CHILDREN are ending up in hospital after parents fall for a common cold cure myth, a surgeon has warned.
The popular method, which is believed to unblock sinuses but has not been proven to be effective, can leave people with “truly life-changing” disfigurement, Mr Jeremy Yarrow, a consultant surgeon at Morriston Hospital in Swansea, said.
Steam inhalation, as the name suggests, it is breathing in steam from heated water.
Many people do this to soothe and open their nasal passages when they have a cold or sinus infection to loosen mucus and relieve symptoms.
But Mr Yarrow who works at the NHS Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery, said he and his colleagues have seen too many children and adults with burns every winter as a result of the practice.
He said the steaming was dangerous because bowls of hot water could spill suddenly, causing serious injuries to areas including the face, chest, stomach and legs.
The resulting injuries sometimes require long-term treatment or surgery, with children particularly vulnerable because of their thinner skin.
“Every year, we at the Welsh Burns Centre unfortunately see too many children and adults with burns sustained from boiling water linked to inhaling steam,” he said.
“Many of the injuries have required admission to hospital and some have gone on to require surgery and skin grafting.
“The injuries I see can often involve burns around the thighs, lower abdomen and genital areas, with children at a much higher risk due to their thinner skin and lack of awareness of the danger.
“Unfortunately, these injuries have the potential to be truly life-changing and can cause lifelong disfigurement and scarring.”
Mr Yarrow said using steam inhalation to cure ailments has not been proven to be effective and urged people to seek safer treatments.
He was backed by Professor Dr Aidan Fowler, national director of patient safety at NHS England, who said: “It’s crucial to remember that not all ‘DIY hacks’ are helpful, particularly as using bowls of boiling water to relieve coughs and colds can go wrong very quickly – and could lead to severe burns.
“If you are congested, you should drink plenty of fluids and rest. You could also try sitting in the bathroom with a hot shower running to breathe in steam to ease a blocked nose but, if you’re in discomfort, please come forward and speak with your local pharmacist.”
A Cochrane medical review into the practice also found no clear benefits for using steam inhalation for treating such illnesses.
Mr Yarrow said: “Although inhaling steam is sometimes thought to be useful as a remedy for common colds and chest infections, evidence of the effectiveness is weak and theories that the steam loosens mucus, opens nasal passages or slows the replication of viruses are just unproven.
“I urge the public to not use inhaling steam as a remedy for the treatment of illnesses such as the common cold and respiratory infections but instead use over-the-counter remedies or those prescribed to them.”
He said people should act quickly if they do get burned.
“Should the worst happen and a burn injury occur, quick action can reduce the potential for long-term injury or scarring,” he said.
“Remembering the ‘3Cs’ in such an event can make all the difference.
“They are: cool the burn with running cold tap water for 20 minutes and remove all clothing and jewellery (unless it is melted or firmly stuck to the wound), call for help – 999, 111 or your GP for advice, and cover loosely with clingfilm or a sterile, non-fluffy dressing.”
How to manage a cold
Safer alternatives are available with the NHS recommending these more effective ways to manage cold symptoms:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Use decongestant sprays, vapour rubs, or salt water nasal rinses
- Rest and allow your body to recover naturally
People are also being reminded to take care when using hot water bottles as they can also lead to burns and scalds.
Janine Evans, an advanced practitioner occupational therapist at the Morriston centre, said: “Despite safety warnings over the last few years, we are continuing to see a rise in hot water bottle scald injuries every year.
“There are, however, a few simple steps that can prevent painful injuries.
“Always check the manufacturing date stamped on your hot water bottle – the year of manufacture will be in the centre of the date daisy found on the neck or collar.
“If it’s more than two years old, replace it – even if it looks fine. The rubber perishes over time.
“And never used freshly boiled water – always allow it to cool for at least five minutes before filling your hot water bottle.”
How to stop your child falling victim to nasty winter bugs
IT’S that time of year where parents brace themselves for an onslaught of winter bugs.
As a parent, you may feel helpless in stopping your tot from getting sick.
Cheryl Lythgoe, a matron at Benenden Health, tells Sun Health: “This time of year, there are so many bugs and beasties around that it feels inevitable to encounter someone with a cold.
“Children are magnets for many infections because they play in close proximity, will often put things in their mouths and often don’t wash their hands effectively.”
But there are certain measures you can take to make your tot less likely to pick up colds, RSV, the flu or Covid.
From keeping up to date with routine jabs to teaching your tot hygiene tips and boosting their immunity through meals, here are six ways you can help protect your child from winter bugs.
1. Get your jabs
2. Teach hygiene tips
3. Be wary of cuddles
4. Eat the rainbow
5. Get them moving
6. Prioritise sleep
For more details, read the full story.
