Emphysema sufferers can try a new remedy: Salt Therapy

Recently, a new form of therapy has been discovered that has been shown to reduce the symptoms of Emphysema sufferers, making breathing easier.

It’s called Salt Therapy, also known as Halotherapy, and it’s been gaining momentum all over the world as a remedy for Emphysema sufferers and a host of other breathing conditions.

What is Emphysema?

Emphysema is one type of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) where alveoli within the lungs are damaged, severely limiting the ability to breathe. It is called an obstructive lung disease, because airflow is slowed down or stopped upon exhalation, as it becomes trapped within the damaged alveoli. The damaged lung tissue also affects blood flow within the smaller blood vessels (the capillaries) of the lungs, further limiting the exchange of oxygen into the bloodstream.

Symptoms of emphysema include shortness of breath, cough, excessive mucus production, wheezing, and feeling excessively tired. Long term effects include anxiety, depression, weight loss, and insomnia.

Risk factors include a deficiency of an enzyme called alpha-1-antitrypsin, air pollution, airway reactivity, heredity, male sex, and age, but the most common cause of emphysema is cigarette smoking.

There is no cure for emphysema. The lungs and air passage tissues become damaged and remain in a constant state of inflammation. Generally, sufferers of emphysema are treated with methods to help improve breathing or to reduce the symptoms associated with the disease.

Can Salt Therapy Alleviate Emphysema?

Usually, the symptoms of Emphysema are triggered and worsened by airborne substances like pollution, cigarette or cigar smoke, strong fumes from perfume and other scented products.

Halotherapy is typically known as dry salt therapy — where you breathe the air in a Himalayan salt room that’s been filled with micronized salt particles. This dry salt therapy is commonly known to alleviate symptoms of emphysema sufferers.

Inflammation Due to Emphysema

The main symptom that is bothersome to many is the resulting inflammation due to Emphysema triggers — where the bronchial tubes repeatedly become irritated and inflamed, causing a buildup of mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.

Salt Therapy Helps You Breathe Easier

Salt is both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. As you breathe the salt-rich air, the micron-sized dry salt particles begin to absorb the toxins and allergens in your respiratory tract, and eliminate them from the body, resulting in a decrease in mucus, a decrease in inflammation, a detox of your entire respiratory system, and a welcomed relief during breathing.

Does it Work?

Normal vs Damaged Alveoli in Emphysema

There are many credible studies proving the benefits of salt therapy.

In this double-blind, randomized trial study of 128 individuals performed by the European Respiratory Society in 2014, halotherapy was found to be efficient in treating the symptoms of Emphysema sufferers. The conclusion was:

“The study revealed an improvement of all spirometry parameters after the first month of treatment…”

This medical journal outlines a study in 1997 of 29 patients, that concluded:

“Significant positive effects of this method resulted in the improvement of the flow-volume parameters curve of lung function.”

This article outlines many other studies that show the benefits of salt therapy.

Besides the studies, just ask anyone who’s tried it. The reviews are unanimous. If you suffer from Emphysema, you should give salt therapy a try!

It’s important to note that salt therapy is complementary — and should not be used to replace any existing medication. If you notice an improvement in your symptoms from salt therapy, talk to your doctor before making any changes to your regular prescribed medication.