Radon Baths: Benefits, Indications And Contraindications

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 17:49

Radon baths: benefits, indications and contraindications

Radon baths are one of the areas of balneological treatment. Its health-improving effect is achieved due to the effect of mineral water enriched with inert gas on the human body immersed in a radon bath. The effectiveness of such a procedure was known back in the 19th century, and it has not lost its popularity today.

The main indications for the use of radon therapy are joint pathologies and problems associated with the health of the spine. The appointment of such treatment requires a careful analysis of indications and contraindications, as well as the individual characteristics of the organism.

Content:

• A few words about radon and its action
• History and popularization
• Effects during the procedure
• Healing effects
• Indications for radon baths
• Contraindications for radon baths
• Method of treatment with radon baths
• Patient memo
• Side effects
• List of sanatoriums with radon baths

A few words about radon and its action

This inert gas, colorless and odorless, is the 86th element of the periodic table. During its short life, it emits radioactive alpha particles during its half-life. Their penetrating ability has a powerful therapeutic effect on the body.

Natural mineral springs of water enriched with radon have the greatest health-improving effect. Therefore, sanatoriums offering radon baths based on it and located in the immediate vicinity of a natural reservoir of radon water are so popular.

There are no more than 300 sources of pure radon, most of which are concentrated in the following countries, regions and cities:

• Russia - Altai, Crimea, Primorye, Pyatigorsk, Molokovka (about 30 in total);
• Germany - Bad Nauheim, Bad Brambach;
• Ukraine - Khmelnik;
• Georgia - Tskhaltubo.

The amount of radon in natural sources is not the same, depending on the concentration of this gas, they are divided into:

• Low radon (1-10 nanoCurie per liter);
• Strong radon (120-200 nanoCuries per liter).

If it is impossible to obtain radon baths from natural sources, they are organized artificially. For such baths, a water-saline solution of radon is used, prepared in a special vessel - a bubbler. Since this solution has a high concentration, its radioactivity is increased, therefore the bubbler is enclosed in a lead container, and the preparation of the bath is carried out in strict accordance with sanitary standards and safety rules.

The alpha particles released during the half-life of radon are deposited on the skin, forming an active plaque. Due to α-radiation, the protein and water molecules contained in the thickness of the skin are ionized, forming metabolites of oxygen and hydroperoxides.

As a result of this process of protein radiolysis, autoantigens are formed and T-helper lymphocytes are sensitized. Their combination leads to the release of cytokines and the acceleration of the formation of immunoglobulins, neutral proteases and bioactive substances. This stimulation of immune processes in the skin triggers antioxidant processes, normalizes redox reactions at the cell level. If there are scars on the skin, exposure to radon leads to an acceleration in the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, the formation and ordering of the structure of granulation tissue.

History and popularization

The discovery of the therapeutic effect of radon waters due to α-radiation at the beginning of the last century was explained by the mysterious process of emanation (outflow, spread). During its history, radon therapy has gone through several periods of interest and oblivion of this technique. The triumph experienced by the discoverers of this method, after a series of radiation man-made disasters, was replaced by a period of oblivion and excessive fears.

In the American press, publications appeared that radon treatment is nothing more than absolute stupidity. The modern balanced approach to radon therapy classifies the technique as an auxiliary method of physiotherapy, the appointment of which is the prerogative of the doctor. Not all experts adequately assess the indications and contraindications for radon treatment, the reaction of the human body to it is so individual.

The history of Russian radon therapy dates back to 1867. It was then that the Belokurikha radon hot springs were discovered. At the beginning of the 20th century (1907-1908), scientists from the Technological University of Tomsk conducted a study of the gas and water of this first Russian resort and attributed them to low-radon waters.

Effects during the procedure

During this procedure, a part of the radon (from 0.3 to 6.4%) contained in the water passes into the human body through the skin and respiratory organs. The main part of α-particles is deposited in skin cells, about 3% - in the cellular layer of the bronchi.

The strength of the interaction of mediators, biologically active substances, α- and β-adrenergic receptors of skin tissues increases due to the effect of radon, their limited blood flow undergoes biphasic changes.

In the first phase, the vessels of the external dermal plexus experience spasm for a short time (1-3 minutes). In the second phase, there is a prolonged expansion of arterioles and a slowdown in venular outflow. The skin becomes hyperemic, the volume of circulating blood increases. Stimulation with radon leads to the fact that the conductivity of nerve fibers not covered by myelin is significantly reduced. This leads to relief of pain syndrome. The autonomic nervous system experiences an increase in the tone of the parasympathetic division and a decrease in the tone of its sympathetic division.

Radon exposure leads to the following changes in the cardiovascular and respiratory system:

• The stroke and minute volume of the heart increases;
• The systole is shortened and the diastole is increased;
• Heart rate does not change;
• Breathing becomes deep and measured.

These processes occur due to changes in the proteins of the cell membranes of these organs, modulation of bonds in the direction of the ligand-receptor.

The processes occurring in the hormone-producing glands under the influence of radon therapy:

• The adrenal cortex is activated;
• The synthesis of corticosteroids is stimulated;
• Insulin production is increased;
• The processes of lipid metabolism and glycolysis are activated: weight decreases, the concentration of free fats and p-lipoproteins in the blood decreases;
• The function of the ovaries and the production of thyroid hormones are slowed down.

Radon therapy leads to an acceleration of metabolism in the organs and tissues of the systems of the human body.

