About a century later, during World War II, Karl Hermann Spannagel, a German doctor, observed that patients who hid in salt caves to avoid bombing experienced improved respiratory health. Therapeutic salt rooms appeared soon after in several European countries and have since made their way to the United States. They are believed to relieve respiratory problems and common skin conditions like eczema and strengthen the immune system.
Research on salt’s alleviation of asthma symptoms is limited, and hard data are sparse, but anecdotal evidence is growing. For those suffering from the effects of chronic asthma, using a salt inhaler as a complement to a standard asthma management plan may be beneficial. Patient testimony suggests it could improve respiratory function and quality of life, and in some cases reduce dependence on asthma medications.
“All studies seem to sustain the overall positive effects of halotherapy as adjuvant therapy on asthma patients with no reported adverse events,“ the authors wrote. ”Halotherapy is a crucial natural ally in asthma, but further evidence-based studies on larger populations are needed.”
Proponents of halotherapy report that it’s a very safe natural treatment, with no significant side effects other than the possibility of a sore throat resulting from prolonged exposure. Still, available studies related to halotherapy are limited in number and duration, with no available data on potential long-term effects.
It’s important to note that a salt inhaler is not a replacement for asthma medications, which have well-documented effectiveness and are essential to asthma management for millions of people. Rather, it’s possible that halotherapy could help prevent or alleviate chronic asthma symptoms, leading to reduced dependence on medications—and that would be a win for both patient and doctor.
Stradtman added, “I feel like it’s a safe option for most anyone, but it’s always important to check with your healthcare provider before starting just to be sure.”