Does steam or a vaporizer help against an asthma attack?

Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine

Steam or a vaporizer can help liquefy mucus when breathing problems are due to a cold or allergy. This often makes a person feel better. The viral condition, croup, is well known for responding to humidity. Asthma, on the other hand, is caused by an overreaction of the airways, making them collapse or pinch off air flow. For this reason, steam or vaporizers occasionally add to the irritation and worsen the breathing problem.

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Asthma

Asthma can be mild or severe, and is classified by how your breathing is affected. Most alarming are asthma attacks, episodes of severe coughing or wheezing where it is very hard to catch your breath; but asthma can also be a chronic condition. Treatment is by anti-inflammatories and bronchodilators.

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Does steam or a vaporizer help against an asthma attack?

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