Jamaica, NY — A recently FDA- approved, minimally invasive procedure to treat asthma is providing individuals living with the disease a unique way to manage their condition.
Bronchial thermoplasty, the new procedure, is the first nondrug to ever be used to treat asthma. Typically, patients with severe asthma have excessive airway smooth muscle in their lungs, which, when triggered, causes the airways to further narrow, leading to the onset of an asthma attack. Bronchial thermoplasty uses thermal energy to permanently heat and shrink thickened muscle that surrounds the airways.
“This procedure is novel, in that, it is the first time asthma is being treated in a physical way,” said Dr. Craig Thurm, Director of Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Pulmonary Medicine.
“Previously, patients with severe asthma could only rely on medications such as high dose inhaled steroids, bronchodilators, and xolair.”
Dr. Thurm explained that the procedure is generally safe and is broken into three different sessions, each scheduled three weeks apart. The first and second sessions treat the lower lobes of lungs, while the third session treats the upper lobes. He also points out that patient’s symptoms may worsen in the days after the procedure but offers potential long term benefits.
Bronchial thermoplasty is only offered to individuals with severe asthma, who are at least 18 years old and whose asthma is not well controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and long acting beta agonists, such as Advair, Dulera, and Symbicort, despite using them as instructed.
“It’s important to understand that bronchial thermoplasty is not likely to cure asthma,” said Dr. Thurm.
“It works as a complement to other asthma therapies.”
Studies have shown that bronchial thermoplasty can reduce asthma symptoms and asthma attacks, as well as emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and days lost from work and school.
Jamaica Hospital is one of only three hospitals in the entire state-- the only facility in Queens-- to offer this new procedure.
"We have a high incidence of severe asthma cases in our community,” Dr. Thurm stated.
“There are a small group of patients that do not do well, despite our best efforts, including optimizing their medications. They continue to have symptoms and may end up requiring oral steroids, which can have many adverse side effects, such as osteoporosis. We are truly excited to have a new procedure to offer these patients.”
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