A few years ago, cystic fibrosis doctors learned that breathing the salty air of the ocean was beneficial to cystic fibrosis patients. This was discovered when doctors realized that CF patients who also happened to be surfers had much better than average lung functions than other CF patients did. CF researchers therefore, developed an inhalable hypertonic saline solution for CF patients because of these findings. But now, the benefits of breathing in salty air are becoming a business for anyone suffering a respiratory ailment or bacterial infection.
Halo Air is a company has built salt rooms in Israel and now has opened its newest operation in New York City. While owner Ron Rofe is careful to note that the business is a wellness center not a medical establishment, he is adamant about the benefits of salt to the human body, especially the respiratory system. Knowing what I know about CF and salt, I would have to agree.
For $99.99, you can visit Halo Air and spend an hour breathing in salty air that is dispensed from halo generators, which are built into the walls. Imitating the natural salty air found in caves in Europe, which are visited by people with everything from asthma to allergies, the walls of salt rooms are coated in salt, as are the floors. The air tastes subtly of salt, which is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory – a huge benefit for the lungs of those with CF.
So a new option emerges for CF patients as well as those with other respiratory conditions. While prescriptions won’t be available any time soon, I’m sure, those with CF wouldn’t mind receiving a visit to Halo Air as a gift. While it might not become a long-term treatment for CF, it does offer an alternative treatment option, something those with CF are always looking for.