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Heated, humidified air for the common cold
1Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Sector 12, Chandigarh, India, 160012. medinst@pgi.chd.nic.in
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|November 1, 2001
Summary
Inhaling heated water vapor may relieve common cold symptoms, but evidence on viral shedding and nasal resistance is mixed. Further research is needed to confirm benefits.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Heated, humidified air inhalation is a traditional remedy for common colds.
- Scientific literature exists on using a rhinotherm for this therapy.
- This review focuses on hot, humid air's role in common cold treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess heated water vapor inhalation via rhinotherm for common cold treatment.
- Compared effects on symptoms, viral shedding, and nasal resistance.
- Evaluated outcomes after natural or experimentally induced colds.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized trials using heated water vapor.
- Searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Current Contents, and other sources until July 1999.
- Included studies with standardized, controlled interventions and outcome assessments.
Main Results:
- Six trials with 319 participants suggest symptom relief (OR 0.31; 95% CI 0.16-0.60).
- Results on symptom scores and nasal resistance were equivocal; no worsening of symptoms observed.
- No evidence of decreased viral shedding; rhinovirus titres remained similar to placebo.
Conclusions:
- Three trials indicated beneficial effects on common cold symptoms.
- One study showed decreased nasal resistance; others found no objective improvement.
- A multi-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial with uniform outcomes is recommended.