Is A Steam Room Good For A Cold? Here’s What You Need To Know

When the cold season comes around, it’s only natural to feel worried about your health. Everyone is susceptible to catching a cold, and it can be challenging to shake off those pesky symptoms once they start manifesting.

One question that tends to come up frequently during cold season is whether or not steam rooms are effective at relieving the symptoms of a cold. Some people swear by them, while others claim that they don’t do much of anything.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the idea of using a steam room to treat a cold. We’ll explore the science behind how steam affects our bodies, as well as some of the potential benefits and drawbacks.

“Whether you’re looking for a natural way to soothe your cold symptoms or just curious about the effects of heat on the body, this article has got you covered.”

We’ll also examine other ways to alleviate cold symptoms and discuss when it might be more beneficial to seek medical attention rather than try home remedies. By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of the role of steam rooms in treating colds and overall respiratory health.

How Does A Steam Room Help With A Cold?

A cold is a common viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, congestion, and a sore throat. While there is no cure for the common cold, there are ways to alleviate its symptoms. One such method is spending time in a steam room.

Opening Up Airways

Steam rooms emit high levels of heat and moisture, which can help open up congested airways. When you have a cold, your nasal passage becomes inflamed, leading to blockages and difficulty breathing. The heat from the steam helps to reduce inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes, allowing air to flow more easily through your nose. By opening up blocked airways, steam rooms can provide temporary relief from nasal congestion, making it easier to breathe.

According to Dr. Alexis Sauer-Budge, director of research for Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, “The warm, moist air that’s breathed during steaming carries heat deep into the lungs and airways. This causes blood vessels to dilate, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the site of an infection.” Essentially, this means that steam rooms not only open up airways but also increase circulation, providing the body with much-needed resources to fight off infection.

Loosening Mucus

Another way in which steam rooms help those suffering from a cold is by softening hardened mucus inside your sinuses, breaking it down into smaller pieces that can be expelled from the body more easily. Moisture from the steam humidifies the air passages, thinning out thickened mucus, and further easing discomfort caused by a stuffy nose.

Dr. Matthew Hoffman, MD, writes on WebMD that “by making mucus easier to clear from the sinuses, steam may help prevent sinusitis or reduce its symptoms.” During a cold, your body produces more mucus than usual as it tries to flush out the virus. However, if not removed, this excess mucus can become a breeding ground for bacteria and make the infection worse.

It is important to note that prolonged exposure to high levels of heat and moisture in steam rooms can be dangerous and lead to dehydration. It is recommended not to stay inside for longer than 15 minutes and to hydrate frequently before and after spending time inside a steam room.

“The warm steam can aid with loosening secretions in the nose and chest so they can be expelled.” -Dr. Paul Sax, Division of Infectious Diseases at Brigham & Women’s Hospital

• The heat and moisture combine to open up airways temporarily, allowing you to breathe easier and aids with expelling hardened mucus.
• To avoid dehydration, limit exposure to 15 minutes and continuously hydrate before and after use.

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Steam Room For A Cold?

Relieving Congestion

A steam room is a hot and humid environment that can help relieve congestion caused by the common cold. When you inhale the warm steam, your nasal passages become moist, which helps to loosen mucus and reduce the symptoms of congestion.

According to Dr. Christina Han, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, “The warm moisture causes vasodilation, or widening of the blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the area and provides relief from congestion.”

In addition, the warm and humid air can also soothe scratchy throats and coughs associated with the common cold.

Reducing Inflammation

Another benefit of using a steam room for a cold is its ability to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural response to fight off infections, but it can also cause discomfort and pain.

According to Mayo Clinic, “Steam inhalation can provide symptomatic relief from inflammatory conditions such as sinusitis.” By reducing inflammation, a steam room can also help alleviate headaches and facial pain caused by congestion.

It’s important to note that excessive use of steam rooms can lead to dehydration and dizziness, especially if you have a fever. It’s recommended to limit steam room sessions to no more than 20 minutes at a time and to drink plenty of water before and after each session.

• If you have asthma or any other respiratory condition, consult your doctor before using a steam room.
• If you experience lightheadedness or nausea during a steam room session, exit immediately and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

“Steam inhalation is a safe and effective way to relieve congestion and reduce inflammation in the body. However, it’s important to practice caution and limit sessions to avoid dehydration and dizziness.” -Dr. Christina Han

Are There Any Risks To Using A Steam Room When You Have A Cold?

If you’re suffering from a cold or flu, using a steam room may seem like an appealing way to alleviate symptoms. Steam rooms can help with decongestion and clearing the sinuses. However, there are potential risks associated with exposing your body to high temperatures when you have a cold. In this article, we will discuss these risks, so that you can make an informed decision about whether a steam room is good for a cold.

Drying Out Nasal Passage

The hot steam in a steam room can dry out your nasal passages, making it more difficult to breathe, which can exacerbate congestion. This is because the moisture present in mucus helps it to clear out of the nose more easily. Without that moisture, mucus can become thicker, stickier and harder to move, potentially worsening a blocked nose, cough and other respiratory symptoms you might already be experiencing.

To minimize the risk of drying out your nasal passage, try covering your face with a damp cloth while you’re inside the steam room, so that any evaporated water can re-enter and moisturize your airways.

