Salt has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial actions. Once salt particles are breathed into the lungs, the salt absorbs bacteria and clears away mucus which blocks the airways.
Salt therapy works by activating the cilia, tiny hair-like structures which sweep mucus and dirt out of the lungs. Many lung conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and cystic fibrosis result in the cilia become clogged with mucus. Salt therapy clears this mucus.
A new salt therapy device is available through Whelehans Pharmacy called Salin Plus Breathe Easy. Air is forced through the Salin Plus filter which contains a micro-crystallised deposit of salts, primarily sodium chloride. This creates a fine, constant spray of sodium chloride, and many find breathing easier after only a few days.
Benefits of salt therapy
Snoring: Salin Plus can relieve snoring by breaking up the mucus that causes nasal congestion and by reducing swelling in the soft palate.
Sleep apnoea: Salin Plus can relieve the symptoms of sleep apnoea by clearing nasal congestion and reducing swelling on the soft palate.
Chronic sinusitis: Relief from long term sinusitis by unclogging congestion in the nasal passages.
Asthma: Salin Plus does not improve lung function, but it does improve quality of life by reducing cough, sputum (phlegm ) volume, and nasal congestion.
COPD (bronchitis ): Improves quality of life by reducing shortness of breath, clearing mucus, and reducing night-time wakening.
Hay fever: Relief from hay fever by unclogging congestion associated with hay fever.
Cystic fibrosis: Significant clinical improvement including the elimination of sputum.
Salin Plus is available from Whelehans Pharmacy, 38 Pearse St, Mullingar. Call (044 ) 9334591 or visit www.whelehans.ie
