Mind & Body

Millions struggle with COPD

COPD is particularly prevalent in the 50+ generation, with the average age of diagnosis being around 67 years. It is also more common in men than women. Millions of people in the UK are struggling with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), with thousands of cases believed to be undiagnosed.

According to the British Lung Foundation 3.7 million people in Britain suffer from COPD, with only 900,000 cases actually diagnosed. COPD is caused by a co-occurrence of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, both of which are lung diseases. They cause the airways to become narrowed which then limit the flow of air to and from the lungs. Unlike other respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, COPD cannot be cured and tends to get progressively worse over time.

COPD, which is often brought on by smoking, is ranked as the UK’s 5th biggest killer disease, and it is estimated to cost the NHS over £500 million a year. The disease is the most common cause of emergency admission to hospital in the UK.

As a result of these shocking statistics, the NHS has made finding new treatments for COPD as one of their top priorities. Recent research into the disease has shown that the NHS could save as much as £800m over the next decade by improving ‘care pathways’ for patients with COPD.

Enter the Salt Cave – an alternative salt based treatment. Halotherapy, or salt therapy, is a drug free treatment which uses a dry aerosol of salt microparticles to treat respiratory and dermatological ailments. The tiny salt particles clean the respiratory system, and can even reach into the deepest part of the lung.

Clara's story

Clara Buffong, 53 from Dagenham, has been a COPD sufferer for as long as she can remember. Earlier this year Clara could barely leave her home, and was a social outcast as a result of her breathing. Then a chance conversation with her local Independent Living Agency changed her life.

She explains: “I have suffered from COPD for a long time, and have tried a lot of treatments which have not worked. Then in February of this year I was asked if I would like to try salt therapy – I was sceptical – but I agreed.

“This then changed my life. Within six weeks of starting the salt treatment I felt like a different woman. I am 53 years old, and instead of feeling like an old woman, I feel young again. I can now walk up all the 51 steps at Earlsfield train station on my way to the Salt Cave in one go, which is absolutely astonishing.

Clara adds: “I know I will never get completely better, but the salt cave lets me live again and manage my illness in a way that I can enjoy my life.”

Beathing a sigh of relief

Dr Claudia Moncada, GP Partner at the NHS Barkantine Practice in London’s Docklands, believes salt therapy is an effective treatment for COPD: “Salt treatment has been effectively used in other countries for years, and is recognised as an effective treatment for all respiratory illnesses. The tiny salt particles in the air clean the respiratory system and also act as an anti-inflammatory. In essence, it gives your system a good clean out which in turn allows you to breathe more easily than before.”

“It is especially useful for people with severe breathing problems, like COPD sufferers. Regular visits should reduce the chance of symptoms worsening and should certainly reduce the need for regular hospital treatment.”