Abstract
Six controlled clinical trials exist evaluating the effect of therapeutic radon exposure in inflammatory and degenerative rheumatic diseases applying radon by head-out radon water immersion or exposure in galleries with a high concentration of radon. Radon is taken up by inhalation or transcutaneous resorption, which may be enhanced by concomitant heat or CO2. In these controlled clinical trials evaluating patients with osteoarthritis, degenerative spinal disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, pain, mobility, drug use, daily life activities and patient assessment were positively influenced by radon treatment in baths or galleries. The difference between radon and control therapy was most striking several months after the end of treatment, indicating long-lasting changes in disease processes. Summarizingly, several clinical trials confirm the clinical experience that radon exposure can be beneficial for patients suffering from pain due to rheumatic diseases.
