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JOURNAL OF AEROSOL MEDICINE
Volume 8, Number 3, 1995
Mary Ann Licbert, Inc. |
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HALOTHERAPY FOR TREATMENT OF RESPIRATORY DISEASES |
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ALINA V. CHERVINSKAYA and NORA A. ZILBER
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Saint-Petersburg Pavlov National Medical University, Russia
Joint- Stock Company Aero med, Saint-Petersburg, Russia |
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This work elucidates the questions upon the development of a new drug-free method for respiratory diseases treatment. Halotherapy (HT) - is a mode of treatments in a controlled air medium which simulates a natural salt cave microclimate. The main curative factor is the dry sodium chloride aerosol with particles of 2 to 5 mkm in size. Particles density (0.5-9 mg/m³) varies with the type of the disease. Other factors are: comfortable temperature, humidity regime, the hypo bacterial and allergen- free air environment saturated with the aerosol.
The effect of HT was evaluated in 124 patients (pts) with various types of respiratory diseases. The control group of 15 pts received placebo. HT course consisted of 10-20 daily procedures of 1 hour. HT resulted in improvements of clinical state in the most of the patients. The positive dynamics of flow-volume loop parameters and decrease of bronchial resistance measured by bodyplethysmography were observed. The changes in the control group parameters after HT were not statistically significant. The specificity of this method is the low concentration and gradual administration of dry sodium chloride aerosol. Data on healing mechanisms of a specific air dispersive environment of sodium chloride while treating the respiratory diseases are discussed.
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The considerable increase of allergic diseases and reactions and of other serious complications due to the drug therapy explains the interest of clinicians to the development of drug-free methods of treatment. Halotherapy ("halos" in Greek means salt) is one of such methods. Halotherapy (HT) is a mode of treatments in a controlled air medium which simulates a natural salt cave microclimate.
The treatment in the natural salt caves (Speleotherapy) has been known since long. The efficacy of Speleotherapy is associated with the unique cave microclimate. The natural dry sodium chloride aerosol is the major curative factor of the cave microclimate. It is formed by the convective diffusion from salt walls. Other factors such as comfortable temperature and humidity regime, the hypo bacterial and allergen-free air environment saturated with aero ions enhance the therapeutic effect.
A suggestion that it is the air saturated with saline dust that causes the main curative effect in the Speleotherapy of patients with respiratory diseases was first formulated by a Polish physician F.Bochkowsky in 1843. Salt mines are known to be used for therapeutic purposes in other countries such as Austria (Solzbad-Salzetnan), Rumania (Sieged), Poland (Wieliczka), Azerbaijan (Nakhichevan), Kirgizia (Chon-Tous), Russia (Berezniki, Perm region), the Ukraine (Solotvino, Carpathians), Artiomovsk, Donietsk region).
Speleotherapy has been recognized as a highly effective drug-free treatment method. Great experience in the treatment of patients with various forms of chronic nonspecific pulmonary diseases has proved Speleotherapy to be very effective under the conditions of the salt mine microclimate of Solotvino. The therapeutic effect has been proved by the data of biochemical immunological and microbiological research (Simyonka 1989, Slivko, 1980, Yefimova et al, 1990, Zadorozhnaya et al, 1986). It is assumed that during the treatment the organism adapts to the specific features of the microclimate and alters all its functional systems.
However, adaptation of the patients who came from different climate areas, travel and transport problems, and limited number of beds kept back its wide spreading. So HT has been worked out.
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DESCRIPTION OF HALOTHERAPY |
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HT is performed in a special room with salt coated walls -Halochamber. Dry sodium chloride aerosol (DSCA) containing the dominating amount of 2 to 5 mkm particles (Table I) is produced by a special nebulizer.
TABLE I
Fractions of dry sodium chloride aerosol in Halochamber (According to the data of optical devices)
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Size of particles, mkm |
Fractions, % |
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1-2 |
35.4 ± 2.1 |
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2-5 |
61.8 ± 3.3 |
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5-10 |
2.8 ± 0.4 |
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>10 |
0.003 |
TABLE 2
Composition criteria requirements for salt to be used in halotherapy.
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Chemical composition of salt |
% ( mass) |
Chemical composition of salt |
% ( mass) |
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Na, not less than |
97.70 |
Fe2O3, not more than |
0.01 |
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Ca-ion, not more than |
0.50 |
Na2SO4 |
0.50 |
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Mg-ion, not more than |
0.10 |
Water insoluble sediment, not more than |
0.45 |
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SO4 - ion, not more than |
1.20 |
Moisture in rock-salt, not more than |
0.25 |
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K-ion, not more than |
0.10 |
pH of NaCL solution |
6.5-8.0 |
The constant level of desirable aerosol mass concentration in the range of 0.5-9 mg/m³ is maintained automatically. Composition of the salt used for HT is shown in the Table 2 (The Russian State Standard is 13830 - 4). The temperature of 18-22 C and 45-55% humidity of the medium are maintained by air conditioning system and heating devices. The HT process and microclimate parameters are controlled with the help of computer.
