Key Takeaway
A narrative review found that salt therapy shows promise as a complementary treatment for respiratory diseases, with particular potential for mold-related illness through its antimicrobial and mucolytic properties.
Summary
This narrative review examined the evidence for salt therapy (halotherapy and speleotherapy) as a complementary treatment for respiratory tract diseases, with special attention to mold-related respiratory illness. The authors surveyed existing clinical studies, mechanistic data, and historical use of salt-based therapies across Eastern Europe and beyond.
The review highlighted several proposed mechanisms by which inhaled salt aerosol may benefit respiratory health: mucolytic effects that improve mucus clearance, antimicrobial properties of hypertonic saline environments, anti-inflammatory modulation of airway tissue, and improved mucociliary transport. These mechanisms are particularly relevant for mold-exposed patients, who often suffer from chronic airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and recurrent infections.
The authors reviewed available clinical evidence for salt therapy in conditions including asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, and rhinosinusitis, noting generally positive findings but acknowledging the low overall quality of evidence. Most studies were observational, small, or lacked adequate controls.
The review concluded that salt therapy shows promise as a low-risk complementary approach, especially for patients with chronic respiratory conditions who have not responded fully to conventional treatment. The authors called for larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials to establish efficacy and optimal treatment protocols, particularly for the underserved population of mold-illness patients.