Myth busted: Steam inhalation does not help sinus infection
Stuffy nose? Nasal irrigation – a popular nonpharmacologic
treatment — lowers nasal inflammation and pain but steam inhalation
doesn’t, show results of a randomised controlled trial published in CMAJ
(Canadian Medical Association Journal).
Read: How to keep the doctor at bay during monsoon
Close to 140 million people in India have chronic rhinosinusitis, or sinus infection, which causes symptoms of pain in the forehead or between the eyes, stuffy nose, heavy head and inflammation in the inner lining of the nose that can last for a few days to several weeks.
Steam inhalation and nasal irrigation are the most popular alternative to treatment using antibiotics, which are often always very effective.
Common symptoms of sinus infection include pain in the forehead or between the eyes, stuffy nose, heavy head and inflammation in the inner lining of the nose. (Shutterstock)
For the study, 871 patients from 72 primary care practices in England were randomly assigned to one of four advice strategies: usual care, daily nasal and saline irrigation supported by a demonstration video, daily steam inhalation, or combined treatment with both interventions.
Read: Think twice before giving cough and cold medicines to your children
“We found that even a very brief intervention of a video showing patients how to use saline nasal irrigation can improve symptoms, help people feel they do not need to see the doctor to manage the problem, and reduce the amount of over-the-counter medication they need to use,” said Dr Paul Little, primary care and population sciences unit, University of Southampton, UK.
Patients who were instructed to use nasal irrigation showed improvement at three and six months, as measured by the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index. Steam inhalation did not appear to alleviate symptoms of sinusitis.
Ever had your ears in pain while on an aircraft or during a bad cold? Or have you woken up with a decreased hearing sensation? Then you’re experiencing a bout of Blocked Ears.
Occuring mainly due to obstruction in the ear canal or Eustachian tube, the reason may also be earwax secretions, and improper use of ear buds could push it inside, causing a blockage.
Foreign bodies that accidentally enter the ear canal could cause obstructions, or an inflammation of the tiny sinuses around the ears and excessive production of mucous may be responsible.
The change in air pressure during a flight is another common reason. But this is temporary and declines on landing. In rare cases, blockage may even be due to an intolerance to milk.
One must stop consuming milk during an ear infection, if any lactose intolerance is experienced.
Remedies:
1. For blocked ears due to a severe cold or throat infection, consume foods like garlic, chillies, bell peppers, onions, radish or jalapenos, or drink warm soups, broths, and teas for the same effect.
2. Steam inhalation with a few drops of eucalyptus oil or lavender oil helps a lot.
3. Sugar-free chewing gums or lozenges can be consumed while on an aircraft.
4. In case of severe or prolonged cases, physicians normally advise oral decongestants, nasal spray antihistamines, topical nasal steroids or ventilation tubes.
Blocked ears usually fall under the Invisible Disabilities condition and does not get the attention it needs. It is usually a reversible condition and gets corrected on its own, but if the problem or the pain persists for long, medical attention is advised.
Read: How to keep the doctor at bay during monsoon
Close to 140 million people in India have chronic rhinosinusitis, or sinus infection, which causes symptoms of pain in the forehead or between the eyes, stuffy nose, heavy head and inflammation in the inner lining of the nose that can last for a few days to several weeks.
Steam inhalation and nasal irrigation are the most popular alternative to treatment using antibiotics, which are often always very effective.
Common symptoms of sinus infection include pain in the forehead or between the eyes, stuffy nose, heavy head and inflammation in the inner lining of the nose. (Shutterstock)
For the study, 871 patients from 72 primary care practices in England were randomly assigned to one of four advice strategies: usual care, daily nasal and saline irrigation supported by a demonstration video, daily steam inhalation, or combined treatment with both interventions.
Read: Think twice before giving cough and cold medicines to your children
“We found that even a very brief intervention of a video showing patients how to use saline nasal irrigation can improve symptoms, help people feel they do not need to see the doctor to manage the problem, and reduce the amount of over-the-counter medication they need to use,” said Dr Paul Little, primary care and population sciences unit, University of Southampton, UK.
Patients who were instructed to use nasal irrigation showed improvement at three and six months, as measured by the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index. Steam inhalation did not appear to alleviate symptoms of sinusitis.
Ever had your ears in pain while on an aircraft or during a bad cold? Or have you woken up with a decreased hearing sensation? Then you’re experiencing a bout of Blocked Ears.
Occuring mainly due to obstruction in the ear canal or Eustachian tube, the reason may also be earwax secretions, and improper use of ear buds could push it inside, causing a blockage.
Foreign bodies that accidentally enter the ear canal could cause obstructions, or an inflammation of the tiny sinuses around the ears and excessive production of mucous may be responsible.
The change in air pressure during a flight is another common reason. But this is temporary and declines on landing. In rare cases, blockage may even be due to an intolerance to milk.
One must stop consuming milk during an ear infection, if any lactose intolerance is experienced.
Remedies:
1. For blocked ears due to a severe cold or throat infection, consume foods like garlic, chillies, bell peppers, onions, radish or jalapenos, or drink warm soups, broths, and teas for the same effect.
2. Steam inhalation with a few drops of eucalyptus oil or lavender oil helps a lot.
3. Sugar-free chewing gums or lozenges can be consumed while on an aircraft.
4. In case of severe or prolonged cases, physicians normally advise oral decongestants, nasal spray antihistamines, topical nasal steroids or ventilation tubes.
Blocked ears usually fall under the Invisible Disabilities condition and does not get the attention it needs. It is usually a reversible condition and gets corrected on its own, but if the problem or the pain persists for long, medical attention is advised.
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