The treatment in Halochamber is conducted daily, the duration of the procedure is 1.0 hour, and the length of the course is 12-25 days. The duration of each course and parameters of aerosol medium depend on nosology, clinical features, phase of the disease, etc and are prescribed by the physician (Table 3). The duration of the course and the DSCA concentration may be changed during the period of treatments in accordance with the requirements of the changing state of the patient.
The patients breathe quietly while reclining in the special armchairs. Therapy is accompanied by musical psycho suggestive program and demonstration of slides, HT is carried out either alone or in association with the base medication and other methods of treatment.
TABLE 3
Concentrations of dry sodium chloride aerosol and duration of halotherapy.
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Disorders |
Specificity |
FEV1 (% Pr.) |
Concentration (mg/m³) |
HT duration (days) |
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Bronchial asthma
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Allergic |
- |
0.5-1 |
12-14 |
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Infection
dependent |
<60
>60 |
0.5-1
1-2 |
18-21 |
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Chronic obstructive bronchitis |
- |
<60 |
0.5-1 |
18-21 |
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Chronic nonobstructive bronchitis |
- |
- |
3-5 |
18-21 |
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Bronchiectasis |
- |
<60
>60 |
1-2
7-9 |
21-25 |
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Cystic fibrosis |
- |
- |
3-5 |
21-25 |
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MATERIAL AND METHODS
HT was administrated in a group of 124 patients (54 males and 70 females) aged from 16 to 62 years (mean age 34.3 + 2.5 years) with various types of chronic nonspecific pulmonary diseases (Table 4). In all of the patients (pts), the disease was in the stage of a prolonged exacerbation. Before the treatments 95% of the pts of the main group had been coughing, half of them (47%) had severe attacks of coughing with scanty viscous sputum. Most of the pts (81%) suffered from attacks of asthma so that one third of them used combined medication to control it. Auscultation revealed harsh and weakened breathing, and dry rales in 58% of the patients.
60% of the pts received a base therapy (beta-agonists, theophyllines, chromoglycate natrii, corticosteroids, etc.), the effect of which was insufficient and did not allow to achieve a complete remission. The pts had not taken any antibacterial medicine.
The control group was represented by 15 pts (7 females and 8 males) aged from 18 to 56 years (mean age 38.4+1.5 years). Placebo course consisted only of 10 procedures of musical psychosuggestive program with slides demonstration in an ordinary room.
The pts' condition was assessed by daily medical supervision, with functional and laboratory tests made before and after HT, as well as every 7th day during the treatments. Series of examinations in the control group consisted of the tests similar to those for the main group of pts.
TABLE 4
The patients studied
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Disease |
Number of patients |
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Bronchial asthma
Mild
Moderate
Severe
Chronic bronchitis
Nonobstructive
Obstructive
Bronchiectasis
Cystic fibrosis
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87
32
34
21
26
12
14
6
5
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Total |
124 |
Standard method of flow-volume loop was registered by "Pneumoscreen" ("Jager", Germany).The following parameters were assessed: vital capacity (VC), forced VC (FVC), forced expiratory volume of the 1st sec FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory flow at 5O% FVC (FEF50). The character and the extent of bronchial patency impairment were estimated according to predicted values and limits of norm and its deviation (Klement et al, 1986). Dynamics of the indices were assessed from differences in their absolute meaning before and after therapy and were expressed in % or the initial value. Individual assessment of the results was achieved by comparing changes in the parameters and their variability. Inhalation bronchospasmolytic test with 0.4 mg of Berotec was carried out in 56 patients before and after therapy (Melnikowa & Zilber, 1990). When the test was positive, the obstructions was considered to be reversible i.e., bronchospastic component was significant in the genesis of obstruction. Airway resistance (Raw) and intrathoracic gas volume (ITGV) were measured by "Bodyscreen" ("Jager", Germany). Total lung capacity (TLC), residual volume (RV) and their ratio (RV/TLC) were calculated on the base of spirography and bodyplethysmography data. Raw analysis was carried out in absolute values, whereas other parameters were given in predicted values ( Kristufec et al, 1979). Diffusion capacity of the lungs by steady state method (DLss) was measured by "Transfersacen" in absolute values and as % of predicted values (Pivotean & Dechouret et al, 1968).
Standard methods of variation statistics were used for group analysis of the material, students' test being used for significant differences in independent and correlated samples.
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Clinical studies
After 3-5 sessions of HT 70-80% of the pts (according to nosology) presented some improvements: expectoration of good amount of sputum- it was less tenacious and easier to discharge, better auscultator pattern of the lungs, less frequent occurrence of cough attacks or respiratory discomfort. Some pts with severe and moderate bronchial asthma (BA) (35 patients - 27% of the total number) experienced difficulty in brining up the phlegm and worsening of cough during 3-4 days after 3-4 sessions. These manifestations seem to be due to the temporal bad bronchial drainage resulting from hyper secretion of mucus and discharge of old clots of secretion from bronchi of smaller diameter. Expiratory dyspnea appeared or became more pronounced in 18 patients (15% or cases) at different periods of HT. Those were mainly the patients with exercise-induced asthma and aspirin-induced asthma. None of the pts complained of bad condition during the HT procedures.
