doctors, and designed to deliver safe, therapeutic steam without any discomfort.
