Should steam inhalation be used in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19?

By: Tristan Marvin Z. Uy, MD, Michelle Cristine B. Miranda, MD, Sally Jane V. Aro, MD, Ma esterlita V. Uy, MD 
Date of Review: 11 July 2020 (version 1)
Last updated: 11 July 2020 (version 1)

This rapid review summarizes the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of steam inhalation in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. This may change as new evidence emerges. 

KEY FINDINGS

- There is insufficient evidence the use of steam inhalation in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. On the contrary, it may cause harm from scald burn.

- Steam inhalation, performed through a range of traditional and device-dependent techniques, has been used in the treatment of respiratory Infections because of the theorized effects of heat and humidity on respiratory viruses, nasal secretions, inflammation, and airflow.

- We found no evidence on the efficacy of steam inhalation In treating and preventing COVID-19.

- It may be associated with harm, based on reports of scald burns which have increased during the pandemic.