The XIVth Internation Symposium of Speleotherapy 2012 – Clinical abstracts for using salt therapy in respiratory conditions and skin disorders

Romania hosted the XIVth International Symposium of Speleotherapy on October 4-6, 2012. The symposium, organized by The International Union of Speleology (UIS), The Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences, and the Committees of The Permanent Commission of Speleotherapy (PCS) – Department of Research, welcomed specialists from renowned academic institutions and organizations representing countries such as Romania, Russia, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Austria, Slovakia, Poland, and more. The symposium spanned three days, providing a platform for experts to exchange knowledge and insights at The XIVth International Symposium of Speleotherapy.

Specialists from various medical fields, including Pulmonology, Allergology, Dermatology, Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine, and Balneotherapy, along with professors, clinical researchers, and engineers, gathered to exchange their experiences and research findings regarding the effects of salt therapy on respiratory conditions and balneology utilizing mineralized salty water. They presented further insights on speleotherapy in salt mines and caves, exploring its historical significance and modern approaches like halotherapy or salt therapy. Discussions encompassed the therapeutic factors such as microclimate, physical, chemical, and microbiological aspects, as well as the current achieved results. These findings contain many implications for health and balneotherapy tourism.

Presentations and studies

The symposium featured presentations of experimental laboratory results on different pathologies, as well as clinical, biochemical, immunological, and other effects on patients with various diseases. Attendees discussed indications, contraindications, and various methods of salt therapy for prophylaxis, treatment, and rehabilitation in patients with diverse pathologies. Valuable information was shared regarding the clinical and functional efficiency of speleotherapy and halotherapy in treating bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, allergic pathologies, pneumonia, and acute respiratory diseases.

Another notable study explored the influence of living near roadways and increased air pollution on respiratory diseases and the potential benefits of eliminating these factors. The study reveals that traffic emission sources containing organic chemicals in microparticles associate with heightened systemic inflammation. Long-term exposure to salt therapy strengthens the respiratory mucosa against allergens and maintains respiratory system hygiene. Home salt therapy devices are recommended for chronic respiratory conditions. Additionally, the symposium highlighted the anti-inflammatory and healing effects of salt therapy, including aerosol salt therapy and salty baths, on skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, neurodermatitis, chronic rashes, burns, and wounds.

Rock-salt aerosols are one of the most effective treatments for bronchial obstruction, a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Furthermore, the alkali properties of ionic salts positively impact the irritated esophagus and gastric mucosa. This symposium underscored the multifaceted applications of salt therapy in treating respiratory conditions, skin disorders, and in balneotherapy.

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