COPD

COPD – Salt Therapy

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating and degenerative lung disease characterized by the restriction of airflow in and out of the lungs. COPD is the umbrella term for emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis.

Historically, lung disease sufferers in Central Europe entered underground salt mines to relieve their breathing problems. Since those earliest experiments with salt therapy for COPD symptoms, several studies have been conducted to evaluate how salt affects lung function. While research is inconclusive regarding salt therapy and COPD, many COPD sufferers report positive results from salt therapy (halotherapy). Some people have found salt therapy to be an effective option for relieving symptoms of lung disease, resulting in easier breathing. Different treatments have proven to be successful for different patients. Perhaps salt therapy is the right option for you.

A recent study of 35 COPD patients using a salt inhaler revealed significant improvement in the six-minute walk test and demonstrated an improvement in quality of life, as reported on the Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire. The study concluded that, while there don’t seem to be adverse effects to using a salt inhaler, further studies are warranted to exclude a placebo effect.

Several clinical trials have revealed the benefits of salt therapy for:

• 85 percent of mild and moderate asthma cases
• 75 percent of severe asthma cases
• 97 percent of chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis cases.

Salt cleanses the respiratory system and speeds up the elimination of toxins. Salt has the following properties:

• Antibacterial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Loosens excessive mucus and speeds up mucociliary transport
• Removes airborne pollen
• Reduces IgE level (immune system oversensitivity)

Salt particles penetrate deep into the lungs to treat damaged tissue. Sometimes symptoms subside for up to 12 months following salt therapy.

Additionally persons suffering from COPD who do a Salt Therapy course of treatment report:

• Reduction in the need for inhalers, steroids and antibiotics
• Breathing is easier after just a few sessions
• Improved lung function
• Reduction in the number of hospital admissions
• Alleviates sneezing, coughing, and shortness of breath
• Clears mucus and sticky phlegm from the lungs
• Increase the resistance to respiratory tract diseases
• Strengthens the immune system
• Prolonged remission times

Scientific Research on Halotherapy as a treatment for COPD

– The use of an artificial microclimate chamber in the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive lung diseases

​- Halotherapy in the combined treatment of chronic bronchitis patients

​– Halotherapy for treatment of respiratory diseases

​– Effectiveness of Halotherapy of chronic bronchitis patients

​– Effects of Halotherapy on free radical oxidation in patients with chronic bronchitis

– Salt Halo Therapy and Saline Inhalation Administered to Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Pilot Study in Denmark and published in 2014