Salt Cave for 17 month old

[Philbs1980]

we are considering taking our 17 month old daughter to a salt cave to clear her chest. Does anyone have any experience of salt caves and what kind of results did you see on a young child? Much appreciated

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

Hi, I'd be very careful about this, especially with a young child. If your daughter is having chest problems which may be asthma (I know it can be hard to diagnose in under-5s, though don't have children myself), or her asthma has been diagnosed but isn't well controlled, I'd suggest going back to your GP as a first step. If you have but you aren't getting very far, you may find it helpful to give the asthma nurses from here a call to talk everything through: 0300 2225800 or WhatsApp [phone] Monday-Friday 0915-5pm

The problem with a lot of 'alternative' therapies for asthma in particular is that not only is there limited/no good evidence to show they work in most cases, but they can actually be harmful triggers for some people with asthma.

So you might see people on here saying they helped for themselves/their child, but that doesn't mean it will work for everyone, and it could make your daughter's chest worse.

This is what Asthma and Lung UK have to say - it's from this page which you may find useful: asthma.org.uk/advice/inhale...

Salt pipes and salt caves

Salt therapies, sometimes called halotherapy, involve breathing in tiny salt particles, either through salt pipes or in salt health resorts. Salt therapies sometimes take place in natural underground caves that contain salt. This type of therapy is called speleotherapy.

There are very few good quality studies into salt therapy. A recent review of the research found only one reliable scientific trial. Inhaling salt can also irritate your airways, which can cause coughing and trigger asthma attacks. Currently, most experts do not recommend salt therapy for people with asthma.

There's also no evidence that salt lamps help with asthma symptoms.

[Karate109]

I visited our local salt cave in Inverness twice as I received vouchers as a gift. It was a dark room with dim lights and salt on the floor and walls etc. It was very relaxing with soothing music and the session lasted about an hour. They did have another room for children but I never saw it so possibly it may have not been as dark. Overall I felt less stressed after my visit but my asthma did not improve therefore I would not recommend this salt therapy.

[Spikedog66]

I can't speak for children but I went to salt mine in krakow was fine it was huge though. Bought one of their salt lamp and used it once over night in my bedroom. A no go couldn't breathe when I woke up properly and coughed most of night. Went in bin. I'd be very careful with your toddler. They give use saline nebulisers for chest issues. I'd check with your Gp or asthma nurse and get their views.

[Birthday60]

I think there is a Pisces gif alternative therapies when a person has exhausted all other options and can make their own informed decision- a small child cannot