Around 30 million people in the United States of America suffer from asthma. This is a debilitating respiratory condition which can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, swelling and, in severe cases, it can lead to premature death. Those who suffer from asthma find that it affects their wellbeing on a daily basis at times, and, as well as these unpleasant physical symptoms, the effect of living with such a condition can also have a negative effect on mental wellness, too.
That’s why many asthma sufferers will be intrigued to learn that a new procedure is being offered in some parts of the USA. Whilst many people can control their asthma to varying degrees through medication, in the most severe cases, the condition can be difficult to control with medication alone.
The new procedure is called bronchial thermoplasty and is now on offer at the University of Minnesota Medical Centre, amongst other places.
Thirty million people in the United States have asthma, but in some cases it is so severe that it can be difficult to control with medications. A trained Pulmonologist performs the procedure, which requires the use of a device that has been made by Boston Scientific.
This is a bronchoscope which is passed through the airways of the patient in order to apply heat to their airways. This then shrinks the muscles around the internal airways, as they are heated to 150 degrees for 10 seconds each time. By shrinking the muscles, the procedure opens up the airways, allowing more room for easier breathing.
The process involves a series of treatments – three in total. These are spaced out with three weeks between each treatment. Each part of the treatment targets a different area inside the lungs.
Not everyone with asthma is entitled to this new treatment – only those who have severe asthma that is not controlled and is affecting their quality of life will be eligible.