Spa Therapy for Bronchial Asthma / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

Clinical effect and action of spa therapy on bronchial asthma were discussed in relation to the action mechanisms.<br>1. General spa therapy including swimming training in a hot spring pool, fango therapy and inhalation therapy with iodine salt solution was effective in patients with bronchial asthma.<br>2. The improvement of ventilatory function, especially in small airways was observed as direct action of spa therapy, accompanied with decrease in resistance of the airways and bronchial hypersensitivity. The function of adrenocortical glands and cardiovascular system was also improved or enhanced by indirect action of spa therapy.<br>3. Spa therapy was more effective and more valuable in cases with steroid-dependent intractable asthma, cases with Ib. bronchoconstriction+hypersecretion type and II. bronchiolar obstrction type and cases over 41 years of age.<br>4. Clinical effects of spa therapy on bronchial asthma was also found for longer than one year as distant effect, which was more predominant in cases with maintenance therapy.