As the term goes, salt therapy involves the use of salt for treatment of various ailments. The main approach behind this noninvasive therapy is the exposure to dry air diffused with microscopic salt particles. Also known as Speleotherapy and Halotherapy, it is claimed to benefit people who have recurrent episodes of allergies, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems. In fact, the salt therapy is slowly becoming a preferred choice for asthma treatment in the United States.

Does Salt Therapy for Asthma Treatment Work?

Asthma being a chronic ailment, the afflicted people experience mild to severe discomfort symptoms now and then, especially after an exposure to triggering factors. Limiting exposure to the triggers is the best way to avoid exacerbation of symptoms, which is not so easy for the patients. At the time of attacks, inhalers and medications are recommended for managing the symptoms. But, as the underlying cause is not treated, patients become dependent on the medications. Extensive studies have been done to find the defective genes responsible for the onset of this respiratory disease and also, a reliable cure for it.

In comparison to the traditional therapeutic options, halotherapy is touted as a reliable, drug-free treatment for asthma and allergies. However, the effectiveness of salt therapy for respiratory problems, allergies, sinus infections, or other diseases is not documented medically. There are some reports about using hypertonic salt solution for promoting pulmonary function. It is also observed that people who work in salt mines do not develop asthma and other pulmonary diseases. Considering this, it is conceived that inhalation of salt air does help in preventing respiratory problems. Thus, the same is adopted in the halotherapy for treating asthma. Read the rest of this entry »