By the end of the course of HT all the pts felt better they slept well, had no fatigue or weakness, and their nervous system stabilized. Clinical symptoms analysis demonstrated that the number of asthma attacks and respiratory discomfort cases decreased significantly as compared to the initial ones (81% and 52%, respectively, p<0.001). The number of asthma attacks controlled by combined medication also decreased (32% and 2%, respectively, p<0.001).
The cases of cough occurred more rarely (95% and 70%, respectively, p<0.001), cough became easier and more productive, the amount of sputum reduced, it became mucousal. The number of the patients with signs of vasomotor rhinitis decreased (61% and 24%, respectively p<0.001).
Corticosteroids were discontinued in 50 % (11 pts) of the pts with corticosteroid therapy (22 pts). Those were the cases when inhaled corticosteroids were prescribed as anti-inflammatory agents. In 7 pts it was possible to reduce the dose, 41 pts (60% of pts who inhaled beta- agonists) were able to discontinue beta-agonists or reduce the dose. Reduction (or cancellation) in bronchodilator and inhaled corticosteroid consumption was an indicator of clinical benefit.
The clinical state of 85% of the pts with mild and moderate BA, 75 % with severe BA, 98%- with chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis improved after HT. The pts were examined 6 and 12 months after the first HT course. No aggravations of the disease were seen from the 3d to the12th month. The average duration of the remission was 7.6-0.9 m. Most of the pts (60%) used no medication and sought no medical advice.
Lung function studies
Before HT bronchial obstruction was found in 83 pts (67% of all cases), 1/3 of them (25 pts) had marked impairment. By the end of the therapy bronchial obstruction was found in 50% of the pts but the numbers of cases with marked impairment were diminished (16 pts) (Fig.1).
Direct effect of a HT procedure on bronchial potency was studied in 12 pts. The difference between the average flow-volume loop parameters in the group after 1 procedure was insignificant (p>0.05) when compared to the initial values.
Individual analysis showed that 5 pts had a significant increase of the parameters, a decrease was seen in 4 pts and in 3 cases there were no changes. On the basis of these data it is impossible to estimate the real action of DSCA on bronchial patency.
The patients showed significant increase of FVC, FEV1, PEF, FEF50 by the 7th day, of FVC and FEF50 by the 14th day and of FVC, VC and PEF by the end of HT (Table 5). There was no difference in the extent of the parameter changes after the 7th day and by the end of the treatment.
FIGURE I. Bronchial obstruction before and after the halotherapy (number of patients - 124)
TABLE 5
Change of flow-volume loop parameters at various terms of halotherapy (Mean ± SE)
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Parameter, % baseline
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Treatment |
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7 days |
14 days |
End of course |
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Number of cases
VC
FVC
FEV1
PEF
FEF 50
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115
0 ± 0.9
2 ± 0.9*
3 ± 1.2*
4 ± 1.4*
7 ± 1.5*
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98
2 ± 1.3
3 ±1.3*
3 ± 1.6
3 ± 1.9
7 ± 2.9*
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124
2 ± 0.9*
2 ± 1.0*
2 ± 1.3
3 ± 1.2*
2 ± 2.0
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*significant (p< 0.05, here and further) changes vs initial values (paired t-test)
Findings of bodyplethysmography and diffusion capacity of the lungs are given in Table 6. After the HT there was a significant decrease in Raw and RV/TLC, other parameters changes were insignificant.
To know whether the initial extent of obstruction had any effect on the dynamics of bronchial patency during HT all pts were divided into four groups according to the extent of obstruction (Table7). Group I included patients with normal indices of forced expiration (FEF 50>62%Pr.); group II - with mild impairment of bronchial patency (FEF50 <51%Pr.); group III - with moderate (FEF50<31%Pr.), and group IV - with severe obstruction (FEF50<22%Pr.)
TABLE 6
Bodyplethysmography and diffusion capacity of lung before and
after halotherapy (M ± SE), number of patients-85.
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Parameter, (% baseline) |
Treatment |
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before |
after |
VC
ITGV
RV
TLC
RV/TLC
Raw*
DLss |
99 ± 3
141 ± 4
156 ± 6
111 ± 2
142 ± 5
0.37 ± 0.04
83 ± 7
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102 ± 3
133 ± 5
139 ± 7
109 ± 3
126 ± 6*
0.28 ± 0.02*
79 ± 4
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x in kPa/l/s
* significant differences as compared to "before"
TABLE 7
Dynamics of bronchial obstruction indices at the end of halotherapy as compared
to the initial extent of obstruction (M ± SE).
