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Steam Inhalation for Nasal Congestion: Is it right to inhale steam every time your nose is blocked? Repeated steam inhalation can harm your skin, nose, and sinuses. Learn when and how to inhale steam.

Steam Therapy Precautions: Most people resort to steam therapy when they have a cold or a stuffy nose. Hot steam opens the nose and provides relief, but is it always right to use steam every time your nose is blocked? Let's find out what doctors say about this and what research has revealed. Learn about the benefits and downsides of steam therapy.

Why is steaming common?

When the nose is blocked, breathing becomes difficult. This can happen due to cold, sinus, allergies, or dust. Steaming thins the mucus in the nose and makes breathing easier. According to research published in the Journal of Respiratory Medicine in 2025, frequent steaming can damage the delicate skin and mucous membranes of the nose. The research studied 400 people, of whom 60 percent used steam more than three times a week. Of these, 35 percent experienced problems like nasal irritation and dryness.

Disadvantages of taking steam

Dr. Ajay Gupta, senior ENT specialist at Fortis Hospital in Delhi, says that while steaming is beneficial, excessive steam can be dangerous. Hot steam can burn the thin skin of the nose, causing irritation, redness, and sometimes nosebleeds. If the water is too hot or you place your face too close, it can cause skin damage. 

These problems also bother.

He explained that steaming can help clear the nose, but using steam for every minor nasal congestion can strip the nose of its natural moisture, disrupting the mucus balance and increasing the risk of infection. 

The study also revealed the danger.

A 2024 study in the International Journal of Otolaryngology found that people who inhaled steam more than five times a week had a higher risk of nasal dryness and chronic sinusitis. This is especially true in children and the elderly, as their skin and nasal membranes are more sensitive.

When and how to take steam?

According to Dr. Gupta, steam should only be taken when the nose is severely blocked and breathing is difficult. For mild nasal congestion, saline drops or gargling with salt water are sufficient. The water temperature should not be too hot when steaming. Boil the water and let it cool for 5 minutes. After this, keep your face 12-15 inches away and steam for no more than 5-7 minutes. After steaming, wipe your nose with a lightly damp cloth and apply moisturizer to prevent dryness.