Bronchial thermoplasty for asthma

Asthma is a respiratory disease that affects 5% of the population and is characterized by cause breathing difficulties, usually accompanied by similar to those of a whistle sounds.

Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways, which decreases the amount of air passing through them, causing attacks in isolation, separated by periods of no symptoms, although some people may have seizures longer. In fact, asthma attacks can last minutes to days and can be highly dangerous if the air is restricted significantly.

Typically, asthma is treated with drugs, which can be long-acting (maintenance) or quick-relief (rescue). However, between 5 and 10% of asthmatics still can not find the solution. That is why it is necessary to resort to other treatments Pneumology , such as bronchial thermoplasty.

Bronchial thermoplasty: Understanding

Bronchial thermoplasty involves applying heat generated by radiofrequency equipment in the walls of the airway to reduce the thickness of bronchial smooth muscle. This treatment is performed in only three sessions by endoscopy (inserting a tube through the mouth).

Benefits of bronchial thermoplasty

This treatment results in improved patient quality of life, and getting lower respiratory problems and severity of asthma attacks. In addition, it is a minimally invasive technique that in a few days allows the discharge.

Specifically, thanks to the bronchial thermoplasty, has been reduced by 32% the number of asthma attacks in patients with severe asthma, 84% emergency room visits for respiratory symptoms, 73% of hospitalizations and 66% the number of days lost at work, at school and other daily activities.