Bronchial Thermoplasty: The Newest Treatment for Asthma-By Edter
Today, the medical industry had developed another treatment modality for asthma. The bronchial thermoplasty was established to reduce the inflammation of the smooth muscles in the airway. This procedure is associated with the use of Alair system device.
It is proven to be safe and effective for out-patient therapies. However, not every hospital has the privilege of performing this procedure. The bronchial thermoplasty requires the use of advance technology device “Alair System” and bronchoscope (tool that is used to visualize the internal part of the airway).
Furthermore, doctors who can perform this therapy must have a specialization in pulmonology and surgery.
Quick Facts about the Bronchial Thermoplasty For Asthma
This newest treatment for asthma was established to relieve the signs and symptoms of asthma attack. It is considered as an invasive procedure. Thus, it requires written consent from the client. Moreover, this therapy uses bronchoscope that is described as a long and flexible tube that has a camera at its end part.
The camera is used to visualize the internal part of the airway, which is usually displayed in the monitor. It serves as guide for the Alair System to produce a mild and tolerable heat. The effect of the heat can reduce the swelling of the smooth muscles in the airway.
Thereby, it decreases the chance of bronchial constriction and improves the circulation of the oxygen. Below are the facts related to the application of bronchial thermoplasty:
- The treatment session of this therapy is usually performed within 1 hour. It requires the administration of anesthesia (moderate sedation), when inserting the bronchoscope.
- The bronchoscope is usually inserted through the nose or mouth.
- Afterwards, the Alair System will generate tolerable heat that is enough to reduce the swelling of the airway.
- There are three different sessions of bronchial thermopplasty, which takes place every 3 weeks apart. The first session is intended for the right side of the lungs. The second session aims to reduce the inflammation in the left side of the lungs. The third session is used to target the upper lobes.
- After the procedure, the clients are monitored by doctor. Their vital signs including breathing pattern, respiratory rate, cardiac and pulse rates, blood pressure, and temperature are evaluated. Additionally, the client who undergone this procedure is required to take the lung function tests. These tests are used to measure the current condition of the lungs after the procedure.
Contraindications of Bronchial Thermoplasty
Despite of its desirable effects to asthma attack, there are still few health problems that are not intended for bronchial thermoplasty. It simply tells us that this procedure is not intended for everyone who is diagnosed with bronchial asthma. Below are the health problems and situations that are contraindicated for this therapy:
- Clients who are diagnosed with bleeding problems such as anemia is not recommended to undergo this procedure;
- Anyone who had an asthma attack for the past 2 weeks before the procedure;
- Any asthmatic individuals who had an adjustment with their oral steroids for the last 2 weeks before the procedure;
- Any person who had as an active infections in the lungs (upper or lower respiratory tract infection); and
- Anyone who is taking oral medications such as anticoagulants, anti-platelets, NSAIDs, and aspirin.
It is important to learn the basic facts of bronchial asthma in order to prevent the worsening of the condition. The purpose for this is to reduce the anxiety level of people who are planning to undergo this procedure – By Edter
In our next article we shall discuss about – New Intramuscular Vaccine:Preventive Treatment for Allergic Bronchial Asthma