Thermal Treatment for Rhinitis

Rhinitis is the inflammation of the nasal mucosa, which can have various causes and results in symptoms that can significantly reduce the patients' quality of life, namely nasal obstruction, pruritus ("itching"), sneezing, rhinorrhea, and anosmia (loss of smell), among others.

Thermal treatment for rhinitis consists of utilizing the properties of thermal waters, serving as a relevant complementary therapy in controlling nasal mucosa inflammation, especially in chronic disease. Thermal treatment for rhinitis is effective, enabling symptom relief and offering numerous advantages compared to other therapies.

Conventional treatment for rhinitis is carried out using medication; however, thermal treatment has been widely used as an effective complementary therapy, promoting good respiratory health.

Types of Rhinitis

Rhinitis can be classified into allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis, as follows:

• Allergic rhinitis: Part of allergic diseases, it can be caused by dust mites, pollens, animal dander, among others.

• Non-allergic rhinitis: Generally infectious (viruses / bacteria / fungi) but can have other causes such as chemical (decongestionants, among others), vasomotor, or structural anatomical changes.

Regarding the duration of symptoms, rhinitis can be classified as:

• Acute rhinitis: When symptoms last for less than 4 weeks;

• Subacute rhinitis: When symptoms last between 4 and 12 weeks;

• Chronic rhinitis: Whenever symptoms last for more than 12 weeks.

What does thermal treatment for rhinitis consist of?

The mineral waters of Termas de Chaves are sodium bicarbonated and gasocarbonic waters, whose therapeutic properties generate an anti-inflammatory, decongestant, and immunomodulatory effect. For rhinitis treatment, they can be applied through nasal irrigations, nebulizations, aerosols, sprays, and immersion baths.

The mechanisms of action of thermal treatment can be divided into three parts:

• Mechanical: Nasal irrigation helps remove secretions, allergens, and irritants present in the respiratory tract;

• Chemical: Bicarbonate promotes the alkalization of inflamed tissues, contributing to decreased inflammation and consequently lower viral/bacterial proliferation. Carbonic acid, in turn, has a muscle-relaxing, analgesic, and antihistamine effect;

• Thermal: Hot water improves circulation, stimulating the drainage of the nasal mucosa.

Different types of thermal treatment for rhinitis

At Termas de Chaves, you can find the following treatments for rhinitis:

• Complete inhalation with thermal water: This is one of the most frequent forms of thermal treatment for rhinitis, effectively decongesting the airways and reducing inflammation. It consists of 4 phases:

  1. Nasal irrigation: Removes secretions, cleans the nasal passages, and improves mucociliary function;

  2. Aerosol therapy: Uses thermal water particles to reach the upper airways;

  3. Nebulization: Allows fine particles to be inhaled deeply into the lungs, helping to thin mucus, relieve congestion, and promote bronchodilation;

  4. Spraying (Pulverização): Uses a small jet of thermal water to eliminate any remaining secretions in the oropharynx.

• Thermal immersion baths (in a bathtub or pool): Promotes the relaxation of facial muscles (relieving head and facial pain) and respiratory muscles, facilitating the drainage of secretions.

What are the benefits of thermal treatment?

Evidence shows that thermal treatment provides the following benefits:

• Decreases inflammation;

• Improves the drainage of nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses;

• Improves hydration of the nasal mucosa;

• Reduces the reliance on medication;

• Stimulates the immune system.

Scientific evidence on the efficacy of thermal treatment

According to literature, the use of thermal waters in patients with chronic rhinitis decreases the frequency and intensity of attacks, and consequently, the reliance on medication. Furthermore, it allows patients to benefit from better respiratory function and recovery of the nasal mucosa.

It should be noted that thermal treatment is more effective when performed regularly and over a more prolonged period (an average of 12 to 15 consecutive days).

The efficacy of thermal treatment for rhinitis can vary from patient to patient and depends on the type and severity of the disease.

Advantages compared to other treatments

When compared to other therapies, namely the use of pharmaceuticals, thermal treatment presents the following advantages:

• Reduction of side effects: Medications can cause some side effects, whereas thermal treatment is well tolerated by most people;

• Long-term benefits: Some studies indicate that regular thermalism can provide a better quality of life in the long term, reducing the frequency and intensity of symptoms and attacks;

• Local action: Thermal treatment acts directly on the respiratory tract, making it potentially more effective in some cases than certain oral medications that have a systemic action.

Practical recommendations

We suggest some practical recommendations before starting your thermal treatment:

• Always consult your attending physician or a hydrologist physician before starting any thermal treatment. Termas de Chaves has a trained, experienced medical team capable of providing clarifications and prescribing thermal treatments;

• Thermal treatment should not be viewed as a substitute for medical follow-up;

• Ensure that you undergo treatment at thermal centers that have thermal waters from recognized sources;

• It is important that thermal treatment is combined with a healthy lifestyle, such as practicing physical activity, maintaining a rich and balanced diet, and staying well-hydrated.

This article was originally published in Saúde e Bem-Estar - www.saudebemestar.pt and written in partnership with Termas de Chaves.