Comparative Trial of Speleotherapy in the Treatment of Wheezing and Allergic Respiratory Disorders in Children

Overview

Speleotherapy is a bioclimatic method using the cave aerosol in the treatment of respiratory and allergic disorders. Presented study describes the effect of speleotherapy (ST) in the treatment of recurrent wheezy bronchitis and asthma in children. So called Speleo-group was compared with the control group in frequency of disease episodes a year before and a year after speleotherapy course. The control group of children, selected randomly did not enter to cave have had the same program as Speleo group. The frequency of wheezy episodes and attacks of pneumonia have been significantly decreased in Speleo group together with use of antibiotic treatment on year after ST comparing with one year before ST. No significant changes were observed in the Control group. From various laboratory and immunological parameters only blood eosinophills and serum alpha-1 antitrypsin levels were significantly decreased in the Speleo group. The possible mechanism of this beneficial effect is discussed.

Key words:
speleotherapy, recurrent wheezy bronchitis, asthma, children