Improvement of Hyperinflation of the Lungs by Spa Therapy in Patients with Asthma
- Author:
Fumihiro MITSUNOBU
;
Yasuhiro HOSAKI
;
Kozo ASHIDA
;
Naofumi IWAGAKI
;
Takuya NAGATA
;
Makoto FUJII
;
Shingo TAKATA
;
Masanori HAMADA
;
Yoshiro TANIZAKI
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:The Journal of The Japanese Society of Balneology, Climatology and Physical Medicine
2004;67(4):195-201
- CountryJapan
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Effects of spa therapy on % low attenuation area (LAA)<-950 HU of the lungs on HRCT at full inspiration, CT number, a ratio of expiratory LAA to inspiratory LAA (exp LAA/ins LAA), residual volume (RV) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) in asthma were compared between never-smokers and ex-smokers of asthmatics.
1. The % LAA of the lungs on HRCT in asthma significantly decreased after spa therapy both in never-smokers and ex-smokers of asthmatics. CT number also significantly increased in the two groups. 2. The exp LAA/ins LAA significantly decreased after spa therapy in never-smokers, but not in ex-smokers. 3. The %RV also significantly decreased by spa therapy in never-smokers, but not in ex-smokers. 4. The DLco value did not significantly change by spa therapy both in nevers-mokers and ex-smokers. 5. The values of %FVC and %FEV 1.0 tended to increased in the two groups, but the increase was not significant. The value of FEV 1.0% significantly increased after spa therapy in never-smokers, but not in ex-smokers. The results suggest that hyperinflation and destruction of terminal airspaces are stronger in ex-smokers than in never-smokers, and that spa therapy is more effective in never-smokers than in ex-smokers.
