Sinus allergies are seasonal for most people and is commonly known as hay fever. They can also be year-round for someone with a bad immune system. Sinus allergies are caused by things in the environment such as pollen in the air or dander from a pet (Schroer, 2013). When these allergens enter the body, the immune system responds by producing antibodies and removing the allergens. This results in the production of histamine, which causes itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and/or a blocked nasal canal. As the antibodies produced by the immune system kill both allergens and the surrounding tissue, it is possible that allergies can turn into asthma. Therefore, having continual allergies can predispose someone to developing asthma if it is not treated (Schroer, 2013).
Another common allergy-like problem that is called sinusitis. This is an infection in the sinus cavity caused by bacteria. Symptoms are similar to that of a pollen or dander allergy, it is actually caused by a bacterial infection and requires antibiotics to cure (Need citation) Whether it be an allergic response to the environment or a bacterial infection, both show similar symptoms. This is a blocked sinus cavity, runny nose, or sneezing (an automatic response by your body when there is something blocking your nasal passage).
Halotherapy, or salt therapy can help improve the symptoms of and treat allergies or sinusitis. Salt therapy does this by removing mucous build up, strengthening the immune system, and acting as an antibacterial. Research shows halotherapy can improve symptoms of allergies by restoring the drainage of mucous (Zajac et al., 2014). Halotherapy lowers the need for antibiotics, which can have a negative impact the body’s bacterial community. Antibiotics can kill good bacteria which can lead to recurring infections (Chervinskaya, 2007). Halotherapy has the ability to reduce inflammation by neutralizing molecules that cause damage (Vladeva & Ovcharova, 2018). The benefit of halotherapy is that it benefits all respiratory diseases or infections including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchitis, and cystic fibrosis. There is even evidence to show halotherapy improves depression and anxiety because it will clear your airway delivering more oxygen to your brain and salt rooms have magnesium in the microclimate. Magnesium has been shown to be beneficial to people who suffer from depression and anxiety (Gallicchio, 2014). Zajac, J., Bojar, I., Helbin, J., Kolarzyk, E., & Owoc, A. (2014). Salt caves as simulation of natural environment and significance of halotherapy. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 21(1). Chervinskaya, A. V. (2007). Halotherapy in controlled salt chamber microclimate for recovering medicine. Balneologia Polska, 2, 133-141. Vladeva, E. P., & Ovcharova, L. P. (2018). Halotherapy–benefits and risks. Scripta Scientifica Salutis Publicae, 4, 22-26. Gallicchio, V. S. (2014). Use of Trace Elements and Halotherapy in the Treatment of Human Diseases. In Pharmacology and Nutritional Intervention in the Treatment of Disease. InTech. Schroer, B. (2013). Seasonal to Serious _ Everything Allergy & Asthma. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/transcripts/1516_seasonal-to-serious-everything-allergy-and-asthma
