Humidified Air for Colds a Bunch of Hot Air?

Rhinovirus, the most common cause of colds is inactivated at temperatures above 109 degrees, so it seems to make sense that inhaling steam, or humidified air would help alleviate a cold researchers thought. A number of early research studies using a variety of devices to humidify air have not yielded strong results. Recently a 2006 report of the Cochrane Database combined data from a six randomized research studies where heated water vapor was inhaled as part of the treatment for the common cold. The results found that three of the studies found benefits while the others found no benefits, a 50:50 split. The most rigorous study, done at the Cleveland Clinic and included over 60 participants that had to sit through daily 60 minute steam treatments where the temperature of the interior of the nose was measured and the 60 minute recording did not begin until the nose temperature was above 109 degrees, found that the treatment had no effect on symptoms or the length of time the participants had the cold. The results, of the Cochrane Review were that steam inhalation could not at this time be a recommended treatment for the common cold. Several other treatments did however prove to be significant. Including frequent vigorous hand washing, greater than seven hours of sleep per night, and working 50 hours a week or less. Hand washing, according to Dr. Mark Reginato has long been the staple of cold prevention in the medical profession, when doctors and other medical professionals are consistently bombarded by germs from individuals coming in to be looked at, frequent, vigorous hand washing can greatly limit the frequency of a cold. The sleep and shorter workweeks at this time are a mystery, says Dr. Reginato. Most likely they involve the immune system and keeping it strong when the cold virus is present and especially during the winter months when people are often in close quarters due to colder weather. Overall, Dr. Reginato says, this research has once again given a strong recommendation that people looking to stave off the common cold need to wash their hands frequently and maintain balance in their daily lives. Unfortunately, steam treatment cannot at this time be added to the list.To learn more about subjects like this and to start changing your body, please visit us at New Lifestyle Diet.