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Inhalation with sea salt through a nebulizer, at home
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025

Sea salt is obtained from sea water by natural evaporation from the sun or by evaporation. Its ionic composition consists of chlorides, sodium, sulfates, magnesium, calcium, hydrocarbonates, bromine, etc. Inhalations with sea salt achieve a local therapeutic effect and accelerate recovery from inflammation of the mucous membranes of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Proximity to the sea makes it possible to use sea water for this, geographic remoteness - crystal solutions. [ 1 ], [ 2 ]
Indications for the procedure
For what symptoms and diseases can you do inhalations with sea salt? Its unique components heal mucosal damage, help speed up metabolic processes, which leads to rapid tissue recovery, have an antiseptic effect, and reduce swelling. Such properties have a beneficial effect on diseases:
- bronchitis - the bronchi expand, blood circulation in them becomes more intense, more mucus is produced, sputum becomes less viscous, expectoration increases;
- adenoids - with this pathology, the nasopharyngeal tonsil increases in size, which causes difficulty breathing and discomfort. Its growth is promoted by a humid environment, so the purpose of inhalation is drying, leading to a reduction in adenoids;
- asthma is an incurable disease that occurs as a result of a prolonged inflammatory process in the bronchi. Therapy is aimed at relieving attacks and preventing the progression of the disease. Good treatment results are obtained from staying in salt mines; inhalations with sea salt work on the same principle. They make it possible to relieve an attack at the very beginning, saturate the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs with useful minerals;
- nasal congestion - this condition is caused by the narrowing of the nasal passages due to swelling of the mucous membrane. For a person, this is fraught with discomfort, itching in the nasal cavity, frequent sneezing, watery eyes, headache, and can result in sleep disturbance, increased fatigue, decreased concentration. Vasoconstrictor drugs help to get rid of this, and sea salt can replace them;
- runny nose in children is a constant companion of the growth of babies. During it, not only the nose does not breathe, but also there is unpleasant discharge from the nose. Sometimes the procedure of instillation causes considerable difficulties, although measures to alleviate the condition should be. Inhalation can help, because it will expand the channels, disinfect them, and stop inflammation;
- ARI is a viral disease that affects the trachea and bronchi. It is characterized by a sore throat, runny nose, headaches, and fever. Useful microelements in sea salt will help get rid of painful symptoms: sodium, potassium, and magnesium will reduce swelling, calcium and sulfur will increase immunity, and zinc will heal damage to the mucous membrane. [ 3 ], [ 4 ]
Preparation
There are several ways to perform inhalations, on which the preparation for them depends. An indispensable attribute of the process is the purchase of the salt itself and, if we are not talking about a steam procedure, then also a special device - a nebulizer. In the first case, you need a container for the solution and a towel. It is not done on a full stomach, but only an hour after eating.
Technique sea salt inhalations
First, prepare a solution for inhalation with sea salt: you will need a spoonful of the mineral per glass of water. Heat it in an enamel container until steam forms, tilt your head over it and cover yourself with a towel for greater effect. Diseases of the larynx and bronchi require a deep breath through the mouth and exhalation through the nose, with a runny nose and tonsillitis - vice versa. The procedure lasts 5-7 minutes. The technique for inhalation at home for a child is slightly different. A funnel is rolled up from thick paper and inserted into the spout of a teapot, through which he breathes. This method is unacceptable for small children, so it is better to use a nebulizer - the safest form of delivering a medicinal product in the form of an aerosol to the respiratory organs. You cannot prepare sea salt for it yourself. Pharmacies sell a ready-made product that is diluted with saline in a ratio of 1: 2, and then poured into the device. The procedure is performed both in a sitting and lying position, which is convenient when treating children or bedridden patients. It can be done up to 4 times a day, it is completely safe.
Contraindications to the procedure
Inhalations with sea salt are not recommended at body temperature above 37.5ºС, nosebleeds, presence of blood fragments in sputum clots during expectoration, neoplasms. Steam inhalations are strictly contraindicated in case of adenoids, as they increase humidity of the environment and lead to proliferation, as well as for small children.
Reviews
Doctors, when prescribing medication, also prescribe physical therapy with various means. This can be simple table salt, soda, mineral water, decoctions of medicinal plants. According to patients, inhalations with sea salt bring significant relief from the painful condition and speed up recovery.