Newswise — If you have severe persistent asthma, bronchial thermoplasty (BT) may help you stop taking long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) according to a new study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology annual meeting in Phoenix, Nov. 11-16. This novel procedure delivers thermal energy to the airway wall to reduce airway constriction. BT is approved in the U.S. for patients taking moderate to high dose inhaled corticosteroids and LABAs but who remain symptomatic. Participants with moderate to severe persistent asthma treated with BT sustained significant relief from symptoms when LABAs were withdrawn compared to those who had not received BT. “This is great news for asthma sufferers since the FDA recently issued guidelines promoting the restricted use of LABAs whenever possible,” according to study authors.
Title: Bronchial Thermoplasty Benefits Patients Following Withdrawal of LABA TherapyLead Author: Curig O Prys-Picard, PhD
By the numbers:More than 275 patients have undergone about 800 bronchial thermoplasty procedures since approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2010. Uncontrolled asthma accounts for approximately 500,000 hospitalizations, 217,000 emergency room visits and 10.5 million physician office visits every year. Studies show that people with asthma who see an allergist reduce their emergency room visits, hospital stays and doctor visits.
About ACAAIThe ACAAI is a professional medical organization headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill., that promotes excellence in the practice of the subspecialty of allergy and immunology. The College, comprising more than 5,000 allergists-immunologists and related health care professionals, fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research.
Follow the ACCAI annual meeting on Twitter at #ACAAI2010.
The ACAAI Press Room is located in Room 121B at the Phoenix Convention Center, November 12 - 15, 2010; phone 602-514-5360, [email protected].
RSS