Author/Authors :
Rabbani، Bita نويسنده Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO) , , Makki، Seyed Shahabedin Mohammad نويسنده Lung Transplantation Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sc , , Najafizadeh، Katayoon نويسنده , , Khodami Vishteh، Hamid Reza نويسنده Lung Transplantation Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sc , , Shafaghi، Shadi نويسنده Lung Transplantation Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sc , , Karimi، Shirin نويسنده , , Mahmoodian، Saeid نويسنده Mycobacteriology Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Scienc ,
Abstract :
Background: Halotherapy is a treatment modality suggested for patients with
chronic pulmonary diseases. In this technique, inhalation of crystal salt stones
extracted from mines improves patients’ pulmonary function tests and
symptoms by facilitating the secretion or expulsion of phlegm and mucus and
reducing the risk of bacterial infections. Bronchiectasis is chronic disease of the
airways characterized by irreversible dilation of airways. It has a progressive
course and despite the available treatments, many of these patients eventually
enter the advanced phase of disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
effect of halotherapy on pulmonary function tests and quality of life of non-CF
bronchiectatic patients.
Materials and Methods: This clinical trial evaluated the results of spirometry
and 6-minute walk test as well as the quality of life (according to SF-36
questionnaire) of stable non-CF bronchiectatic patients presenting to the
pulmonary clinic before and after the use of salt spray for 2 months.
Results: Of 40 study patients, 20 were excluded due to various reasons and 20
were evaluated. The mean age of patients was 35±11 years and the underlying
cause of disease was chronic pulmonary infection in 65% of cases. Comparison
of the results of pulmonary function tests and 6-minute walk test and quality of
life indices in SF-36 questionnaire before and after the intervention showed no
significant difference (P > 0.05). However, 65% of patients were satisfied with
halotherapy and requested to receive the medication again.
Conclusion: Our study results indicated that 2-month halotherapy with Salitair
inhaler containing salt crystals extracted from the Klodawa mine in Poland
could not improve the pulmonary function tests or quality of life of non-CF
bronchiectatic patients. No significant side effects were noted in understudy
patients. Future studies with larger sample size and longer duration of
treatment are recommended to better determine the efficacy of this treatment
modality.
