Bye Bye Congestion with Steam

How Steam Can Help Relieve Congestion

We are now coming into the holiday season at full force. With holly and jolly just around the corner, we also may find our favorite dwarf “Sneezy” leading us to be grumpy and sleepy when our energy is needed the most. Congestion from colds, allergies, or sinus infections can leave you feeling miserable with a stuffy nose, headache, and difficulty breathing. While over-the-counter medications may help, a natural remedy that has been used for centuries is steam.

Dr. Aaron Workman, a patient favorite at one of the highest rated car accident medical care programs in Lexington, explains how it works and why it is worth a try.

What Causes Congestion

Congestion occurs when the nasal passages become inflamed, often due to colds, sinus infections, or allergies. This inflammation causes the inside of your nose to swell and produces excess mucus, making it difficult to breathe. Steam therapy hits these symptoms directly by addressing the mucus buildup and soothing the irritated areas.

How Steam Helps with Congestion

1. Loosens Mucus: Steam adds moisture to the air, which can soften and thin the mucus clogging up the nose. This makes it easier to blow your nose and allows the mucus to drain more naturally, sometimes giving immediate relief.

2. Soothes Irritated Nasal Tissues: Dryness can worsen congestion (noticed more in winter months), leading to discomfort and even minor nosebleeds. Steam hydrates the nasal tissues, reducing irritation and promoting healing.

3. Improves Sinus Drainage: Steam helps open the nose and sinuses, allowing trapped mucus and fluids to flow out. This can alleviate pressure and reduce the headache or face pain that can often come with congestion.

4. Relaxation: The warmth of steam therapy not only helps physically but also provides a calming effect, making it easier to breathe.

How to Use Steam for Relief

Steam can be done easily at home with a few different options. You can boil a large amount of water, place a towel over your head to create a trap for the steam and lean over the bowl of water breathing for the steam for relief. My favorite method is just a nice steamy shower that will not only provide relief for congestion but also provide warmth and relief for the rest of the body to help relax. You can add various essential oils to the bottom of the shower to enhance opening your airways. Steam is usually safe, but you must remember it is hot, so take precautions from burning yourself.

Steam is one of my favorite ways to help with congestion and clogged sinuses. There are an ample number of medications that can be purchased but sometimes you may not have medicine on hand and need quick relief. Whether using bowls of hot water, or just getting in a hot shower, the simple addition is a great benefit for your breathing. It helps loosen mucus, calms irritation and gets the body in a relaxed state. If the holidays are taking a toll on your immune system, and you still have not given steam a try, you may find it is a great addition for your respiratory health.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

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