BALNEOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH LONG COVID-19 SYNDROME IN HEALTH-RESORT CONDITIONS

Aim: The aim of our research was to evaluate the effectiveness of treating patients with Long COVID Syndrome in health-resort conditions. Materials and Methods: 33 patients were qualified for the research. They have all suffered virus infection confirmed by PCR test and met the criteria of Long COVID Syndrome. Course of the acute phase of infection varied among these patients: 22% had mild, 60% moderate and 18% severe symptoms. Patients were treated with our own program including: dietary treatment, kinesiotherapy, balneotherapy, physical therapy and Oxygen therapy. Each patient underwent 5 individually selected therapeutic procedures per day for the period of 14 to 28 days. Each day body temperature, saturation, blood pressure, weight and general clinical condition were monitored. Before and after treatment there was a clinical assessment of physical capacity based on indirect stress test on cycle ergometer, determining general physical capacity level and the maximum capacity of Oxygen absorption (VO2max/l/min.) according to Astrand-Ryhming normogram. Results: statistically significant improvement in clinical condition has been achieved. In case of 10 patients (1/3 of all researched) all syndromes resolved, other patients’ symptoms became fewer and less severe. Differences between average values before and after treatment were statistically significant. In terms of physical capacity a general improvement determined by capacity level was ascertained. 46% of patients researched had initially low or very low capacity level, and after treatment none of them presented the symptoms of low physical capacity. Those patients reached the average physical capacity level. Differences between the average values of VO2max before and after treatment were not statistically significant, which is probably due to little number of patients capable of taking the stress test with the use of cycle ergometer. Conclusions: 1/ Treating patients with Long COVID Syndrome in health-resort conditions is very effective and beneficial, and provides comprehensive therapy of patients with multi-morbidity. 2/ Properly prepared program of treating Long COVID Syndrome allows not only to improve patients’ life quality, but also increases their non-specific immunity, regulates gut microbiome and may help in preventing future infections.