Key idea
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an allergic inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Contrary to its name, you don’t get it from hay and it’s not accompanied by fever; it results from an excessive immune response to pollens.
Hay fever — medically called allergic rhinitis — is an allergic inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Contrary to its name, you don’t get it from hay and it’s not accompanied by fever. The term originated because symptoms historically appeared around hay harvesting time at the end of summer — back then people did not know that airborne pollens were the cause (hence it’s sometimes called pollen allergy).
The essence of the allergic reaction is that your immune system overreacts to harmless substances that cause no symptoms in most people. These substances are called allergens. When an allergen — whether pollen, dust mite or animal dander — enters your nose, your body behaves as if a dangerous intruder has arrived. It releases histamine and other inflammatory mediators, which produce the familiar symptoms.
Types of hay fever
There are two main types of allergic rhinitis.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis — the classic hay fever — occurs only in certain periods when the respective plants bloom. In Hungary the main pollen seasons are:
- Early spring (February–April): tree pollens dominate
- Early summer (May–July): grasses
- Late summer and autumn (July–October): weeds, especially ragweed
Ragweed allergy deserves special mention because Hungary is one of the most affected countries in Europe. Ragweed pollen is an extremely aggressive allergen, and climate change is lengthening the season year by year.
The other type is perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis, which can persist at any time of the year. This is usually caused by indoor allergens: house dust mite, mold spores, or pet dander and skin flakes. If your nose produces symptoms all year round, you probably have this type of allergy.
Symptoms of hay fever
Allergic rhinitis symptoms are very characteristic:
| Type of symptom | Typical description |
|---|---|
| Nasal congestion | The nasal mucosa swells, making nasal breathing difficult |
| Rhinorrhea | Watery, almost constant, produced again and again |
| Sneezing | Occurs in fits, sometimes ten to twenty times in a row |
| Eye symptoms | Itching, tearing, redness |
| Mouth and palate itching | A common symptom alongside nasal complaints |
| Facial pain | Swelling of the nasal passages can also affect the sinuses |
What may be less known: allergic rhinitis significantly reduces quality of life. Constant symptoms cause poorer sleep, daytime tiredness and irritability, and reduced concentration. Children’s school performance can also decline during the pollen season.
How is hay fever treated?
The basis of allergic rhinitis treatment is prevention — minimizing exposure to the allergen. During pollen season this means checking pollen forecasts, avoiding being outdoors at peak times, showering and changing clothes after coming home, and keeping windows closed.
Medication
- Antihistamines: Block the effect of histamine and reduce symptoms
- Corticosteroid sprays: The most effective drugs — they act directly on the nasal mucosa and reduce inflammation
- Decongestant nasal drops: For short-term use only (maximum one week), because long-term use can cause dependence
- Immunotherapy: In more severe cases — it "reprograms" the immune system so it no longer overreacts to the allergen
Important note
Alongside medical treatment, complementary therapies (for example salt therapy) can also help alleviate allergy symptoms and improve quality of life.
What is salt therapy and how does it work in allergies?
Salt therapy — or halotherapy — is a natural method based on inhaling salt particles. In allergic rhinitis the mechanism of action operates on several levels and fits well with the pathophysiology of allergy.
The first and most important effect is rinsing and cleaning the nasal mucosa. When you breathe salty air, salt particles deposit in the nasal passages and sinuses. The osmotic effect of salt draws water to the mucosa, thinning thick secretions and aiding their removal.
Think of it like rinsing your inner nasal passages. Just as you clean a dusty room, salt therapy "cleans" your nose of allergens and accumulated secretions. This is one reason why saline nasal irrigation (using a neti pot or nasal spray) has long been a tried-and-true home remedy for allergy sufferers.
The second important effect is anti-inflammatory. According to Semmelweis University information, salt therapy also has antihistamine-like effects. The alkaline properties of salt reduce mucosal swelling — this provides immediate relief for those suffering from nasal congestion.
A 2015 scientific review reported that inhaled salt reduces nasal mucosal edema and inflammation.2
The third effect is reduction of IgE levels. IgE (immunoglobulin E) is the antibody that plays a key role in allergic reactions. Some studies suggest that salt therapy can reduce IgE levels, which may mitigate the intensity of allergic reactions.3
What do scientific studies say?
Researchers have examined the relationship between salt therapy and allergic rhinitis from several angles. The most convincing evidence concerns saline nasal irrigation, but dry salt therapy (halotherapy) also shows promising results.
