Effects of Ionized Waterfall Aerosol on Pediatric Allergic Asthma

Gaisberger, Martin; Šanović, Renata; Dobias, Heidemarie; Kolarž, P.; Moder, Angelika; Thalhamer, Josef; Selimović, Amina; Huttegger, Isidor; Ritter, Markus; Hartl, Arnulf

doi:10.3109/02770903.2012.705408

Cited by 26 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…The results of our study are in line with publications indicating positive health effects of green exercise and high-altitude climate therapy, which have been already proven to contribute to the improvement of respiratory and/or allergic diseases [3–5, 16]. Our data suggest to expand the applicability of this simple and cost-effective health provision for treatment of stress-related symptoms.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

“…The specific environment around waterfalls is characterized by these mainly negatively charged “Lenard’s ions” hovering in the air, while the positive-charged fragments sink to the ground [10, 60–62]. The airborne nano-aeorosol is assumed to trigger a variety of biological effects, e.g., mild activation of the immune system, inducing a balance between TH1/TH2 immunity, stabilizing the autonomous nervous system, and improving blood flow [16, 63–65]. In a mouse model, water-generated negative ions have been shown to enhance cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells [66].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Positive immunomodulating effects of the microclimate in close proximity to the impact zone of alpine waterfalls have already proven beneficial effects for the treatment of allergic asthma [16]. In this previous study, half of a group of asthmatic allergic children ( n = 54) was exposed to water aerosol of an alpine waterfall for 1 h/day over 3 weeks, whereas the other half spent this hour at a water aerosol free control site.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effect of high altitude include the normalization of eosinophil levels, balancing of the TH2/Treg cell ratio, increase of regulatory cytokines (e.g., IL-10), and even alteration of immunoglobulin class switching [3, 4, 16, 17]. Furthermore, alterations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and glucocorticoid secretion indicate that high altitude affects both neuronal as well as immune circuits [1].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Does waterfall aerosol influence mucosal immunity and chronic stress? A randomized controlled clinical trial

Grafetstätter

Gaisberger

Proßegger

et al. 2017

J Physiol Anthropol

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BackgroundThe specific microclimate of alpine waterfalls with high levels of ionized water aerosols has been suggested to trigger beneficial immunological and psychological effects. In the present three-armed randomized controlled clinical study, we focused on effects on (i) immunological reagibility, on (ii) physiological stress responses, and on (iii) stress-related psychological parameters.MethodsPeople with moderate to high stress levels (n = 65) spent an active sojourn with daily hiking tours in the National Park Hohe Tauern (Großkirchheim, Austria). Half of the group was exposed to water aerosol of an alpine waterfall for 1 h/day (first arm, n = 33), whereas the other half spent the same time at a distant site (second arm, n = 32). A third arm (control, n = 26) had no intervention (except vaccination) and stayed at home, maintaining their usual lifestyle. The effect of the interventions on the immune system was tested by oral vaccination with an approved cholera vaccine and measuring specific salivary IgA antibody titers. Lung function was determined by peak expiratory flow measurement. Electric skin conductance, heart rate, and adaption of respiration rate were assessed as physiological stress parameters. Psychological stress-related parameters were analyzed by questionnaires and scales.ResultsCompared to the control group, both intervention groups showed improvement of the lung function and of most physiological stress test parameters. Analysis of the mucosal immune response revealed a waterfall-specific beneficial effect with elevated IgA titers in the waterfall group. In line with these results, exposure to waterfall revealed an additional benefit concerning psychological parameters such as subjective stress perception (measured via visual analog scale), the Global Severity Index (GSI), and the Positive Symptom Total (PST).ConclusionsOur study provides new data, which strongly support an “added value” of exposure to waterfall microclimate when combined with a therapeutic sojourn at high altitude including regular physical activity.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Does waterfall aerosol influence mucosal immunity and chronic stress? A randomized controlled clinical trial

Grafetstätter

Gaisberger

Proßegger

et al. 2017

J Physiol Anthropol

Self Cite

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“…It is commonly used for treatment of bronchial asthma. The therapeutic effect of ionized waterfall aerosol on pediatric allergic asthma was demonstrated [18]. According to our knowledge, the effect of inhalation of ionized oxygen on the peripheral vascular flow has been not evaluated in human subject yet.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Partially Ionised Medical Oxygen, Especially with O2•−, in Vibration White Finger Patients

Perečinský

Murínová

Engler

et al. 2014

IJERPH

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A major symptom of hand-arm vibration syndrome is a secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon—vibration white finger (VWF)—which results from a vasospasm of the digital arteries caused by work with vibration devices leading to occupational disease. Pharmacotherapy of VWF is often ineffective or has adverse effects. The aim of this work was to verify the influence of inhalation of partially ionized oxygen (O2•−) on peripheral blood vessels in the hands of patients with VWF. Ninety one (91)patients with VWF underwent four-finger adsorption plethysmography, and the pulse wave amplitude was recorded expressed in numeric parameters—called the native record. Next, a cold water test was conducted following with second plethysmography. The patients were divided in to the three groups. First and second inhaled 20-min of ionized oxygen O2•− or oxygen O2 respectively. Thirth group was control without treatment. All three groups a follow-up third plethysmography—the post-therapy record. Changes in the pulse wave amplitudes were evaluated. Inpatients group inhaling O2•− a modest increase of pulse wave amplitude was observed compared to the native record; patients inhaling medical oxygen O2 and the control showed a undesirable decline of pulse wave amplitude in VWF fingers. Strong vasodilatation were more frequent in the group inhaling O2•− compare to O2 (p < 0.05). Peripheral vasodilatation achieved by inhalation of O2•− could be used for VWF treatment without undesirable side effect in hospital as well as at home environment.

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Medical Evidence of Alpine Natural Resources as a Base for Health Tourism

Pichler

Hartl²,

Weisböck-Erdheim³

et al. 2022

Digital and Strategic Innovation for Alpine Health Tourism

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The Alpine space disposes of excellent prerequisites to respond to the increasing demand of nature-based health tourism. Despite a growing scientific knowledge on the manifold benefits of human interaction with Alpine natural resources, the health tourism potential has not yet been fully exploited by Alpine regions. Based on major push and pull factors, the current state of scientific knowledge on the healing potential of nine selected natural Alpine resources is presented and discussed with regard to their health tourism potential. Major research gaps as well as starting points for future studies are demonstrated. In this way, the present work contributes to an applicable knowledge base on the health benefits of Alpine resources to enhance regional innovation capacity in terms of sustainable health tourism development. As tourism regions are increasingly taking evidence-based approaches to health tourism and regional development, the resulting lighthouses will contribute to the positioning of the Alpine space as globally attractive healing environment.

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Effects of Ionized Waterfall Aerosol on Pediatric Allergic Asthma

Abstract: Our findings confirm the induction of Treg cells and reduction in inflammation by climate therapy. They indicate a synergistic effect of water aerosols resulting in a long-lasting beneficial effect on asthma symptoms, lung function, and airway inflammation.

Cited by 26 publications

References 36 publications

Does waterfall aerosol influence mucosal immunity and chronic stress? A randomized controlled clinical trial

Does waterfall aerosol influence mucosal immunity and chronic stress? A randomized controlled clinical trial

Effects of Partially Ionised Medical Oxygen, Especially with O2•−, in Vibration White Finger Patients

Medical Evidence of Alpine Natural Resources as a Base for Health Tourism

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