Inhalation has nothing to do with Coronavirus: Dr Chandana Sarma

STAFF REPORTER GUWAHATI: With COVID-19 proving to be a killer virus in its second wave, it is doing rounds that steam inhalation can kill the virus. However, doctors' take on the issue is different. Doctors say that inhalation has nothing to do with coronavirus – it neither kills the virus nor weakens it.

Talking to The Sentinel Dr Chandana Sarma, a senior consultant, internal medicine and critical care, said, "Inhalation is the order of the day. However, it has nothing to do with Coronavirus. There's no valid scientific finding that inhalation kills Coronavirus.

"The inhalation of steam may decrease respiratory issues like congestion in the nasal passage and the airway. However, it is not found that it kills the virus. It, however, gives patients some relief, ease in the feeling of irritation and swollen blood vessels in the nasal passage. So, we don't prevent patients from practising inhalation. However, four or five times inhalation a day isn't advisable. Two-time inhalation a day can be taken as just."

When asked on post-COVID critical care, the physician said, "It's a major issue with the fatal rate becoming high in the second wave of COVID-19. This wave affects the lungs directly.

"If a COVID-cured patient has symptoms like chest pain, difficulty in breathing, dizziness while standing etc, he or she should consult the doctor immediately, besides doing a CT scan. The CT scan exposes the cause of the problem.

"Because of ignorance or otherwise, post-COVID care is not given due importance. Generally, from the day of testing positive, a person takes 20 days to return to normal life, albeit depending on the functioning of the lungs. During post-COVID period people should drink plenty of fluids, take nutritious food, do breathing exercises and sleep adequately."

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