Additional studies on mucus, sinusitis, recovery, and well-being

This review discusses mucoactive agents in children with respiratory diseases. These agents are intended to thin mucus, loosen it, or clear it more effectively. The review covers, among others, bronchiolitis, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, pneumonia, and severe asthma. The authors emphasize that mucus treatment in children must be deployed targetedly, as not every agent fits every condition.

The publication describes natural potassium salt environments and potential applications for skin and respiratory complaints. The authors link these environments to a combination of microclimate, salt particles, air ions, and mineral properties. For the skin, applications such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and skin recovery are mentioned. The article thus places salt therapy in a broader context than just the airways.

This review and meta-analysis assessed 33 experimental studies on positive and negative air ions and their influence on mood, anxiety, relaxation, sleep, comfort, and depressive symptoms. The review found no consistent effect on anxiety, general mood, relaxation, sleep, or comfort. In some studies, negative air ions, especially at higher exposure, were linked to lower depression scores. The authors call for follow-up research.

Researchers evaluated a three-week multidisciplinary program at the Dead Sea in 938 Norwegian patients with chronic muscle and joint pain. The group included people with rheumatism, Bechterew, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and other orthopedic complaints. After three weeks, reduced pain, fewer limitations, better joint mobility, less morning stiffness, better walking distance, and reduced use of painkillers or anti-inflammatories were described. The study had no control group.

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the local application of Manuka honey in chronic sinusitis after endoscopic sinus surgery. Researchers compared Manuka honey with regular treatment or salt rinsing. No serious side effects were found, but the evidence for clear action was limited. The review found no convincing improvement in symptoms or endoscopic images of the nose and sinuses.

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed pulmonary rehabilitation in people with subacute or long-term complaints after COVID-19. Researchers looked at shortness of breath, physical functioning, quality of life, psychological symptoms, and fatigue. Pulmonary rehabilitation primarily showed improvement in shortness of breath, physical functioning, quality of life, and depressive symptoms. For fatigue and anxiety, results were less clear.

This study investigated treatment in a halotherapy room with an artificial salt mine environment in people with allergic and chronic respiratory complaints. Researchers assessed symptoms, inflammatory markers, immune response, salt and mineral values, and airway sensitivity. After treatment, positive effects were described in allergy, asthma, and chronic respiratory complaints, with fewer allergic reactions, less inflammatory activity, and a calmer airway response pattern.