A review about the effects of a respiratory rehabilitation program in the Dead Sea area

Maurizio Bussotti

Cardiorespiratory Rehabilitation Department - IRCCS Maugeri Clinical Scientific Institutes, Via Camaldoli 64, 20138 Milan, Italy

Introduction: The Dead Sea, located at 430.5 m below sea level, is characterized by higher atmospheric pressure and partial pressure of oxygen within the inspired air. Hyperbaric condition improves arterial oxygenation and may be useful in hypoxemic patients. Linked to the environmental properties of this basin, a prosperous health tourism industry has developed with the possibility of carrying out a respiratory rehabilitation.

Methods: Aimed to review the literature on this topic, a search query was performed consisting of various keywords related to the domains of hyperoxia, oxygen pressure, barometric pressure, Dead Sea, heart and lung diseases.

Results: Nine studies conducted on respiratory and cardiac patients staying in Dead Sea area were found. All agreed to show an improvement in shortness of breath, exercise capacity, quality of life and need for oxygen while staying at the Dead Sea.

Discussion: The hyperbaric condition typical of this region accounts for the beneficial effects documented by the studies examined. These are probably related not only to the increased partial pressure of O2 but also to the particular conditions of humidity and temperature.

Conclusion: Therefore, this work aims to revive the interest of the international scientific community on the beneficial effects that a stay on the Dead Sea shores can induce in patients with respiratory and cardiovascular pathologies re-examining the pathophysiological notions underlying this adaptation to the hyperbaric condition and reviewing all the literature published to date.