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Parameter,
(% baseline)
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Groups |
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I
FEF 50 > 62%
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II
FEF 50 < 51%
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III
FEF 50 < 31%
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IV
FEF 50 < 22%
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Number of cases
VC
FVC
FEV1
PEF
FEF 50
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41
-1 ± 1.1
-1 ± 1.2
-3 ± 1.3
1 ± 1.6
-3 ± 2.9
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31
1 ± 1.3
0 ± 1.4
0 ± 1.9
-1 ± 1.9
-1 ± 3.7
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27
8 ± 2.5*
5 ± 2.9
7 ± 4.2 °
4 ± 4.2
22 ± 9.0*°
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25
14 ± 4.9 *° x
14 ± 4.9* °
25 ± 8.1* °
37 ± 10.2* °
33 ± 11.9* ° x
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* Significant changes as compared to the initial values
° significant difference from groups I and II
x significant difference from groups III.
At the end of HT the indices in groups I and II did nor differ from the initial ones. In group III values of FEF 50 became significantly higher and in group IV all indices significantly increased. The extent of changes of group IV indices was significantly greater than of groups I and II. Similar findings were obtained on the 7th and 14th day of HT. Irrespectively of the therapy duration the greatest dynamics in bronchial patency were found in group IV (severe obstruction), not so marked one was in group III (moderate obstruction), and no dynamics were seen in groups I and II (slight or no obstruction).
Relationship between the character of obstruction disorders and the changes in indices during the course of therapy were studied. According to the findings of broncholytic tests the pts were divided into two groups: those with reversible and irreversible obstruction. By the end of HT no significant differences as compared to the initial parameters were found (p>0.05). Both in the presence of bronchospasm and its absence the efficacy of HT on bronchial patency was the same.
Control group
One-two days after beginning of the therapy many placebo pts (80%) felt better and slept normally which seemed to be associated with psychotherapeutic effects. However, no objective improvement in their lung auscultation picture was noted. There were no significant changes of flow-volume loop parameters as compared to initial values after the course of placebo (VC- -3 ±5.0; FVC- -3 ±4.3; FEV1- -3 ±3.4; PEF- -6 ±2.6;FEF 50 -2 ±3.8).
At the same time, 20% of pts with prevailing allergic mechanism of the disease had positive dynamics of function values which was probably associated with no exposure to allergens.
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DISCUSSION
The course of HT resulted in improvements of clinical state in the most pts. In the overwhelming majority of cases, the number and intensity of asthma attacks and respiratory discomfort decreased or disappeared, which allowed, in a number of cases, to cancel or reduce the dosage of beta-agonists. The most pts showed positive dynamics of symptoms indicative of a better drain function of their airways: sputum secretion alleviates, it becomes less viscous, coughing relieves, and the auscultative picture of the lungs alters. The difficulty in brining up the phlegm and worsening of cough during 3-4 days seemed to be due to the temporal bad bronchial drainage resulting from hypersecretion of mucus and discharge of old clots of secretion from bronchi of smaller diameter.
The similar clinical results were obtained in other investigations. Efficacy of this method has been noted in pts with various pathogenic variants of BA, chronic bronchitis, acute bronchitis, bronchiectasis, upper airways diseases, etc. (Alexandrov & Chervinskaya et al, 1994, Chervinskaya et al, 1993, 1994, Norvaishas et al, 1992, Pokhaznikova et al, 1992, Telyatnikova et al, 1992, Tikhomirova et al, 1993).
In our investigation the improvement in the clinical state of pts was accompanied by positive dynamics of the functional measurements. HT gave significant improvement in bronchial patency which started on the 7th day and persisted to the end of the course. There was no direct bronchospasmolytic effect. The dynamics of bronchial patency depended upon the initial extent of obstruction: the more marked was the bronchial obstruction, the better were the results of HT. The effect depended not upon the character of obstruction (reversible or irreversible).
Thus, clinical functional results suggest, that HT has gradual positive influence on bronchial obstruction. With this mode of therapy which is based on cumulative action, there should be series of procedures. It seems to be associated with improvement of mucociliary clearance and decrease of bronchial inflammation. The conception of antiinflammatory influence is confirmed by the data of cytobacteriologic examinations (Chervinskaya et al, 1994).
The evaluation of brush samples from nosopharynx mucosa in HT showed that the average amount of neutrophils, macrophages and lymphocytes have been diminished. The index of epitheliocyte infection with pneumococci and that of adhesion the average number of pneumococci per one affected epithelicyte decreased. These indices are indicative of elimination in pathogenic microorganisms and of decrease in inflammatory reaction of the mucosa. Other investigations demonstrated decrease of the amount of neutrophils and pathogenic microorganisms and increase of the amount of alveolar macrophages in bronchial secretion of pts with BA, chronic obstructive bronchitis and cystic fibrosis after HT (Voronina at al, 1994). Research testified of positive effects of HT on the state of humoral and cellular immunity in patients with BA (Spesivykh et al, 1990, Torokhtin et al, 1987); decrease of IgE level was observed (Dityatkovskaya et al, 1993). Certainly, the arguments of mucociliary clearance change of pts in HT are necessary.
