Is Breathing Over Hot Potatoes Beneficial and What to Replace Inhalation With 0 7

We decided to find out whether there is any benefit to this and whether potato inhalation should be used in the modern world, where there are many other ways to deal with inflammatory diseases.

Breathing in steam during a cold was a common practice not only in our country. In Soviet times, almost every family knew and practiced the method of inhalation over hot potatoes. In European countries, steam from boiling water with the addition of menthol or eucalyptus was more commonly used.

Both methods had theoretical justification. It was believed that heated, humidified air thins out stagnant mucus, making it easier for a person with a runny nose and cough to breathe. The high temperature of the steam was supposed to fight viruses and speed up the recovery process.

It seemed that inhalations over hot potatoes were helpful. However, modern studies based on more than 50 years of observations have not confirmed any obvious benefits. Today, scientists and doctors do not recommend home steam inhalations for colds.

What Can Be Dangerous About Inhalations Over Potatoes:

hot steam can cause burns to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract as well as to the skin of the face;
there have been numerous cases where children tipped over "inhalation pots" onto themselves and required treatment in burn units.

If you are asking yourself how to properly breathe over potatoes when you have a runny nose, it is better to heed the advice of specialists and choose other treatment methods. Let steam inhalation remain a distant memory with the note "this is not how to treat."

What to Replace Inhalations Over Hot Potatoes With

During colds and weakened immunity, you want to help your body as much as possible. There are many ways to provide additional support during coughing fits and severe nasal congestion that can be safely used. It is important to follow the main recommendations of the doctor for treating a particular illness.

Drink Enough Fluids

The best options are warm water, weak tea, and natural berry juices without sugar or with minimal amounts. You can add lemon and honey to any drink. The average fluid intake for an adult is 2–2.5 liters per day, and for a child, it is 30–50 ml/kg of body weight. Staying well-hydrated is important to prevent dryness of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx. This makes breathing easier and more comfortable.

Ensure Fresh Air in the Room

It is important to regularly ventilate the room. During the heating season, you can also turn on a humidifier. These simple but often forgotten recommendations greatly help ease breathing and improve well-being during the cold season.

Use a Nebulizer

A nebulizer is a modern device for inhalations that is easy to use. It turns medication into very fine aerosol particles and allows them to be delivered to the site of inflammation in the bronchi and lungs. This device is not required for every person with a cold, but if there are children or frequently ill adults in the family, it is an indispensable item for the home medicine cabinet. In cases of severe bronchitis or recurring coughing episodes, it is much more effective than inhalations over potatoes.

The nebulizer should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Inhalations are performed with medications selected by a specialist for a specific case—general recommendations should not be relied upon. The duration of the course is usually 7–10 days.

Use Nasal Irrigators

During a runny nose, it is important to clear the nose of accumulated mucus, which contains many bacteria and viruses that can infect other family members. Sea water-based sprays allow small particles of the solution to penetrate deeply into the nasal passages, aiding in cleansing and moisturizing the mucosa.

Nasal sprays should not be used for children under 2 years old; an alternative is sea water-based drops. Any medications, even those that seem harmless at first glance, should only be used as recommended by a doctor.

In cases of frequently recurring colds or ARVI with a runny nose, a doctor may recommend using a special device for nasal rinsing—a irrigator. It helps to more effectively clear the nasal passages. A saline solution is typically used as the rinsing liquid. This device is not necessary for every person with cold symptoms, so it should only be purchased on a doctor's advice.

During the fall and winter months, encounters with ARVI are more frequent than in other seasons. To strengthen the immune system, it is important to eat properly and diversely, walk in any weather, and ensure the body gets manageable physical activity. If a cold cannot be avoided, do not engage in self-treatment or recall folk medicine and ancient remedies. Following simple recommendations, the doctor's advice, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting adequate rest will help you recover much faster than potato steam.