Our 2nd publication in the “AAFA Explains” series looks at claims that salt therapy (also known as halotherapy), can improve your bronchial asthma.
This blog is about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that is geared toward allergies and asthma. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America will help you make a decision about which alternative options are “probable safe” or “probably dangerous”.
CAM treatments are not subject to the same rigorous clinical trials as scientific methods and capsules. The majority of CAM remedies are not proven to work (referred to here as efficacy).
Salt Therapy, Which Includes Salt Rooms, Caves, And Lamps, Falls Under This Category.
What is the salt remedy?
Salt rooms are a popular place to dope in the U.S., Australia, and the U.K. The rooms are charged a fee to enter and operate in the same way as a spa. The rooms are cover in salt crystals and the air is salt-encumbered to imitate salt caves.
It is not hard to find evidence of herbal salt caves being use as an allergy remedy. People with allergies would go to salt caves in Russia and Eastern Europe. It is believed that the mucus buildup could reduce by inhaling very small salt crystals.
What Can Science Tell Us About Salt Therapy?
There are very few studies that compare salt remedies for bronchial asthma.
The therapy for chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) was the subject of one of the most extensive studies to date. Iverheal 6 is a chronic disorder of the lungs that can cause by smoking.
Researchers reviewed 151 articles about salt remedies. Researchers reviewed 151 articles about salt remedies.
They found one randomized controlled trial out of 151. Researchers also reviewed three other studies that included greater human subjects. Salt therapy was report to make people feel better. Researchers found many positive aspects of these four studies.
Researchers have not been able to draw any conclusions as a result. Here are some of the incomplete or missing facts:
If the subjects had COPD, allergies or both
What medications were taken by the patients
The severity of their respiratory problems at the beginning of the study
The long-term effects of treatment (for instance, on humans) have been tested as simplest after remedy.
Some countries have established clinical societies that warn salt caves could have adverse effects. Salt caves could cause bronchoconstriction, for example.
There is another risk: If you have asthma, your regular treatment may cancel. The cost of halotherapy is high. Patients may struggle to pay for prescription medications and salt remedies. Long-term management of asthma symptoms is necessary. Even if you feel fine, you should follow the instructions of your healthcare provider.
Is halotherapy safe?
Salt caves are a great way to relax and de-stress. They are quiet, cool, and fun,” Maureen George Ph.D., RN. She is a member of AAFA’s Medical Scientific Council and Associate Professor of Nursing at Columbia University School of Nursing. Halotherapy is not the best option for treating bronchial asthma. It has not been studied in detail, despite claims by ‘experts.
Patients need to be aware that the airlines can make it difficult for patients to breathe in concentrated salts (hypertonic Saline). This causes mucus and cough, which could worsen bronchial asthma.
The backside line
You don’t have to suffer from allergies by sitting in a salt room. Halotherapy is safe for most asthma sufferers.
Key Definitions:
Randomized managed trials: Participants randomly are place in businesses. The other institution is not eligible for any treatment. The treatment given to the other organization is not consider. Over the years, researchers have complied with both companies. They compare the results at the end of the take look.
Efficacy is the ability to determine whether or not a remedy works and how well it works.