HT is a type of aerosol therapy, which takes from Speleotherapy the main acting factor. Curative effect of HT is caused by aerodispersed environment saturated with dry sodium chloride aerosol with predominance amount of particles of 2 to 5 mkm in size. Such particles can penetrate deep into the smallest airways.
In our view, the positive effect of HT can be accounted for the following. One of the pathogenetic mechanisms of obstructive pulmonary diseases is mucociliary clearance impairment. Normal function of mucociliary clearance depends on the amount and viscoelastic properties of the airway surface liquid, together with the number and function of the cilia. Aerosol of sodium chloride initiates the fluid release into the bronchial lumen, and influences the viscoelastic properties of the bronchial secretion by changing the conformation of protein molecules and releasing water into the outer layers of the clots which promotes evacuation of bronchial sputum (Clarke et al, 1979, Pavia et al, 1978, Wurtemberger et al, 1987). In addition, sodium chloride is the main component of the airway surface liquid, the mucus layer and the periciliary fluid, it is needed for normal functioning of bronchial ciliary epithelium (Wetch M.J., 1987). According to the evidence of certain authors, the amount of sodium chloride in bronchial secretions in patients with chronic pulmonary pathology is lower (Brogan et al, 1971). It is possible, that inhalation of this chemical compound compensates for its deficit in the lungs and improves the ciliary epithelium drainage function.
Sodium chloride aerosol causes bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects on the respiratory airways microflora and prevents the development of inflammatory processes (Simyonka, 1989, Rein & Mandell, 1973). The intensity of this action depends on the concentration of the aerosol that causes dehydration of microbial cells and the impairment of the albuminous structure of the cells killing the microorganisms. Another mechanism is possible which causes adhesion of small particles of salt to microbial bodies. As their mass grows, they precipitate rapidly.
The experiments show that low doses of DSCA have a beneficial effect on phagocytic activity of alveolar macrophages (Konovalov et al, 1992) and hence on bronchial clearance and elimination of foreign agents.
Thus, sodium chloride aerosol improves rheological properties of the bronchial contents, decreases edema of bronchial mucosa and contributes to functioning of cilia epithelium, it has a bactericidal action, enhances functioning of alveolar macrophages.
The study of aerodisperse environments of halochamber allowed to establish that the negative volumetric charge of dry aerosol particles was considerable (6-I0 nK/m3) (Konovalov et at, 1990). Higher negative charge of particles is of therapeutic significance as well (Afanasyev, 1990).
However, it is known, that sodium chloride aerosol is an osmolar stimulus, and it can result in the airways hyperactivity (Schoeffel et al, 1981). The specificity of HT is the low concentration and gradual administration of DSCA. Salt consumption during the procedure depends upon the regime chosen and is about 1-9 mg. In comparison: sodium chloride aerosol inhalation challenge is used for diagnosing hyperactivity of the airways. Hypotonic (less than 0.9%) or hypertonic (2-5%) solutions of sodium chloride are usually employed. When the inhalator production is 1 ml per minute, 20 mg of sodium chloride (measured as a dry substance) gets into the airways during 1st min of the challenge test with 2% solution and the amount reaches 50 mg in case of 5% solution. Compare: during a minute session of HT 0.05- 0.10 mg of dry sodium chloride penetrates into the patient's airways when the concentration in the Halochamber is 5 mg/m3. Sodium chloride aerosol in low concentration does not affect the airway mucosa thus preventing any side effects. Besides, using of dry aerosol permits to achieve the suitable humidity of environment and to avoid the adverse reactions of airways, associated with humidification (Linker, 1982)
In summary, theoretical prerequisites and the data of clinical functional studies obtained allow to suggest that the efficacy of HT results from the combination of the curative properties of sodium chloride aerosol and the way of its administration. At the same time HT mechanisms of influence are not yet studied well enough, and this fact requires continuation of the research.
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VORONINA L.M., CHERNIAEV A.L., SAMSONOVA M.V., DOUBINSKAYA A.V.
(1994). Cytobacteriologic estimation of bronchial secretion in halotherapy. In The 4th. National Congress on Respiratory Diseases. Moscow, abstr. 166. (Russ).
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The following articles were all in Russian so just the summaries in English are shown.
Vestn Otorinolaringol. 2003;(4):42-4.
[Halotherapy in combined non-puncture therapy of patients with acute purulent maxillary sinusitis]
[Article in Russian]
Grigor'eva NV.
Halotherapy was applied for non-puncture treatment of 45 patients with acute purulent maxillary sinusitis. The response was evaluated by changes in clinico-immunological, cytological, x-ray and bacteriological parameters. Halotherapy was found effective in the treatment of acute purulent maxillary sinusitis without puncture.
PMID: 13677023 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult. 2001 Jan-Feb;(1):26-7.
[Efficacy of therapeutic use of ultrasound and sinusoidal modulated currents combed with halotherapy in patient with occupational toxic-dust bronchitis]
[Article in Russian]
Roslaia NA, Likhacheva EI, Shchekoldin PI.
