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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
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Absorption of Nasal and Bronchial Fluids: Precision Sampling of the Human Respiratory Mucosa and Laboratory Processing of Samples
Published on: January 21, 2018
Heated, humidified air for the common cold
1Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Centre, Sector 12, Chandigarh, India 160012. meenusingh4@rediffmail.com
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|July 21, 2006
Summary
Inhaling heated water vapor (steam) may offer some symptom relief for the common cold, but evidence is limited. More rigorous trials are needed to confirm benefits for treating cold symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Common cold sufferers often use heated, humidified air (steam).
- The theory suggests steam aids mucus drainage and heat may inactivate cold viruses.
- This review examines the scientific evidence for steam inhalation in common cold treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of steam inhalation for common cold symptoms.
- To compare symptom relief, viral shedding, and nasal resistance with steam therapy.
- To synthesize findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on steam inhalation for the common cold.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
- Searched major databases including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Current Contents.
- Included studies used heated water vapor in common cold patients or induced colds.
Main Results:
- Three of six included trials indicated symptom relief from steam inhalation.
- Results for symptom indices were inconsistent; no studies showed symptom exacerbation.
- Nasal resistance effects varied, and viral shedding/antibody titers remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence does not support routine steam inhalation for common cold symptoms.
- Further high-quality, double-blind RCTs are necessary to establish efficacy.
- Minor side effects like nasal irritation were reported.
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