The president of the Bohol Medical Society (BMS) is saying that steam inhalation, locally known as “tu-ob” is all right for symptoms relief, but precautions should be observed for excesses in its use.
Dr. Jefferson Ong, BMS president explained that “tu-ob” may help in the relief of symptoms especially the symptoms that are related to Covid infection such as nasal congestion and dry cough.
Ong made the remarks in a radio interview over “Newsmakers ug Uban Pa” on Thursday, June 25, 2020.
The doctor cited the position of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) together with other medical societies regarding “tu-ob”.
Ong said the PMA is not opposing to the practice of “tu-ob” but issued a warning to those who are planning to engage in steam inhalation.
Ong said “tu-ob” has been cited in scientific journals to provide relief from respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion and dry cough – symptoms that are experienced by people who are suffering from Covid infection.
However, scientific journals recommend the judicial use of “tu-ob” especially among children who may be prone to scalding injuries.
With the potential dangers and the fact that the steam is unable to kill the virus, the PMA is not recommending “tu-ob” as curative and preventive therapy.
He added that steam inhalation is not good for those who don’t have respiratory symptoms because it might lead to the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is the virus that is causing the Covid infection.
A couple of weeks ago, Third District Board Member Elpidio Bonita filed a resolution in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to introduce “tu-ob” as a means to help people who are suffering from symptoms related to Covid infection and other respiratory ailments.
A proposed ordinance was sponsored by Board Member and Philippine Councilors League Bohol chapter president Jescelo Adiong and now with a technical working group that will recommend whether or not steam inhalation is indeed helpful for those with symptoms related to Covid infection.