Abstract |
A double-blind, randomized study tested the efficacy of steam (technically, heated, humidified air) inhalation in the treatment of common cold symptoms. Two 20-minute treatments spaced 60 to 90 minutes apart were given at the time of enrollment. The active device (Rhinotherm, Netzer-Sereni, Beer Yaacov, Israel) delivered 40 L/min of saturated air at 40 degrees C to 42 degrees C, while the identical-appearing placebo delivered 2 L/min of ambient air at 20 degrees C to 24 degrees C. There were 34 patients in the placebo group and 32 in the active group. Significant improvements in the placebo-treated group were obtained on subjective symptom scores for nasal congestion, nasal drainage, and sneezing on isolated days during the treatment period (40%, vs 25% on day 3, 71% vs 60% on day 6, and 100% vs 67% on day 7). Improvement in nasal resistance as measured by rhinomanography was better in the placebo group than in the active group on day 7 (11% vs -6%). Our study demonstrated no beneficial effects of steam inhalation on common cold symptoms.
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Authors | M L Macknin, S Mathew, S V Medendorp |
Journal | JAMA
(JAMA)
1990 Aug 22-29
Vol. 264
Issue 8
Pg. 989-91
ISSN: 0098-7484 [Print] United States |
PMID | 2376891
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Airway Resistance
- Common Cold
(physiopathology, therapy)
- Double-Blind Method
- Female
- Hot Temperature
(therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Humidity
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Nebulizers and Vaporizers
- Random Allocation
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