Natural Remedies for Children’s Breathing Problems: Why Salt Therapy is Trending
Caring for your child’s health can feel overwhelming at times, especially if they are prone to breathing problems or have a condition such as asthma or allergies. It can be challenging to manage the careful balance between medical care and natural remedies that can support them.
Conditions that affect breathing can be scary and stressful to treat, especially when children are affected. It is important to seek medical assistance if your child has breathing difficulties or a condition such as asthma, and supplementary treatments such as salt therapy for children can also be very helpful.
Natural Respiratory Relief for Kids
Natural therapies usually offer relief from symptoms and can help to support the body holistically. They also have a reduced risk of side effects compared with prescription medication, which is great news for parents.
Therapies that may help to alleviate the symptoms of respiratory conditions include:
- If your child struggles with allergies or has a diagnosed condition such as asthma, they are likely to be prescribed an inhaler containing medication such as Salbutamol or Ventolin to help strengthen the lungs and reduce symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing. These should be used as prescribed by your doctor, and it is also possible to use salt inhalers or essential oil inhalation devices alongside. You should always use devices such as this as directed by the manufacturer, and speak with your pharmacist if you are in any doubt.
- A nebuliser delivers medication in mist form, for inhalation through a mask or mouthpiece, and it can help recover from an asthma attack or for those with COPD or cystic fibrosis. Patients who are admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties will often be offered the use of a nebuliser, and this can help to stabilise breathing, especially in an emergency.
- Parents have used the natural effects of steam to treat their children with breathing difficulties for many years, and simply being in a steamy bathroom while the bath or shower is run can help. If using essential oils for decongestant benefits, check that these are safe for use with young children and infants, as many carry a risk. If you are using steam to ease breathing in young children, you must be aware of the risks of burns and never leave children unattended in or around water.
- Breathing techniques. Learning to use more effective breathing methods can be very helpful for children and adults who have respiratory conditions, and techniques such as Buteyko breathing are often recommended. This can help to control breathing and reduce the need for medication in the long term. You can find videos and instructions online, and you may be able to find a specialist practitioner in your local area to help you.
- Salt therapy. Salt therapy is a very safe and accessible way to treat breathing difficulties and has been used for this purpose for many years, since workers in salt mines were observed to have extremely healthy respiratory systems. More recent studies have shown that inhaling particles of salt (sodium chloride) can help to cleanse the lungs, reducing mucus and promoting healing. Salt therapy traditionally meant spending time in salt caves, making the most of the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of the natural salt, and can now be accessed at home using salt inhalers and salt air purifier systems such as Salin Plus.
Of course, it is also very important to eliminate irritants from the environment your child is in, particularly cigarette smoke and wood smoke. Many children are extremely sensitive to dust particles and pet hair, and maintaining a clean atmosphere can make a big difference.
Salt Therapy for Children
Salt therapy is a gentle and non-invasive way to treat breathing difficulties, and it can be carried out while children are playing or sleeping for the best effects. Parents love it because it is natural and doesn’t cause side effects. A salt-based air purifier is a great way to deliver a therapeutic salt spray into the environment, and this can help to:
- Thin mucus. Congestion can cause big problems for children, especially in the winter months, even if they do not have a diagnosed breathing condition. Inhaling salt particles using a Salin Plus air purifier can thin mucus, making it much easier for children to clear their congestion naturally.
- Reduce inflammation. Inflammation in the lungs can lead to coughing and wheezing and make breathing more difficult. A salt air purifier can help to soothe the lungs and reduce inflammation, making it easier for your child to breathe.
- Reduce the risk of infection. Infections in the respiratory system can be very difficult to prevent, especially in the cold seasons, but salt has natural antibacterial properties and can reduce the risk of infection and help to keep the respiratory system clean.
- Improve sleep. Sleep is essential when the body needs to recover, and breathing more easily due to the increased air quality and the soothing effects of the salt in the respiratory system can make a big difference in promoting healthy rest.
Salt therapy can also be soothing for the skin, including helping to relieve conditions like eczema and acne, as extra particles of salt in the air can help to hydrate and soothe.
Salin Plus for Kids
The Salin Plus air purifier is suitable for use in the home, and can be used for around 8 hours each day. Many people choose to use it during the night, as it can help to improve sleep and ensure that the benefits of salt therapy are maximised. The Salin Plus system works by dispersing microscopic salt particles into the air at an effective concentration to optimise benefits to the lungs and the respiratory system. It is designed to provide substantial coverage, even in large rooms, and the filters will last for approximately four months before they need replacing.
Salin Plus air purifiers work well as part of a treatment plan that includes maintaining the immune system with a good diet and managing the home environment, as well as using prescription medication. This is a long-term strategy that can have multiple benefits for your child’s health, and it can be helpful to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about this.
Medical Advice and Support at WonderCare
We know that it can be difficult when you are taking care of children with breathing difficulties, and we are here to offer our support and advice. Our experienced Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians are on hand to show you how the Salin Plus system could work for you, and we have a selection of natural products that can support your family and help to maintain well-being.
At WonderCare, we have an extensive range of healthcare products for babies, children and adults, as well as hair and beauty products, skincare and gift sets. We deliver across Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK, and we offer free shipping on orders over €40. Shop on our website for delivery to your door or collection in store, or pop in and meet our friendly team.