Overheating The Body

Steam rooms typically operate at very high temperatures, usually between 110°F (43°C) and 120°F (49°C). Your body generates heat as it sweats in response to these temperatures. If you have a cold, however, overheating is counterproductive since a fever can cause dehydration. Dehydration can weaken muscles, affect kidney function and cause severe health problems if left untreated. Overexposure to heat in a steam room can also lead to dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue and in extreme cases, fainting. Always remember to stay hydrated before entering a steam room and during your stay inside it. Drinking water helps you to counter the excessive heat.

Spreading Germs

If you have a cold, using a steam room can increase the risk of spreading germs to other people since the warmth and humidity present in the room provide an ideal environment for viruses and bacteria to thrive. If you feel like you need to visit a steam room while you’re sick, consider making use of one at home or asking staff if they have any protocols for cleaning after use by someone who is ill. This way, you will be more likely to recover sooner than later without putting anyone else at risk.

Aggravating Asthma Symptoms

If you suffer from asthma, exposure to high heat and humidity can make symptoms worse. The combination of these conditions triggers the release of histamine, a substance that inflames airway passages and causes wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. To reduce the risks associated with using a steam room when you have asthma, try inhaling through your nose instead of your mouth and breathing slowly and calmly while inside the steam room. Avoid spending too long periods of time inside the unit and exit the sauna periodically to take breaks as needed.

“In general, people with asthma should avoid hot humid environments (such as steam rooms), which can worsen their symptoms,” says Dr. Rachna Patel, a medical cannabis physician in Walnut Creek, California.

Even though steam rooms might have some medicinal benefits for a cold, there are also potential risks involved. If you have preexisting health issues such as asthma or dehydration, it’s best to avoid steam rooms entirely. However, if you do decide to enter a steam room when you have a cold, keep hydrated, limit your session time, cover your face with a damp cloth to avoid drying out your nasal passage and clean the steam room for the next person. These basic steps will help you enjoy the benefits of a steam room while minimizing its risks.

How Often Should You Use A Steam Room When You Have A Cold?

No more than 20 minutes at a time

A steam room is known to help alleviate the symptoms of a cold by opening up nasal passages and sinuses, promoting relaxation, and improving blood circulation. However, it’s important to remember that spending too much time in a steam room can lead to adverse effects on your body.

The optimal duration for each session should be no longer than 20 minutes at a time. These shorter sessions will still provide all the benefits you need without causing any additional discomfort or damage to your respiratory system.

Once or twice a day

The frequency with which you use a steam room when you have a cold depends greatly on your individual needs. It’s generally recommended that you limit yourself to once or twice daily sessions to avoid overexposure and to allow your body time to recover properly between each session.

If you find that the steam room is helping you feel better, but you’re using it multiple times per day, consider cutting back on your usage to prevent exacerbating the underlying condition.

Hydrating with water before and after use

When entering a steam room, you’ll likely notice how quickly you start sweating as humidity levels increase. This excessive sweating leads to dehydration if not balanced with enough fluids throughout your whole body, including your throat and sinus membranes.

To prevent this from happening, try hydrating with plenty of water before and after your steam room session. Staying adequately hydrated will ensure proper fluid balance of your body and makes sure it counterbalances the negative impact of each sweat.

Listening to your body’s reactions

It’s crucial to listen to your body during each steam room session. Pay attention to the physical sensations that you’re experiencing, including your heart rate, breathing rate, and overall feelings of discomfort or pain.

If any adverse reactions occur such as lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest tightness, it is essential to leave the steam room immediately. In some cases, these symptoms can indicate serious medical conditions which should be addressed by a healthcare provider.

“Steam inhalation loosens mucus within airways and helps other fluids drain so you feel better,” says Neil Schachter, MD, professor of pulmonary medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

Taking advantage of a steam room when you have a cold can be beneficial if done correctly. However, each use should be kept brief and infrequent not only for comfort but also for safety’s sake. Additionally, keeping yourself hydrated with enough water before and after each session and most importantly, paying attention to your body’s reaction are equally important factors to consider when using this therapeutic treatment option.

What Are Some Other Remedies For A Cold Besides A Steam Room?

Drinking Fluids

One of the most important things you can do when you have a cold is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to keep your body functioning properly and also helps to flush out toxins from your system. Water, fruit juices, herbal tea with honey are good choices to drink.

Foods like soups, broths, warm milk mixed with honey, and bone broth are excellent for keeping yourself hydrated. Chicken soup has been touted as a go-to remedy for decades because it helps to relieve inflammation and congestion in the respiratory tract.

Getting Plenty Of Rest

Resting your body when you have a cold is extremely important. It gives your immune system time to work and fights off infection that may be making you feel sick. The more you sleep, the more your body builds up strength and power to fight against the virus that invaded your body.

You don’t need to lie in bed all day but rather ensure that you get 7-9 hours of rest each night. This allows your body to recharge and build its defense mechanisms. As soon as you start feeling under the weather, try to schedule extra downtime into your routine so that you can recover sooner instead of later.

Taking Over-The-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter medications like decongestants can help to relieve sinus pressure and congestion. Painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can ease body aches and pains while cough medication will soothe sore throats and reduce coughing.

Zinc lozenges can also provide relief. According to one study published by the Cochrane Library, high-dose zinc lozenges significantly reduce the duration of cold symptoms when taken early on.

“Getting rest is important because it allows your immune system to focus all of its energy on fighting off the virus,” says John R. Tesser, MD, PhD, medical director at DeKalb Medical Physician Group in Atlanta

A steam room is not always an option for treating colds. If you don’t have access to one or if using it aggravates your symptoms, then it’s best to stick to other remedies like drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough rest and taking over-the-counter medication.

Frequently Asked Questions