Balneoterapia e Otorrinolaringologia - Revisão Sistemática

Introduction: Balneotherapy has been defined recently as the use of natural mineral waters for medical purposes such as prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. This study aims to present and discuss the benefits of balneotherapy in the pathology of the otorhinolaryngology field. Materials and Methods: We performed a systematic review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and using the 5S model of evidence based on information services, described by Haynes. Moreover, we consulted relevant websites of several medical hydrology associations. Results: Nowadays, we have evidence for application of balneotherapy in diseases of ear, nose and throat. The most consistent findings consider the therapeutic role of sulfurous and salty waters on rhinitis and sinusitis in children and adults. Moreover, balneotherapy could also be used after functional endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis. Other notable role is the improvement of audiometric parameters in children with otitis media with effusion. Conclusions: The balneotherapy has proven scientific evidence and could be an excellent guideline therapeutic option. However, more randomized and controlled studies are needed.