Would a face steamer/sauna (beauty thing) be useful in the control and/or relief of bad asthma and mild COPD?


Question:
Heavy smoker
Asthma
Mild/early COPD
History of chest infections and productive cough


(This is my Dad...I know he needs to give up smoking and stop being stupid, but that's easier said than done)
Some say steam triggers an attack others say the opposite.
I wonder if it will ease his breathing and loosen his chest?
What is your experience?

Answers:
No. I have asthma, and I can't even have steam on me, if I get a facial. The steam from those machines can and usually do cause an asthma attack. I really don't suggest it.
It might help if he is not having actual symptoms of suddenly having difficulty breathing. In other words, if he is using it while he is at his usual baseline breathing state then it will probably feel better to inhale moist air.
However, if he is having worsening symptoms that make it harder to breathe then usual it WILL NOT help. In that case he needs a nebulizer machine in which a prescription medication called albuterol solution is mixed with saline solution and inhaled. the albuterol helps to open the airways to improve breathing. He can ask his doctor for a prescription for a nebulizer machine. Then he can use it for both the medication or simply steam. the other advantage is that the nebulizer machine is NOT hot so there is no danger of being scalded. The steam machine has a danger of scalding. Therefore, he should get a nebulizer machine.


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