Why Does Your Child Keep Getting Colds? What Research Says About Salt Therapy
Another runny nose. Another cough. Another sleepless night. And just when your child seems better… it starts all over again.
If your child has recently started nursery or school, this probably sounds familiar.
For many parents, autumn and winter bring an endless cycle of blocked noses, chesty coughs and respiratory infections.
But why do children seem to catch everything going around? And what does scientific research tell us about salt and respiratory health?
The answers might surprise you.
1. Why Do Children Catch So Many Colds?
According to the NHS, children experience an average of 5–8 colds every year.
Young children’s immune systems are still learning to recognise and respond to the hundreds of viruses responsible for common colds.
When children start nursery or school, they’re suddenly exposed to more viruses through close contact, shared toys and everyday activities.
Over time, their immune systems develop protection against many of these infections.
But there’s another reason why respiratory infections can be particularly uncomfortable for younger children.
Their airways are naturally smaller than those of adults.
Even relatively minor inflammation and mucus build-up can make breathing through the nose more difficult.
This is why something as ordinary as a cold can lead to restless nights, coughing and persistent congestion.
2. Why Does the Cough Continue After the Cold?
Have you noticed that your child’s temperature returns to normal and their energy comes back, but the cough remains?
During respiratory infections, the lining of the airways becomes irritated and produces additional mucus.
Mucus plays an important role in protecting the respiratory system.
It traps dust, allergens and microorganisms before they can travel further into the airways.
Tiny hair-like structures called cilia continuously move mucus towards the throat, where it can be swallowed or coughed out.
This natural process is known as mucociliary clearance.
When the airways become inflamed, mucus may become more difficult to clear.
This helps explain why some children continue coughing after other cold symptoms have disappeared.
It also explains why scientists have investigated the relationship between salt solutions, mucus and respiratory health.
3. What Does Science Say About Salt and Mucus?
Salt has been used in respiratory care for many years.
One area of particular scientific interest is hypertonic saline, a saltwater solution containing a higher concentration of salt than normal body fluids.
Researchers have investigated how hypertonic saline interacts with airway mucus and the respiratory tract.
The proposed mechanism involves drawing water towards the airway surface, helping hydrate mucus and potentially supporting its movement.
Research finding: A Cochrane review involving 5,205 infants
A major Cochrane systematic review published in 2023 examined 34 clinical trials involving 5,205 infants with acute bronchiolitis.
Researchers investigated nebulised hypertonic saline and its effects on respiratory symptoms.
The review found that hypertonic saline may:
Slightly improve clinical respiratory severity scores.
Help reduce airway obstruction associated with mucus and inflammation.
Modestly shorten hospital stays for infants receiving treatment for bronchiolitis.
The researchers reported that the certainty of these findings was low, highlighting the need for further clinical investigation.
The research is particularly interesting because it explores how inhaled salt solutions interact with mucus in children’s airways.
Research: Zhang et al. (2023), Nebulised Hypertonic Saline Solution for Acute Bronchiolitis in Infants, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
4. Can Salt Help With a Blocked Nose?
A blocked nose is one of the most frustrating symptoms for young children.
Congestion can make eating, sleeping and everyday activities uncomfortable.
Researchers have also investigated the use of saline solutions for children’s nasal symptoms.
Research finding: Saline and childhood respiratory infections
A systematic review published in 2024 examined clinical research involving saline nasal irrigation for children experiencing upper respiratory tract infections.
The researchers found that saline nasal irrigation may reduce the severity of certain symptoms, with some studies reporting faster symptom improvement.
Another systematic review involving 569 children found benefits for nasal symptoms associated with upper respiratory infections.
These findings help explain why saline-based approaches are widely studied in respiratory care.
Importantly, nasal irrigation and inhaled saline are different methods of delivering salt, and their results cannot automatically be applied to salt-room sessions.
Research: Cruz et al. (2024), Nasal Irrigation With Saline Solution for Pediatric Acute Upper Respiratory Infections: A Systematic Review.
5. What About Halotherapy for Children?
This is where the research becomes particularly relevant to families interested in salt therapy.
Halotherapy involves exposure to salt particles in a specially designed environment.
Researchers have investigated its potential effects on respiratory symptoms, mucus clearance and airway function.
Research finding: Halotherapy in children with frequent respiratory infections
A study published in 2012 by Khan, Chervinskaya and Mikitchenko investigated halotherapy in children who frequently experienced acute respiratory illnesses.
