Investigating Salt Mine Microclimate Influencing Speleotherapy's Efficacy for Asthma and Allergy Relief: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Speleotherapy, as the therapeutic application of microclimates in salt mines, is becoming a growing scientific interest as an adjunct to the treatment of respiratory diseases, particularly asthma and allergic rhinitis. It is a comparative review when the clinical response of adults and children to the controlled speleotherapy exposure is evaluated in therapeutic mines like Wieliczka (Poland) and Solotvyno (Ukraine). The study aimed at establishing the differences in respiratory improvement, immune modulation, and general therapy outcome among different age groups. Randomized trials and observational studies indicate that adults and children can be characterized by significant changes in the parameters of lung functioning (including FEV1 and FVC) as well as low rates of exacerbations and medication intake. Nevertheless, the rate of adaptation of the mine microclimate in children is, on the whole, faster, which is explained by greater airway plasticity and mucociliary responsiveness. Although adults do not show an improvement as quickly, they do greatly improve regarding symptom management, airway inflammation, and increased quality of life scores. The regulated humidity, constant temperature, and negatively charged air are associated with causing respiratory recovery. Comparative results highlight that children can obtain better clinical results with smaller periods of exposure, and the adult patients demand extended periods of therapy to sustain their results. The therapeutic significance of salt mine settings as an adjunct respiratory treatment of adults and children is highlighted in this review, which suggests that future multicenter, age-specific studies are necessary to maximize exposure time and frequency.