COPD and Salt Therapy

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a term used to describe chronic airflow obstruction. This is mainly associated with emphysema and chronic bronchitis.  Emphysema is inflammation in the small airways and the walls of the fragile air sacs.  Overtime, this destroy the airways causing them to collapse. Chronic bronchitis is caused from prolong inhalation of irritants such as cigarette smoke, and pollution. This causes persistent inflammation and blockage of airways. In COPD, the normal flow of air is impaired which leads to shortness of breath and a chronic cough.  Symptoms tend to worsen over time.

Prevention of this disorder typically is by quitting smoking as that is it’s leading cause. It’s also important to avoid second hand smoke and other pollutants.  Treatment can range from oxygen therapy, antibiotics to pulmonary rehabilitation.

So how can salt therapy help? Salt therapy can aid in the prevention and treatment of COPD.  During salt therapy, medical grade salt is dispersed into the air.  Taking deep breathes throughout the session allows this salt to infiltrate the lungs, airways, sinus cavity and more. This cleanses impurities, including smoke, from those areas. This cleansing action helps prevent COPD, especially if the cause, smoking, is stopped.

As for treatment, inhalation of salt during salt therapy reduces inflammation in the airways. This slows down the progression of COPD through it’s cleansing and reduction of inflammation. Overtime, with consistent use, dry salt therapy can keep the inflammation at a more tolerable level.

In a study published in the European Respiratory Journal, researchers report that “halotherapy seems to have a positive impact on reducing the exacerbation risk of patients with [COPD]…”  Research is ongoing for it’s benefit but one thing is for sure, we can all use 45 minutes of relaxing!