Do you have asthma? Sometimes, even using your inhaler or taking the medicine prescribed by your doctor doesn't seem to help. Do you find yourself unable to do your daily tasks properly due to frequent asthma attacks and feeling like you're completely out of control? Living with severe asthma is not easy. But don't worry, with the advancement of medical science, there are new treatments that can help with these conditions. Today, we are going to talk about one such special treatment.
What is Bronchial Thermoplasty?
Simply put, this is a specific treatment that helps control severe asthma. This is usually done by a doctor who specializes in respiratory diseases, called a `Pulmonologist`.
Imagine, our lungs have very thin tubes (bronchi) through which we breathe. In someone with asthma, the smooth muscles around these tubes become unnecessarily large and tight, blocking the passage of air. This becomes even worse during an asthma attack.
Now, this `Bronchial Thermoplasty` treatment uses very controlled heat (`radiofrequency energy`) to thin out those unnecessarily enlarged muscles. It's like reducing a little bit of excess. This allows the airways to be freer, makes breathing easier, and reduces the incidence of asthma attacks.
Who is this treatment suitable for?
This is not a treatment for everyone with asthma. It is especially recommended for people with severe asthma who are not well controlled by conventional treatments, such as inhalers, tablets, or modern medications such as `biologics.` Your doctor will consider these factors before deciding if this treatment is right for you.
| Consideration | Description |
|---|---|
| Symptoms that are difficult to control | Having severe symptoms that affect quality of life to the point of interfering with daily activities. |
| Frequent asthma attacks | Frequent breathing difficulties and asthma attacks despite taking medication. |
| Severe Exacerbations | Asthma worsens and requires hospitalization for treatment. |
How do you prepare for treatment?
If your doctor decides to give you this treatment, they will give you instructions on how to prepare beforehand. This can usually include things like:
- You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before the treatment.
- You may be asked to take a steroid pill two or three days before the treatment. This will help reduce swelling that may occur after the treatment.
- Since you will not be able to drive after treatment, you will need to arrange in advance for someone to take you home .
What happens during treatment?
Let's take a look at how this process works.
1. Sedation: First, an anesthetic is injected into a vein in your arm to put you to sleep so you don't feel any pain or discomfort.
2. Insertion of the tube: Next, the doctor inserts a very thin, flexible tube with a camera attached, called a bronchoscope, through your mouth and into your lungs.
3. Heat delivery: Through this tube, very controlled heat is delivered to the areas where the enlarged muscles are.
4. Removal of the tube: After the designated areas have been treated, the tube is removed.
This entire process usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour .
How many times should the treatment be done?
This is not a one-time procedure. It takes three sessions to treat different parts of the lungs. Each session treats one part of the lungs, and there is a rest period of at least three weeks before the next session.
What are the benefits and risks of this treatment?
As with any medical treatment, there are both benefits and risks. Your doctor will explain these to you in detail.
The most important thing: This is not a cure for asthma. It only helps control symptoms and make life easier. You will need to continue taking the medication your doctor prescribed even after treatment.
| Benefits | Risks |
|---|---|
| Reduction in the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms. | Symptoms temporarily worsen after treatment, requiring hospitalization. |
| Reduced risk of asthma attacks. | Small chance of infection. |
| Improving the quality of life. | Collapse of part of the lung (`Atelectasis`). |
| Widening of the airways (Bronchiectasis). |
Are there any side effects?
Yes, some people may experience a temporary increase in symptoms for a few days after treatment.
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or discomfort
These symptoms usually improve within a week . However, it is important to talk to your doctor to be clear about what to expect and when to call your doctor or go to the ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) .
When to seek immediate medical advice
After treatment, if any of the following symptoms occur, go to a hospital's ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately .
- If you have severe difficulty breathing.
- If severe chest pain occurs.
- If you have a fever .
- If you cough up blood .
Asthma is a life-threatening condition. If you are struggling to control your symptoms despite trying all your medications, talk to your doctor about these other options. While this treatment may not be right for everyone, your doctor is the best person to decide if it is right for you.
Take-Home Message
- Bronchial Thermoplasty is a special treatment for severe asthma that is difficult to control with regular medications.
- This works by using heat to relax the muscles around the windpipe in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
- This is not a treatment that will completely cure asthma. You should continue to take the medication prescribed by the doctor even after the treatment.
- Treatment usually consists of three sessions.
- Like any treatment, there are risks and side effects as well as benefits, so it's best to talk to your pulmonologist to decide if this is right for you.
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