Hi Patty - actually, inhaling the vapors is exactly what they are testing, in conjunction with using antibiotics. There are all kinds of folk remedies that have you lean over a steaming pot with garlic in it and a towel over your head...you get the idea. There again - how much are you getting, how long do you steam, and is the steam causing conversion of any substances from helpful to harmful, etc.
The dilemma at this point is to figure out how to get a precisely measured amount of allicin into a stable suspension in a solution that can be inhaled or nebulized (without damaging delicate tissues.)
I'm waiting for the researchers to figure this out - I have enough problems without taking a risk of further damaging my lungs.
Sue