Background Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a critical condition marked by severe alveolar damage and oxygenation impairment, leading to high mortality rates despite treatment with mechanical ventilation and fluid management.

Halotherapy, a non-invasive treatment initially used for chronic respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma, has yet to be fully explored for its efficacy in ARDS.

Methods This interventional study involved 97 patients with ARDS, who were divided into a halotherapy treatment group and a standard treatment group. The study collected data through electronic medical records, laboratory tests, and direct patient assessments to evaluate biomarkers, lung function, and clinical outcomes before and after treatment.

Results Compared to standard treatment group, halotherapy significantly reduced levels of NLRP3, IL-1β, Caspase-1, and MMP3. Lung function enhancements included increases in FVC and FEV1. Additionally, the incidence of major adverse cardiac events and renal dysfunction decreased significantly in the halotherapy group, highlighting halotherapy’s potential to improve clinical outcomes in ARDS treatment.

Conclusions Halotherapy, with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, provides an effective treatment option for ARDS patients. Its non-invasive nature and good tolerability make it a promising adjunctive therapy for managing ARDS and potentially other respiratory diseases.