Study #18 · Chapter C
Cochrane review on hypertonic salt in cystic fibrosis
Original title: Nebulised hypertonic saline for cystic fibrosis.
- Authors
- Peter Wark, Vanessa M. McDonald
- Journal
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
- Year
- 2018
Summary
This Cochrane review assessed multiple studies on nebulized hypertonic salt in cystic fibrosis. The review describes improvement in lung function in the short term, especially after about four weeks in adults and children from 12 years of age. In the long term, the effect remained less clear. The review also mentions support for mucus clearance but emphasizes that the strength of evidence varies per outcome.
What was investigated
This review assessed several studies on nebulized hypertonic salt in cystic fibrosis.
What were the findings
The Cochrane review shows that nebulized hypertonic salt in cystic fibrosis can help improve lung function in the short term. Improvement was seen especially after about four weeks in adults and children from 12 years of age. In the long term, this effect was not always clearly visible. The review also describes that hypertonic salt can help with mucus clearance, but the strength of evidence varies by outcome.
Why relevant for halotherapy
This research is relevant because it shows that salt in the airways can affect mucus and lung function. Halotherapy also works with salt particles in the airways and follows the same principle: loosening thick mucus, supporting mucus clearance, and helping to clean the airways. Keywords: cystic fibrosis, hypertonic salt, Cochrane, mucus clearance, thick mucus, clinical evidence
Original publication
Peter Wark, Vanessa M. McDonald. Nebulised hypertonic saline for cystic fibrosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30260472/This summary has been prepared for readability and does not replace the original scientific publication. Consult the source via the link for the full context. Halotherapy is a complementary approach to promoting health and does not replace medical treatment or advice from your treating physician.