Asthma and Whirlpool Baths

Abstract

We examined the effect of whirlpool baths on airway reactivity in patients with mild asthma. Eight patients (seven men and one woman, 20 to 42 years of age) with stable, mild, persistent asthma were enrolled, after informed consent was obtained. This study was approved by the institutional review board. Maintenance treatment including long-acting beta-agonists, inhaled corticosteroids, or both was suspended for either three or six days before the study. The use of short-acting bronchodilators was allowed.