About Allergies: Bronchial Thermoplasty for Severe Asthma

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved bronchial thermoplasty (BT) for the treatment of severe asthma unresponsive to typical asthma medicines. BT is a unique, non-drug treatment that involves the use of thermal energy delivered to the airways of the lungs, which results in a decrease in the amount of airway smooth muscle. This therapy has been shown to improve asthma symptoms, reduce asthma exacerbations, reduce emergency room visits, and improve overall asthma control. While there are various studies that show that BT is usual for the treatment of asthma, the jury is still out on where this therapy fits in the typical treatment of asthma, or how long the benefit may last. For now, typical asthma medicines are a much better way to treat asthma -- but BT is worth a look for people with severe asthma for which typical medications don't seem to help, and offers a unique approach for the treatment of asthma. How Much Do You Really Know About Asthma? Asthma is a chronic lung disease, which cannot be cured, yet can be well-controlled with close follow-up with a physician and appropriate medical therapies. In people with asthma, lung airways become inflamed, leading to narrowing of the airways. The muscles around the airways become more sensitive, and can react to allergens and irritants. Asthma can be a life-threatening disease, and there are typically a few thousand deaths in the United States every year as a result of this disease. Treatments for Severe Asthma Patients are frequently referred to me with severe asthma that is difficult to control despite numerous asthma medications. Asthma medications are so effective nowadays, that when patients have uncontrolled asthma even though they are taking multiple asthma controllers, there is reason for concern. The following are the most common reasons that I find why patients have difficult-to-control asthma... Are You Over-Estimating the Control of Your Asthma? Many people overestimate the amount of control they have over their asthma. This is often because people get used to feeling a certain way as a result of asthma; they think that having asthma symptoms is normal. Since uncontrolled asthma can lead to loss of lung function, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and even death, it is important for people to realize when their asthma is not controlled. Allergy Basics The page covers topics which are basic to the understanding of allergic diseases in general. A brief question and answer format is used in an easy to read and understand manner. Allergies Ads Asthma Triggers of Asthma Inhaler for Asthma Asthma Peak Flow Child Asthma Attack Featured Articles Frequently Asked Questions Nose and Eye Allergies Skin Allergies Asthma and Lung Allergies Common Allergy Issues in Children Food Allergies   More from About.com Disney Trip Planner Everything you need to plan the perfect Disney vacation -- from when to go and what to do, to saving money and picking a hotel. More > Join About.com's User Panel! Share your opinions and help us make About.com more relevant, informative and enjoyable to use. More> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies Advertisement