The researchers examined the effects of sessions conducted inside a specialised salt room.
They reported observations suggesting:
Anti-inflammatory effects.
Improved drainage of respiratory secretions.
Improvements in measures of respiratory health.
Positive findings during follow-up assessments.
The researchers followed participants at intervals extending to 12 months.
Although this was an encouraging investigation, the available abstract does not establish that halotherapy reliably prevents childhood infections. Larger, well-controlled studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Nevertheless, the study provides an interesting foundation for understanding why salt-room environments continue to attract attention in respiratory wellness research.
Research: Khan, Chervinskaya & Mikitchenko (2012), The Use of Halotherapy for the Health Improvement in Children at Institutions of General Education.
6. Why Are Parents Becoming Interested in Salt Therapy?
For families dealing with repeated coughs, blocked noses and seasonal respiratory concerns, understanding how the respiratory system works can be valuable.
Research into saline-based respiratory treatments has highlighted several important areas:
Mucus hydration
The water content of mucus influences how easily it moves through the respiratory tract.
Airway clearance
Healthy mucociliary clearance helps remove trapped particles and secretions.
Respiratory comfort
Nasal congestion and excess mucus can affect sleep and everyday comfort.
These are some of the reasons researchers continue investigating salt-based respiratory approaches.
They also help explain the growing interest in halotherapy as a respiratory wellness experience.
7. Discover Our Family Salt Room at Crystal Salt Cave
At Crystal Salt Cave in Borehamwood, we’ve created a dedicated space designed especially for children and their parents.
We understand that children don’t want to spend 50 minutes sitting quietly!
That’s why our Family Salt Room combines a comfortable salt-room environment with the freedom to play and explore.
What Makes Our Family Room Different?
A salt-rich environment
Our Family Room uses nebulised hypertonic saline, creating a fine saline mist within the room.
A space where children can play
With toys and activities available, children can enjoy their visit while spending time in the salt-room environment.
Relaxation for parents
While little ones play, parents can relax in our comfortable massage chairs.
An experience for the whole family
Our 50-minute sessions provide an opportunity for parents and children to enjoy time together in a peaceful setting.
We welcome families with children aged 3 months to 12 years.
8. Supporting Your Child’s Respiratory Wellbeing Throughout the Year
Respiratory health deserves attention beyond the winter months.
Children encounter viruses, allergens and environmental irritants throughout the year.
Simple everyday habits can make an important difference:
Encourage regular handwashing.
Maintain a comfortable, well-ventilated home environment.
Support healthy sleep routines.
Offer plenty of fluids.
Encourage a balanced diet.
Keep children away from cigarette smoke.
Follow recommended childhood vaccinations.
Parents can also learn more about respiratory wellness approaches, including the developing research into saline and halotherapy.
A Different Way to Think About Your Family’s Respiratory Wellbeing
Childhood colds may be common, but understanding what happens inside the respiratory system changes how we think about them.
From mucus production to the body’s natural airway-clearing mechanisms, the respiratory system is constantly working to protect us.
Scientific research continues to explore how salt-based approaches interact with these processes.
At Crystal Salt Cave, we’re passionate about bringing the traditional salt-cave experience into a welcoming, modern environment where families can spend time together.
And because children learn through play, we’ve made sure our youngest visitors have plenty to enjoy.
Give Your Family a New Salt Cave Experience
Discover our Family Salt Room and enjoy 50 minutes dedicated to your family’s wellbeing.
Crystal Salt Cave — Borehamwood, North London
07404 404200
Book your family’s next salt therapy session at Crystal Salt Cave.
Scientific Research & References
1. Zhang L. et al. (2023)
Nebulised Hypertonic Saline Solution for Acute Bronchiolitis in Infants.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006458.pub5
2. Cruz M. et al. (2024)
Nasal Irrigation With Saline Solution for Pediatric Acute Upper Respiratory Infections: A Systematic Review.
Cureus, 16(12), e75464.
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.75464
3. Khan M.A., Chervinskaya A.V. & Mikitchenko N.A. (2012)
The Use of Halotherapy for the Health Improvement in Children at Institutions of General Education.
Voprosy Kurortologii, Fizioterapii i Lechebnoi Fizicheskoi Kultury, 2, 31–35.
4. NHS — Colds, Coughs and Ear Infections in Children
Information on childhood respiratory infections, coughing and nasal congestion.