What Is The Effect of Sweat on Congestion and Does Inhaling Hot, Humid Air Help Treat a Cold?
There are various methods you can use to sweat. In an attempt to sweat out the cold, you can try to:
- Exercise
- Inhale warm steam
- Visit a sauna or steam room
These activities not only help release sweat faster but also help to loosen nasal mucus, thereby temporarily relieving nasal congestion. However, it is not the secretion of sweat that helps, but instead the exposure to warm, moist air or physical activity.
People believe that inhaling hot steam or humid air will cure a cold. But, does it help? Inhaling hot steam or humid air will cause you to sweat, but won’t cure a cold. However, some warm activities can help relieve certain symptoms. You can decide to take a warm shower, stay in a steam room, or inhale the air from a humidifier or a vaporizer to relieve symptoms like nasal congestion [1]. You should also do this in your home to avoid spreading your cold.
You should ensure that the steam or water is not too hot to avoid burning or scalding.