Allergy and salt therapy: realistic expectations

Many allergy sufferers look for natural complements to their medication. Salt therapy often comes up. In this article we look at what you can realistically expect, when it can be a useful complement, and why it is important that allergy treatment rests on a medical foundation.

Why allergies should not be taken lightly

Many people live with the symptoms, saying it is "just a bit of a runny nose". But untreated respiratory allergy worsens sleep, concentration and quality of life, and can also lead to complications:

• persistent nasal congestion and mouth breathing,
• recurring sinusitis,
• conjunctivitis,
• a higher risk of developing allergic asthma.

In children, timely treatment is especially important, because a persistently blocked nose can affect sleep, learning and development.

An honest word on medication side effects

A common concern is that allergy medication causes drowsiness. This was indeed typical of older antihistamines, but today's newer-generation products usually do not cause significant drowsiness. Steroid nasal sprays act locally and are safe for long-term use when used as recommended by a doctor. If you experience side effects, do not stop the medication; talk to your doctor or pharmacist instead. There is almost always an alternative.

What salt therapy can and cannot do for allergies

What many people experience: time in a salt climate is pleasant, the air seems clean and low in pollen, and breathing feels easier. Smaller studies from Eastern Europe have also reported symptom improvement.

What the science says: no large randomised study has so far shown that salt therapy treats allergic rhinitis or allergic asthma. The existing studies are small and often had no control group.

What it definitely cannot do: salt therapy does not eliminate the allergy, does not "flush it out" of the body, and does not replace antihistamines, nasal sprays or immunotherapy.

Allergy treatment with salt therapy: how does it fit in?

If you would like to try it, salt therapy can fit into a medically sound treatment plan as a complementary element that supports wellbeing:

1. Diagnosis: find out what you are allergic to (allergy test).
2. Core treatment: the medication recommended by your doctor, started before the season if needed.
3. Avoiding allergens: pollen forecasts, an evening shower, windows closed at night.
4. Saltwater nasal rinsing: this has the best evidence of all the salt-based methods.
5. Salt climate as a complement: if you enjoy it, in a salt room or with a home salt generator.
6. Long term: ask your allergist about allergen immunotherapy, which can also influence the course of the allergy.

Children and salt therapy for allergies

A salt climate can be pleasant for children too, especially when combined with play and stories. But always discuss your child's allergy treatment with their paediatrician, and do not stop prescribed medication because of salt therapy. You will find practical advice in our article for children.

Safety information

• In allergic asthma, salt can rarely trigger coughing or bronchial narrowing. Keep your fast-acting inhaler at hand, and stop the session if symptoms occur.
• Do not use it during an acute infection or fever.
• If in doubt, ask your doctor.

You can read month-by-month tips for allergy season in our allergy season calendar, and about the causes and symptoms of allergy in this article.

This article is for general information only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. AREC salt generators are not medical devices.