The study conducted by Matteo Gelardi, Lucia Iannuzzi, Antonio Greco Miani, and colleagues investigates the effectiveness of Aerosal1 halotherapy in treating sub-obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) and related conditions, such as sleep disturbances, otitis media, and nasal issues. ATH is a common cause of upper airway obstruction, often resulting in middle ear and sinus problems, as well as voice and swallowing disorders. The researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial with 45 patients who were randomized to receive either Aerosal1 halotherapy or a placebo treatment for ten sessions. The primary goal was to assess the reduction in the size of adenoids and/or tonsils, with a 25% or greater reduction being considered a positive outcome.
The results of the trial showed that 44.4% of patients in the halotherapy group experienced a reduction in hypertrophy of the adenoids and/or tonsils by 25% or more, compared to 22.2% in the placebo group, although this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.204). However, secondary outcomes, such as reduced hearing loss and improved peak pressure in the halotherapy group, were statistically significant (P = 0.018 and P = 0.038, respectively). The study concluded that Aerosal1 halotherapy could be a beneficial adjunct to conventional treatments for sub-obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy, especially in improving symptoms like hearing loss, although further research is needed to fully integrate it into standard treatment protocols. The therapy was well tolerated, with no reported side effects, and was positively received by the young patients involved in the study.
