Salt therapy and halotherapy: a guide to respiratory health

What is salt therapy? What is halotherapy?

Let's start with the most basic question, because the terminology is often confusing. The salt therapy and halotherapy refer to the same concept — one is the Hungarian-derived name, the other is of Greek origin. "Halos" in Greek means salt, so halotherapy literally means "salt treatment." In international scientific literature the term "halotherapy" is widely used, so it's worth using that when searching PubMed for studies.

There is a related term, speleotherapy, which denotes treatment conducted in natural salt caves. "Speleo" in Greek means cave. The difference is that speleotherapy takes place in a natural environment — for example in the Turda salt cave — while halotherapy is performed in artificially created salt rooms or using a halogenerator.

Salt therapy is one of the simplest forms of home medical devices to use. If you are unsure which therapeutic technology is best for you, read our comprehensive guide Which technology is good for what?

How does salt therapy work?

The mechanism of salt therapy has been examined in several scientific studies. The basic principle is relatively simple, but the details matter if you want to understand why it may help.

When you breathe salty air, the tiny salt particles penetrate deep into the airways. According to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Semmelweis University, particle size determines where they deposit: particles larger than 8 micrometers settle in the pharynx, those between 5–8 microns deposit in the large airways, while particles between 0.5–5 microns reach the lower airways as well.⁸

The three main mechanisms

Mucus clearance Anti-inflammatory effect Cilia activation

Mucus-dissolving effect ▼

From a respiratory therapy perspective, the smallest particles (0.5–5 microns) are the most effective. When they adhere to the mucosa, their osmotic effect draws water to the surface, diluting secretions so they are easier to cough up or expectorate.

An analogy: when you make a cucumber salad, salting the slices draws water out. The same happens to thick mucus — it becomes thinner and easier to clear. This is one reason salt therapy can be beneficial.

Anti-inflammatory effect ▼

Experts at Semmelweis University note that salt's anti-inflammatory effect is related to its alkaline properties — salt particles adhere directly to the airway mucosa, reduce mucus viscosity and help restore normal mucosal transport.⁸

Chervinskaya and colleagues described in 1995 that controlled halotherapy improved clinical status and pulmonary function parameters in a study of 124 respiratory patients.¹

Natural salt crystals also have a disinfectant effect — they can inactivate many viruses, bacteria and fungi — and show strong antihistamine properties that are particularly favorable in allergic conditions.

Cilia activation ▼

Your airways are lined with tiny cilia whose job is to "sweep" inhaled pollutants and secretions outward. In chronic airway disease these cilia slow down or become damaged.

Salt therapy stimulates ciliary function — this is described as improvement of mucociliary clearance. More effective ciliary action helps clear the airways of debris and pathogens.

Different salt therapy methods

Salt therapy exists in several forms, and it's important to know how effective each is.

Natural salt caves

Natural salt caves — such as the recently damaged Parajd, Turda, or the famous Wieliczka in Poland — have been used for healing for centuries. In the 1840s Polish physician Feliks Boczkowski first observed that salt miners rarely suffered from respiratory diseases, which led to the opening of the first salt therapy sanatorium. Salt caves provide a natural, clean environment with stable temperature and humidity. The downside is that you have to spend weeks there, which is time-consuming and costly.

Artificial salt rooms (halo chambers)

Artificial salt rooms try to recreate cave conditions. Their walls are covered with salt and a halogenerator disperses salt particles into the air. These rooms are increasingly common in wellness centers and spas. Their effectiveness depends greatly on the quality of the halogenerator and the room design.

The salt chamber of Budapest's Szent Gellért Thermal Bath held a special place in Hungary. In the inhalation room established in 1918, patients inhaled a nebulized saline solution (table salt and baking soda) producing 0.5-micron droplets. Treatments lasted 15–20 minutes and were recommended for upper airway conditions with sticky, hard-to-clear secretions.⁸ Unfortunately it is currently closed for renovation, with reopening expected in 2028.