Immunological and cardiorespiratory characteristics were studied in 88 alloy industry workers with occupational toxic-dust bronchitis who received the following therapy: sinusoidal modulated currents (SMC), ultrasound (US) on the chest, halotherapy (HT) (52 patients, group 1); SMC + HT (10 patients, group 2); US + HT (15 patients, group 3); HT (11 patients, group 4). The patients did also therapeutic exercise and were massaged (chest). It was found that device physiotherapy (SMC, US) in combination with HT raise the treatment efficacy to 86.5%. This combined treatment is recommended both for treatment and prevention of obstructive syndrome in toxic-dust bronchitis.
PMID: 11530404 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Klin Med (Mosk). 2000;78(12):37-40.
[Effects of halotherapy on free radical oxidation in patients with chronic bronchitis]
[Article in Russian]
Farkhutdinov UR, Abdrakhmanova LM, Farkhutdinov RR.
Registration of luminol-dependent chemoluminescence of blood cells and iron-induced chemoluminescence of the serum was used to study generation of active oxygen forms and lipid peroxidation in patients with chronic bronchitis (CB). 49 patients with lingering CB showed inhibition of blood cell function and enhancement of lipid peroxidation. The addition of halotherapy to combined treatment of these patients promoted correction of the disorders and improvement of CB course.
Publication Types:
" Clinical Trial
PMID: 11210350 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult. 2000 Nov-Dec;(6):21-4.
[Effectiveness of halotherapy of chronic bronchitis patients]
[Article in Russian]
Abdrakhmanova LM, Farkhutdinov UR, Farkhutdinov RR.
The chemoluminescence test in 49 patients with lingering inflammatory chronic bronchitis has revealed inhibition of generation of active oxygen forms in the whole blood, intensification of lipid peroxidation in the serum, depression of local immunity. Administration of halotherapy to the above patients results in correction of disturbances of free-radical oxidation, improves local immunity and clinical course of the disease.
PMID: 11197648 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult. 2000 Jan-Feb;(1):21-4.
[The scientific validation and outlook for the practical use of halo-aerosol therapy]
[Article in Russian]
Chervinskaia AV.
The paper describes a new medical technique--halo-aerosol therapy, the main acting factor of which is dry highly dispersed aerosol of sodium chloride in natural concentration. Halo-aerosol therapy represents a new trend in aerosol medicine. It includes two methods: halotherapy and halo-inhalation. Biophysical and pathophysiological foundations of the new method, how it can be realized are outlined. Clinical reasons are provided for application of halo-aerosol therapy for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with respiratory diseases. Characteristics and differences of the two halo-aerosol therapy variants are analysed.
Publication Types:
" Review
PMID: 11094875 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Voen Med Zh. 1999 Jun;320(6):34-7, 96.
[Halotherapy in the combined treatment of chronic bronchitis patients]
[Article in Russian]
Maev EZ, Vinogradov NV.
Halotherapy proved to be a highly effective method in a complex sanatorium treatment of patients with chronic bronchitis. Its use promotes more rapid liquidation of clinical manifestations of disease, improves indices of vent function of lungs, especially those values that characterize bronchial conduction (volume of forced exhalations per second, index Tiffno), increases tolerance to physical load, normalizes indices of reduced immunity and leads to increasing the effectiveness of patient treatment in sanatorium.
PMID: 10439712 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult. 1997 Jul-Aug;(4):19-21.
[The use of an artificial microclimate chamber in the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive lung diseases]
[Article in Russian]
Chernenkov RA, Chernenkova EA, Zhukov GV.
Halotherapy was used for sanatorium rehabilitation in 29 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (chronic bronchitis and asthma). Significant positive effects of this method resulted in the improvement of the flow-volume parameters curve of lung function and in hypotensive effects on blood pressure. Halotherapy is recommended for use in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases with hypertension or coronary heart disease.
PMID: 9424823 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
J Aerosol Med. 1995 Fall;8(3):221-32.
Halotherapy for treatment of respiratory diseases.
Chervinskaya AV, Zilber NA.
Saint-Petersburg Pavlov National Medical University, Russia.
This work elucidates the questions upon the development of a new drug-free method of a respiratory diseases treatment. Halotherapy (HT)--is mode of treatment in a controlled air medium which simulates a natural salt cave microclimate. The main curative factor is dry sodium chloride aerosol with particles of 2 to 5 mkm in size. Particles density (0.5-9 mg/m3) varies with the type of the disease. Other factors are comfortable temperature- humidity regime, the hypobacterial and allergen-free air environment saturated with aeroions. The effect of HT was evaluated in 124 patients (pts) with various types of respiratory diseases. The control group of 15 pts received placebo. HT course consisted of 10-20 daily procedures of 1 hour. HT resulted in improvements of clinical state in the most of patients. The positive dynamics of flow-volume loop parameters and decrease of bronchial resistance measured by bodyplethysmography were observed. The changes in control group parameters after HT were not statistically significant. The specificity of this method is the low concentration and gradual administration of dry sodium chloride aerosol. Data on healing mechanisms of a specific airdispersive environment of sodium chloride while while treatment the respiratory diseases are discussed.
