RESUMO
In recent years, the number of patients with respiratory disease has been increasing. In this study, pathophysiological characteristics of asthma in the elderly were discussed in relation to the action mechanisms and the clinical efficacy of spa therapy. In the action mechanisms of spa therapy for asthma, improvements of subjective and objective symptoms and ventilatory function, decrease in airway resistance, improvement of hyperinflation of the lung, and suppression of hypersecretion were observed in direct action of the therapy. Furthermore, improvement of depressed function of adrenocortical glands, psychological relaxation, and antioxidant action (increase in SOD activity) were found in indirect action of the therapy.<br>Characteristics of asthma in the elderly was expressed as weak allergic reaction, decrease in ventilatory function, DLco and bronchial hyperresponsiveness, increase in residual volume accompanied by weak bronchoconstriction, and suppressed function of adrenocortical glands, which are beneficial for clinical efficacy of spa therapy. Thus, spa therapy is more effective in elderly patients than in younger patients.