Salt pipes and salt inhalers

Salt pipes and inhalers are inexpensive and easy-to-obtain devices, but their effectiveness is limited. Salt pipes deliver salt primarily to the upper airways and particle size is not optimal. Consider them complementary tools rather than primary therapeutic solutions.

Salt lamps

Salt lamps are popular, but contrary to myths they do not emit therapeutic amounts of salt particles into the air. They make attractive décor, but don't expect meaningful improvement in respiratory complaints from them.

Ultrasonic salt therapy devices

Ultrasonic salt therapy devices, such as the SaltDome, use modern technology to generate optimally sized (2–5 micron) salt particles. These devices enable regular home use — which is crucial for effectiveness, since most studies showed results with regular, prolonged treatment.

Which complaints can it help with?

Salt therapy is used for many respiratory and other complaints. Below I review where there is scientific support and where evidence is mainly experiential.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ▼

Halotherapy may help with mucus clearance and ease breathing. Research suggests improvements in lung function and quality of life, although evidence is not yet definitive.⁵ If you live with COPD, salt therapy can be a good adjunct to pharmacological treatment, but do not stop medications prescribed by your physician.

Detailed guide: COPD and salt therapy →

Asthma ▼

A 2021 meta-analysis of 18 studies concluded that halotherapy can be beneficial as an adjunct treatment without side effects.⁶ Important: in an asthma attack, salt therapy does not replace a rescue inhaler!

Detailed guide: Asthma and salt therapy →

Respiratory allergies, hay fever ▼

Salt can help clear nasal passages and reduce mucosal swelling. Many allergy sufferers report milder symptoms when they start a salt regimen before the season.

Detailed guide: Hay fever and salt therapy →

Common cold ▼

Salt therapy can speed recovery through its mucus-dissolving effect. Regular use may also play a preventive role — a 2012 study found that halotherapy in healthy children reduced the incidence of upper respiratory infections.^{7 8} This is especially relevant for preschool and school-age children where infections spread quickly.

Detailed guide: Common cold and salt therapy →

Sinusitis ▼

Salt particles can reach the sinuses and help dissolve and clear secretions.

Detailed guide: Sinusitis and salt therapy →

Cystic fibrosis ▼

Inhalation of hypertonic saline has been proven to improve lung function. While this is not exactly the same as dry salt therapy, the underlying principle is similar.

Detailed guide: Cystic fibrosis and salt therapy →

Post-pneumonia recovery ▼

Salt therapy can support rehabilitation after pneumonia — but only after the febrile, acute phase has passed.

Detailed guide: Post-pneumonia salt therapy →

Snoring ▼

If snoring originates in the nose (due to congestion or allergy), salt therapy can help restore free breathing.

Detailed guide: Snoring and salt therapy →

Dermatological problems (eczema, psoriasis) ▼

Salt therapy can be used as a complementary treatment for dermatological issues, although the level of evidence is lower than for respiratory uses.

Detailed guide: Skin problems and salt therapy →

Special groups

Salt therapy is not only for patients — athletes, professionals and pet owners can also benefit:

• Salt therapy for athletes – breathing optimization and recovery →
• Salt therapy in practice – a guide for healthcare professionals →
• Salt therapy for pets – respiratory problems in dogs and cats →

Scientific background – what do studies say?

It's important to be aware of what scientific studies claim and what they do not. Salt therapy is not a miracle cure, but numerous studies show it may have beneficial effects as an adjunct therapy.

Practical tips for effective use

Consistency is more important than intensity. It's better to use the device every night than to spend one whole day a week in a salt room. Airway mucosal regeneration takes time — give your body 2–4 weeks before making a judgment.

For seasonal allergies, it's worth starting regular salt therapy 2–4 weeks before the season for prevention. If you already have symptoms, it can still help, but prevention is more effective than firefighting.

During cold and flu periods you can increase usage — even use the device during daytime for shorter sessions. The mucus-dissolving effect can help faster recovery.

Maintain the device according to the manufacturer's instructions. Regular replacement of saline and cleaning the reservoir are important for hygiene and effective operation.

Key concepts and definitions