How to Use Steam as a Decongestant

Dealing with a stuffy nose as a result of head congestion can make you feel miserable. It makes it hard to sleep or even to concentrate at work or school. This condition can occur from colds, allergies or an infection. When your baby or young child is suffering with this condition, it is particularly troublesome, because he does not understand why he feels so bad and has difficulty breathing. Using steam will help reduce the swelling in the nasal passages and allow you or your child to breathe easier.

Things You'll Need

• Essential oil, such as rosemary or eucalyptus
• Cool mist humidifier
• Washcloth or small towel
• Teakettle or saucepan

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Instructions

• 1

  Run hot water into a bathtub. Add a few drops of essential oil, such as eucalyptus or rosemary, states the Clinical Knowledge Summaries website. Sit in the bathroom with the door closed and breathe in the steam. If you have a small child with congestion, hold him in your lap.

• 2

  Operate a cool mist humidifier by following the package directions. This may help loosen up the congestion, Richard Rosenfeld, chairman and professor of Otolaryngology at Long Island College Hospital, tells U.S. News & World Report.

• 3

  Place a hot, damp washcloth or towel over your nose and breathe in the steam for five or 10 minutes. Try this treatment several times a day, states the Cigna website.

• 4

  Add some water to a teakettle or a saucepan on your stove. Bring it to a boil, turn it down to a simmer, and breathe in the steam while sitting in the room for about 15 to 20 minutes. Do not allow children near the stove, and keep an eye on the pot so that it does not boil dry.