2018 – Cochrane Collaboration meta-analysis
The Cochrane Collaboration — which prepares high-quality systematic medical reviews — analyzed the effectiveness of saline irrigation for allergic rhinitis in 2018. The meta-analysis of six trials including a total of 407 participants showed that those using saline nasal irrigation had significantly lower symptom scores than those who did not use saline. The effect was demonstrated in both children and adults.4
2019 – Hypertonic saline in children
A 2019 meta-analysis specifically examined hypertonic (more concentrated) saline nasal irrigation in children. The analysis of four studies and 351 children found that hypertonic saline significantly improved nasal symptoms and reduced the need for antihistamines. The latter is especially important: needing fewer medications is beneficial in itself.5
2017 – Italian randomized trial
A 2017 Italian randomized trial followed children with seasonal allergic rhinitis for 21 days. The buffered hypertonic saline irrigation group achieved significantly better results for nasal symptoms than the isotonic (normal concentration) saline group. Quality of life also improved in the hypertonic group.6
2015 – Halotherapy in allergy and asthma
A Romanian study on halotherapy (dry salt therapy) treated patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma in an artificial salt-room chamber. After treatment, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy mechanisms were observed to activate. The study showed that halotherapy stimulates phagocytosis and reduces inflammatory markers in patients with allergic rhinitis.7
2020 – Korean randomized trial
A 2020 Korean randomized trial found that daily saline nasal irrigation in children with allergic rhinitis and asthma not only improved nasal symptoms but also reduced bronchial hyperreactivity. This is important because allergic rhinitis and asthma often coexist — treating the upper airway allergy favorably affects the lower airways as well.8
Effects of salt therapy on allergic symptoms
In practice, people with allergic rhinitis report the following effects from salt therapy.
- Relief of nasal congestion — One of the quickest noticeable changes. The alkaline effect of salt reduces mucosal swelling, which frees up breathing. Many people feel improvement after the first few treatments.
- Reduction of rhinorrhea — As mucosal inflammation subsides and allergens are washed out, secretion production normalizes. Thinner, reduced secretions are easier to expel.
- Sneezing frequency may decrease — Especially if you start salt therapy before allergen exposure (for example, ahead of the pollen season). Regular treatment can help prepare the mucosa for the season.
- Improved sleep quality — A less direct but very important effect. If your nose breathes more freely at night, you won’t need to mouth-breathe, you’ll snore less, and you’ll get deeper, more restorative sleep.
Different salt therapy methods for allergy
Several salt therapy methods are suitable for allergic rhinitis, and it’s useful to know which is for what.
| Method | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Saline nasal irrigation | Neti pot or bottle irrigation | Acts directly on the nasal passages; hypertonic solution is more effective |
| Saline nasal sprays | A practical alternative to irrigation | Easy to use during the day, at work, or on the go |
| Salt rooms and salt caves | Halotherapy — dry, micron-sized salt particles | In Hungary the Szent Gellért Thermal Bath uses 0.5-micron particles |
| Home salt therapy devices | SaltDome — ultrasonic nebulization | Enables daily, regular use at home |
Home salt therapy with the SaltDome device for allergy
The SaltDome ultrasonic salt therapy device is specifically designed for home use. The device nebulizes a saline solution ultrasonically and releases 2–5 micron salt particles into the air.
According to Semmelweis University information, particles larger than 8 microns deposit in the throat, those between 5–8 microns in the large airways, while particles between 0.5–5 microns reach the lower airways. The SaltDome’s particles therefore reach both the upper and lower airways.
For allergic rhinitis it’s worth placing the device in the bedroom and setting it for nighttime use. While you sleep, the device continuously produces salty air that rinses your nasal passages and helps "neutralize" daytime allergen exposure.
Practical tip
For allergic rhinitis, start salt therapy 2–3 weeks before the pollen season. This helps prepare the mucosa and can reduce the severity of symptoms during the season. Continue daily use throughout the season.
Wet vs. dry salt therapy
The advantage of the SaltDome over dry halotherapy devices is that it works by wet nebulization, so it does not dry out the mucosa — an important consideration for allergy sufferers because a dry mucosa is more sensitive to irritation.
The role of salt therapy in allergy management
Important note
Salt therapy is a complementary treatment, not a replacement for allergy medications. If you have allergic rhinitis your primary treatment should be antihistamines and/or intranasal corticosteroid sprays — do not stop these because of salt therapy.
Think of salt therapy as a natural support that, when used alongside medication, can further improve your condition. Scientific studies also show that combined treatment (medication + salt therapy) is more effective than either alone.