PMID: 10161255 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Ter Arkh. 1996;68(8):24-8.
[Bronchial hyperreactivity to the inhalation of hypo- and hyperosmolar aerosols and its correction by halotherapy]
[Article in Russian]
Gorbenko PP, Adamova IV, Sinitsyna TM.
18 bronchial asthma (BA) patients (12 with mild and 6 with moderate disease) were examined before and after halotherapy (HT) for airways reactivity using provocative tests with ultrasonic inhalations of purified water (UIPW) and hypertonic salt solution (HSS). Bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) to UIPW and HSS before treatment occurred in 13 and 11 patients (72 and 69%, respectively). HT reduced BHR in 2/3 and 1/2 of the patients, respectively. In the rest patients BHR was unchanged or increased, being so to UIPW only in patients with atopic asthma in attenuating exacerbation. Clinical efficacy of HT and initial BHR to UIPW correlated (r = 0.56; p < 0.05). No correlation was found between HT efficacy and initial BHR to HSS.
PMID: 9019826 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult. 1995 Jan-Feb;(1):11-5.
[The use of halotherapy for the rehabilitation of patients with acute bronchitis and a protracted and recurrent course]
[Article in Russian]
Borisenko LV, Chervinskaia AV, Stepanova NG, Luk'ian VS, Goncharova VA, Pokhodzei IV, Krivitskaia VZ, Vishniakova LA, Pokhaznikova MA, Faustova ME, et al.
Halotherapy was used for rehabilitation in 25 patients with acute bronchitis of long-standing and recurrent types. The main therapeutic action was ensured by aerodispersed medium saturated with dry highly dispersed sodium chloride aerosol, the required mass concentration being maintained in the range of 1 to 5 mg/m3. Therapy efficacy was controlled through assessment of clinical, functional, immunological and microbiological findings. Metabolic activity values were taken into consideration as well. Positive dynamics of the function indices in the clinical picture resulted from elimination of pathogenic agents, control of slowly running inflammatory lesions and stimulation of some immune system factors. Favourable changes in metabolic activity were present: normalization of serotonin excretion, marked decrease of unbalance in lipid peroxidation-antioxidant system.
PMID: 7785211 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
13: Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult 1994 Jul-Aug;(4):34-5
[The efficacy of speleotherapy in atopic dermatitis in children]
[Article in Russian]
Puryshev EA.
After proper clinical and immunological examinations 112 children with atopic dermatitis underwent immunocorrective speleotherapy in a chamber with artificial microclimate created with the use of natrium chloride spraying. During the treatment positive trends were observed in the patients' dermatological status and immune homeostasis. A complete 6-24-month response was reported in 58%, partial in 20%, no response in 6.9% of patients. The method is recommended for treatment of atopic dermatitis.
PMID: 7846884 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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SALINE TREATMENTS FOR UPPER AND LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT DISORDERS |
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Inhalation of hypertonic saline aerosol enhances mucociliary clearance in asthmatic and healthy subjects
E. Daviskas, S.D. Anderson, I. Gonda, S. Eberl, S. Meikle, J.P. Seale, and G. Bautovich
Eur Respir J 1996; 9: 725-732
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Nebulised hypertonic saline for cystic fibrosis
(Cochrane Review)
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Wark PAB, McDonald V |
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ABSTRACT
_____________
A substantive amendment to this systematic review was last made on 01 February 2000. Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary.
Background: The lung disease in cystic fibrosis is characterized by impaired mucociliary clearance, recurrent bronchial infection and airway inflammation. Hypertonic saline has been shown to enhance mucociliary clearance in-vitro and this may act to lessen the destructive inflammatory process in the airways.
Objectives: To determine if nebulised hypertonic saline treatment improved lung function, exercise tolerance, quality of life and decreased the incidence of exacerbations of respiratory infections in patients with cystic fibrosis.
Search strategy: Studies were identified from the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group trials register. Titles and abstracts were reviewed to identify all controlled trials. Reviewed articles and bibliographies identified from this process were surveyed for additional citations & RCTs. Identification of unpublished work was obtained from abstract books from the three major Cystic Fibrosis conferences (International Cystic Fibrosis Conference, The European Cystic Fibrosis Conference and the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference). Trial authors were contacted for additional information when only abstracts were available to review.
Date of the most recent search of the Group's specialized register: February 2000.
Selection criteria: All controlled trials that assessed the effect of hypertonic saline compared to placebo or other mucolytic therapy, for any duration or dose regimen in subjects with cystic fibrosis of any age or severity were reviewed. Studies in languages other than English were included.
Data collection and analysis: All identified trials were independently reviewed by both reviewers & all data collected. Trial quality was scored by the Cochrane assessment of allocation concealment & the Jadad scale of methodological quality.
