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Forsch Komplementmed. 2007 Jun;14(3):158-66. Epub 2007 Jun 22.  [Repeated cold water stimulations (hydrotherapy according to Kneipp) in patients with COPD].  [Article in German]  Goedsche K1, Förster M, Kroegel C, Uhlemann C.

BACKGROUND:

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often suffer from exacerbations caused by infections of the bronchial tract.

OBJECTIVE:

What effects do hydrotherapeutic applications according to Kneipp have on lung function, blood gases, immune system and quality of life of patients with COPD?

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

20 patients with COPD (17 males, 3 females); mean age: 64; forced expiratory volume (FEV1): 62 of 100% (on average); no acute exacerbations, no oral corticosteroids. Measurements were performed
 (I) at 10 weeks pre-treatment,
 (II) immediately before therapy (I-II: baseline-period),
(III) after 10 weeks treatment with 3 cold affusions and 2 cold washings of the upper part of the body (self-treatment) per week each,
(IV) 3 months after completion of the treatment (follow- up).
The following parameters were measured: lung function, blood gases, routine lab, experimental lab (interleukines, lymphocytes), maximal expiratory flow (PEF), quality of life and respiratory infections.

RESULTS:

The pH increased over the course of the study. PEF and the number of lymphocytes significantly increased over the treatment (II-III). Intracellular expression of IL-4 by T lymphocytes decreased. However, the expression of IFN-gamma increased. Frequency of infections was lower during follow-up (IV) than before and during therapy. Quality of life after treatment was estimated to be good in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

Repeated cold stimulations (affusions) can influence the frequency of respiratory infections and improve subjective well-being. It may cause an immunological modulation in terms of the Th1-type pattern.

PMID:  17596696