Salt therapy can be especially useful for those who want to reduce medication use, such as pregnant women, parents of small children, or people who experience side effects from drugs. Meta-analyses indicate that users of saline nasal irrigation required fewer antihistamines.
Before you start treatment
Salt therapy is generally safe, but there are considerations to keep in mind:
- Acute sinusitis – Wait for recovery before starting salt therapy. In the active phase of purulent, bacterial infection nasal irrigation is not recommended.
- Nasal polyps – Consult an ENT specialist before starting salt therapy. Polyps can affect airflow and the effectiveness of salt therapy.
- Very sensitive, irritated mucosa – Start at low intensity. If you experience strong stinging or pain at first use, reduce the salt concentration (for irrigations) or shorten the treatment duration.
Allergy diagnosis
Salt therapy does not replace allergy diagnostics. If you don’t yet know exactly what you’re allergic to, make an appointment with an allergist. Knowing your allergens is necessary for targeted treatment.
Possible side effects
Side effects of salt therapy are generally mild and temporary. The most common are mild nasal or throat irritation at first. With nasal irrigation you may experience slight stinging, especially with hypertonic solution. Rarely, headache or ear pressure can occur if the solution enters the Eustachian tube.
According to Semmelweis University experts, properly performed halotherapy has no significant side effects. Most people tolerate salt therapy well and initial mild irritation subsides after a few sessions.
When to stop
If you experience persistent irritation, nosebleeds or severe pain, stop treatment and consult your doctor.
Practical tips for allergy sufferers
If you start salt therapy for allergic rhinitis, here are some practical tips:
Timing
If you use the SaltDome at night, you’ll wake up with clearer nasal passages. If you want daytime support, a saline nasal spray is a good supplement.
Combination therapy
Salt therapy together with intranasal corticosteroids is more effective than either alone. Salt therapy prepares the mucosa and removes secretions so the medicated spray is better absorbed.
Humidity
In a dry room the nasal mucosa is more sensitive. The SaltDome’s wet nebulization is beneficial in this respect because it does not further dry the air.
Pollen season
Increase treatment during pollen season. On high-pollen days (watch the pollen forecast!) it’s worth using salt therapy more often. After coming home from outdoors, a quick saline nasal rinse helps wash out inhaled pollens.
Hygiene
Clean the nasal irrigation device and the SaltDome’s tank regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use only clean, preferably distilled or boiled water for nasal irrigation.
Patience
Salt therapy does not act as fast as a pill. Most people notice meaningful improvement after 1–2 weeks of regular use.
Summary – Quick overview
A comprehensive guide to the relationship between hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and salt therapy, presenting the scientific background, mechanism of action and options for home use.
People with allergic rhinitis (hay fever, ragweed allergy, dust mite allergy), their parents and relatives looking for natural complementary methods to relieve symptoms.
Salt therapy (halotherapy and saline nasal irrigation) is a scientifically studied complementary method for allergic rhinitis that helps wash out allergens, reduce mucosal swelling and ease symptoms. It does not replace allergy medications, but used alongside them it can improve quality of life and reduce medication needs.
Sources
- Semmelweis University, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head–Neck Surgery. Effects of salt therapy. semmelweis.hu
- Endre L. (2015). Theoretical basis and clinical benefits of dry salt inhalation therapy. Orvosi Hetilap, 156(43):1741-1746. PubMed: 26551167
- Szabó K., et al. (2021). Salt Therapy as a Complementary Method for the Treatment of Respiratory Tract Diseases, With a Focus on Mold-Related Illness. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. PubMed: 34726628
- Head K., et al. (2018). Saline irrigation for allergic rhinitis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. PMC6513421
- Li CL., et al. (2019). Effectiveness of Hypertonic Saline Nasal Irrigation for Alleviating Allergic Rhinitis in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(1):64. PubMed: 30634447
- Malizia V., et al. (2017). Efficacy of Buffered Hypertonic Saline Nasal Irrigation for Nasal Symptoms in Children with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, 174(2):97-103. PubMed: 29059673
- Simionca I., et al. (2015). Surveys on therapeutic effects of "halotherapy chamber with artificial salt-mine environment" on patients with certain chronic allergenic respiratory pathologies and infectious-inflammatory pathologies. Journal of Medicine and Life, 8(Spec Issue):73-78. PubMed: 25870681
- Jung M., et al. (2020). Beneficial effect of nasal saline irrigation in children with allergic rhinitis and asthma: A randomized clinical trial. Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology, 38(4):251-257. PubMed: 31012599