Healing effects

Radon baths have a beneficial effect on the patient's body, causing the following consequences:

• Pain relieving effect;
• Relief of inflammation;
• Stimulation of immunity;
• Regeneration and repair of organs and tissues;
• Metabolism activation;
• vasodilating effect;
• epithelialization of the skin and mucous membranes.

All metabolic processes at the cellular level are accelerated, damaged organs and tissues are restored, and inflammatory processes are effectively treated.

Indications for radon baths

• Endocrine pathologies: diabetes mellitus, obesity (1-2 degrees), increased function of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism 1-3 degrees), metabolic disorders (gout);
• Diseases of the female genital area: pathology of the ovaries, uterus, appendages, chronic infertility, manifestations of menopause, neoplasms (fibroids, endometriosis);
• Diseases of the male genital area: prostatitis, hormonal imbalance;
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: inflammatory diseases of the intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, stomach, chronic ulcerative process;
• Cardiovascular pathologies: rehabilitation after a heart attack (first month), varicose veins, cardiosclerosis, atherosclerosis (initial stage), myocardial dystrophy, mitral valve defects, hypertension (stage 1, 2), exertional angina (FC 1-3);
• Diseases of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system (radiculitis, neuritis, plexitis, neuralgia), rehabilitation after spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries, neuroses, neurasthenia;
• Pathologies of the musculoskeletal system: polyarthritis, osteitis, arthritis, osteomyelitis, spondylitis, limitation of mobility and degeneration of joints, consequences of bone fractures;
• Dermatological problems: seborrhea, neurodermatitis, lichen, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, treatment of keloid scars, non-healing wounds, trophic ulcers, bedsores;
• Respiratory pathologies: COPD, sinusitis, rhinitis, inflammation, bronchial asthma.

Contraindications for radon baths

There are categories of patients who are categorically contraindicated in radon baths. First of all, these are people who, by the nature of their activities, are in the zone of increased radiation. Additional contraindications:

• Pregnancy and lactation;
• Childhood;
• Diseases in the acute stage;
• Increased body temperature;
• Active inflammatory processes;
• Tuberculous damage to organs and tissues;
• Tumors of any etiology;
• Radiation sickness;
• Blood cancer;
• VSD (dystonia);
• Epilepsy;
• The presence of abscesses on the skin;
• Individual intolerance to radon (shortness of breath, dizziness, increased sweating);
• Atrial fibrillation;
• Exertional angina pectoris (4 FC);
• Severe neurosis;
• Extrasystole;
• Ischemia;
• Hyperthyroidism.

All these conditions can be aggravated by treatment with radon baths, go into an acute stage, or negatively affect health.

Method of treatment with radon baths

Radon treatment is absolutely safe in terms of radiation exposure. With a volumetric activity of radon baths of 1.5 kBq per cubic decimeter, a short exposure is created with a dose 15 times less than the maximum permissible concentration.

Preparation of a radon bath: 0.1 l of radon water-salt concentrate is added to fresh water with a temperature of 34-36 ° C and a volume of 200 liters. The whole procedure takes place in strict accordance with the instructions.

Procedure behavior: the patient takes a bath for 12-15 minutes, immersed in water to the level of the nipples. Patients with CVS pathologies can sink into the radon solution only to the level of the navel. Taking a bath ends with gently drying the skin with a towel, rubbing is not recommended.

The duration of the course is from 12 to 15 baths. It can be repeated no earlier than six months or a year later. The effect of radon baths is felt by patients for 6 months.

The effect of radon therapy is enhanced if combined with carbon dioxide and sodium chloride baths.

Additional procedures using radon:

• Rectal and vaginal irrigation - 18-20 procedures are performed with radon water with t 35-40 ° С for vaginal baths, and 37-40 ° С for rectal microclysters. They are alternated as follows: after 2-3 days of procedures, a day of rest is allocated.
• Air-radon baths - have all the properties of radon baths, in fact, they are not baths, since the patient is exposed to the air environment enriched with radon. The patient is in a special box, and his head is on the surface, it is isolated from the contents of the box by a sealed neck cuff.
• Drinking radon water - used for gout, gastrointestinal diseases. In patients, metabolic processes, functions of the liver, stomach, intestinal motility are normalized, the regeneration of the mucous membrane is accelerated.

In addition, radon applications and inhalations are carried out, as well as rinsing of the mouth.

Patient memo

The main provisions common to all patients of radon hospitals can be formulated in the memo:

• A medical examination before undergoing treatment is strictly mandatory;
• Taking a bath should be carried out with an empty bowel and bladder;
• The optimal time for taking the procedure is half an hour or an hour after a meal; radon therapy is not performed on an empty stomach and immediately after a meal;
• The position of the patient during the procedure is calm, relaxed, without unnecessary movements;
• Condition after stress or significant physical exertion is a contraindication to taking a bath;
• Exposure to alcohol and nicotine is unacceptable during radon treatment;
• After a radon bath, a rest from 30 minutes to an hour is required.

Compliance with these rules will increase the effectiveness of treatment.

Side effects

The radon therapy procedure prescribed by the doctor after a thorough examination should not cause side effects, it is well tolerated.

However, the following manifestations are possible:

• Increased blood pressure;
• Rapid breathing, shortness of breath;
• Dizziness;
• The appearance of headaches of various localization.

If these symptoms become more intense, treatment should be discontinued and a specialist should be consulted.

List of sanatoriums with radon baths

Author of the article: Alekseeva Maria Yurievna | Therapist

Education: From 2010 to 2016 Practitioner of the therapeutic hospital of the central medical-sanitary unit No. 21, city of elektrostal. Since 2016 she has been working in the diagnostic center No. 3.