Main results: Twelve controlled trials of hypertonic saline were identified. Seven trials met the inclusion criteria; these involved 143 subjects with an age range of 6 to 46 years. Of these, six were published studies and one in abstract form. The durations of the trials were limited to immediate effects on mucociliary clearance to a maximum of three weeks.
In two studies, involving thirty five subjects, a score for the feeling of cleared chest was made using visual analogue scales. This analysis showed a weighted mean difference of -0.98 (95% Confidence Interval -1.6, -0.34), favouring hypertonic saline over isotonic saline.
In two trials with 22 subjects hypertonic saline improved mucociliary clearance as measured by isotope clearance from the lungs in 90 minutes demonstrating a weighted mean difference of -11.3 (95% CI -18.6, -4.0), and as area under the clearance time curve; weighted mean difference of -212 (95%CI -272, -152), also favouring hypertonic saline over isotonic saline.
Lung function as measured by improvement in FEV1 was observed in one study of 27 subjects. The percentage increase in FEV1 at two weeks increased by a mean 15.0% with hypertonic saline and 2.8% with isotonic saline (p=0.004).
Adverse events were adequately described in only one trial and none were serious.
Reviewers' conclusions: Nebulised hypertonic saline improves mucociliary clearance immediately after administration which may have a longer term beneficial effect in cystic fibrosis.
The maximum time data were recorded for was only three weeks. Most of the patients had mild to moderate lung disease and the effect on severe lung disease remains unclear.
Further studies of hypertonic saline should be carried out to determine the effect on pulmonary function tests, quality of life, frequency of exacerbations of respiratory disease and efficacy comparisons with nebulised deoxyribonuclease, with larger numbers and for longer duration.
At this stage there is insufficient evidence to support the use of hypertonic saline in routine treatment for patients with cystic fibrosis.
Citation: Wark PAB, McDonald V. Nebulised hypertonic saline for cystic fibrosis (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, 1, 2001. Oxford: Update Software.
MeSH: Administration, Inhalation; Cystic Fibrosis/*drug therapy; Human; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; Saline Solution, Hypertonic/administration & dosage/*therapeutic
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This is an abstract of a regularly updated, systematic review prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. The full text of the review is available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1464-780X).
File Reference: ab001506-20011
Inhalation Aerosols
Reprinted from Respiratory Care (Respir Care 1993;38:1196-1200) |
Efficacy of daily hypertonic saline nasal irrigation among patients with sinusitis: a randomized controlled trial.
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Rabago D, Zgierska A, Mundt M, Barrett B, Bobula J, Maberry R.
Department of Family Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 53715, USA.
drabago@fammed.wisc.edu
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Objectives: To test whether daily hypertonic saline nasal irrigation improves sinus symptoms and quality of life and decreases medication use in adult subjects with a history of sinusitis.
Study design: Randomized controlled trial. Experimental subjects used nasal irrigation daily for 6 months.
Population: Seventy-six subjects from primary care (n=70) and otolaryngology (n=6) clinics with histories of frequent sinusitis were randomized to experimental (n=52) and control (n=24) groups.
Outcomes measured: Primary outcome measures included the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form (SF-12), the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI), and a Single-Item Sinus-Symptom Severity Assessment (SIA); all 3 were completed at baseline, 1.5, 3, and 6 months. Secondary outcomes included daily assessment of compliance and biweekly assessment of symptoms and medication use. At 6 months, subjects reported on side effects, satisfaction with nasal irrigation, and the percentage of change in their sinus-related quality of life.
Results: No significant baseline differences existed between the 2 groups. Sixty-nine subjects (90.8%) completed the study. Compliance averaged 87%. Experimental group RSDI scores improved from 58.4 -/+ 2.0 to 72.8 -/+ 2.2 (P < or =.05) compared with those of the control group (from 59.6 -/+ 3.0 to 60.4 -/+ 1.1); experimental group SIA scores improved from 3.9 -/+ 0.1 to 2.4 -/+ 0.1 (P < or =.05) compared with those of the control group (from 4.08 -/+ 0.15 to 4.07 -/+ 0.27). The number needed to treat to achieve 10% improvement on RSDI at 6 months was 2.0. Experimental subjects reported fewer 2-week periods with sinus-related symptoms (P <.05), used less antibiotics (P <.05), and used less nasal spray (P =.06). On the exit questionnaire 93% of experimental subjects reported overall improvement of sinus-related quality of life, and none reported worsening (P <.001); on average, experimental subjects reported 57 -/+ 4.5% improvement. Side effects were minor and infrequent. Satisfaction was high. We found no statistically significant improvement on the SF-12.
Conclusions: Daily hypertonic saline nasal irrigation improves sinus-related quality of life, decreases symptoms, and decreases medication use in patients with frequent sinusitis. Primary care physicians can feel comfortable recommending this therapy.
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Publication Types:
• Clinical Trial
• Randomized Controlled Trial
PMID: 12540331 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
The information taken from National Library of Medicine (NLM)
Department of Family Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 53715, USA.
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