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.

Continue Learning about Asthma

A Mayo Clinic study published in 2015 found that a lot of people with well-controlled asthma can safely cut back on their medication use without seein...

Allergic asthma is a type of asthma where symptoms are triggered by contact with allergens, and it is the most common type of asthma. Watch Chandler D...

10 Simple Cleaning Tips to Help You Breathe Better at Home

Today, the average family in the United States spends about 90 percent of their time indoors, usually at home. If you or a loved one has a lung condit...

Add these into your diet to help prevent attacks. While diet can't cure asthma, there are ways to eat to help ease symptoms. The key: focus on anti-i...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

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.

Learn More

Features:

Condition Headquarters:

Does steam or a vaporizer help against an asthma attack?

Continue Learning about Asthma