17 Mar Salt Therapy and Croup
Children having a cough can be really tough on parents. Not only is the constant noise enough to keep the whole house awake, but the sound itself can be scary and heart-wrenching. Croup is one of those coughs – but perhaps there’s ways you can help.
What is croup?
Croup is caused by a virus called parainfluenza, which involves inflammation of the larynx, the trachea and the bronchi. That swelling means that the air passage is restricted, and causes a loud, barking cough, noisy breathing, or a hoarse voice.
Children are more susceptible to croup because their airways are smaller, softer and more easily infected. One in every 50 to 100 children will get group in their first year of life.
What can I do?
The most important thing, of course, is seeking advice from a medical professional. In addition to this, to aid symptom relief, try salt therapy.
What is salt therapy?
Salt therapy is a very gentle, natural therapy that can bring relief to a number of respiratory, skin and circulatory health issues. It’s also great for kids. It involves sitting (or lying or playing with toys on the floor – whatever works for you!) in a relaxing room at a salt therapy centre, while pharmaceutical-grade salt is pumped through the air. The salt has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, meaning that it can help clean the airways just by breathing it in.
How does it help?
Salt therapy can aid croup symptoms by relieving the swelling of the respiratory system, and reducing the mucus in the airways. The anti-inflammatory properties can have a positive effect on the bronchi (the airways in the lungs), and on the larynx and the trachea, causing a more open airway for your child to breathe through. The anti-viral properties can help clear up some of that mucus and phlegm that is causing the cough. Best of all, the process is so relaxing, it might just help you all get a better night’s sleep!
Testimonial
“My 5 year old daughter has always suffered from Croup. Most of the times she has had it, we have ended up in hospital because it was so bad. I saw Salts of the Earth on Instagram and found it very interesting. 3 days ago she got Croup again and she was given Predmix by the doctors yet again. I decided to try this out and after the second visit she slept all night and didn’t cough once. By the 3rd session she did not cough during the day or night and she was back to her cheeky self. She can’t wait to come back and play with the salts. I highly recommend this to any parent with a sick child. I haven’t had to use Predmix at all which is even better”.
– Ivana & Kristina
If your child is suffering from croup, give salt therapy a try today. And hang in there, folks.