Trendy salt therapy rooms are showing up in wellness centers, spas and even shopping malls. You might see them promoted as a natural way to relieve allergies, asthma or sinus problems by breathing in salty air.
But does breathing in salty air really work? And is it safe? Madhav Chopra, MD, an interventional pulmonologist with Banner University Medicine, explained what the science says and when medical treatment is the safest choice.
What is salt therapy (halotherapy)?
With salt therapy, you sit in a room or a natural salt cave for 30 to 45 minutes while tiny salt particles are released into the air. The space is usually kept at 65 to 75°F with 40% to 60% humidity. If you’re in a room, it may be modeled after a natural salt cave with salt-covered walls or it may have a machine that grinds salt into fine particles.
Why people try salt therapy
“Salt therapy has become popular recently as a complementary treatment for chronic respiratory conditions,” Dr. Chopra said.
Many people turn to salt therapy because it’s marketed as:
- A natural option for allergies, sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- A way to support breathing without medication
- A relaxing wellness experience
If you want alternatives to pills or inhalers, the idea of breathing salty air can sound appealing.
What does science say?
Research on salt therapy is limited and mixed. Some small studies suggest people temporarily feel less congested and breathe more easily. But these studies often don’t have strong controls or consistent methods.
There is no standardized dose, schedule or delivery method for salt therapy. It is also not regulated or approved as a medical treatment, which makes results unpredictable.
In short, salt therapy hasn’t been proven to treat or prevent respiratory conditions.
Can salt therapy help allergies?
“With allergies, the evidence for salt therapy is limited,” Dr. Chopra said. Research shows that salt therapy does not reduce markers of allergic airway inflammation. For some people, salt therapy may temporarily reduce nasal congestion or irritation. However, it does not treat the cause of allergies.
If you have allergies, instead of salt therapy, try
- Identifying your triggers
- Using proven medications when you need them
- Reducing your exposure to allergens
Salt therapy should not replace allergy testing or medical treatment.
Can salt therapy help asthma?
Asthma is a long-term lung condition that can make your airways inflamed or narrow. There’s some evidence that salt therapy may help with the respiratory symptoms and reactions in both adults and children. “The exact mechanism is unknown but it may be due to antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of salt therapy,” Dr. Chopra said.
But salt particles may irritate your airways and could trigger coughing or wheezing. If you have asthma, you should always follow a provider-guided treatment plan.
Possible risks and side effects
“Salt therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated with few reported adverse effects,” Dr. Chopra said. Possible side effects could include:
- Dry nose, throat or skin
- Coughing or throat irritation
- Breathing symptoms that get worse
- Problems based on the cleanliness and air quality of the facilities
Who should avoid salt therapy or use caution
There are no restrictions on who should use salt therapy, but you should keep taking any medications and talk to your provider before you try it.
Salt therapy may not be safe for everyone, especially:
- People with moderate to severe asthma
- People with chronic lung disease like COPD
- Children with breathing conditions
- Anyone whose symptoms get worse during or after sessions
Medical treatments that are proven to help
Unlike salt therapy, medical treatments for allergies and asthma work on the root cause of symptoms and are backed by strong evidence.
These treatments may include:
- Allergy medications and strategies for avoiding triggers
- Inhalers and asthma action plans
- Monitoring and follow-up with a provider
When to see a health care provider
Get medical attention if you:
- Have ongoing allergies or breathing symptoms
- Have trouble with routine activities like cooking, cleaning or taking out the trash
- Have wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath
- Wake up at night because of symptoms
- Have symptoms after you use your rescue inhaler
- Aren’t sure which treatments are safe for you
The bottom line
Salt therapy rooms may feel relaxing and some people report short-term relief. However, more research is needed. Science does not support them as a treatment for allergies or asthma and they should not replace medical care.
If you’re struggling with allergies or breathing symptoms, a Banner Health provider can help you find safe, proven ways to breathe easier.
