Innovations in Asthma Care: Bronchial Thermoplasty

According to the latest numbers for the World Health Organization (WHO), asthma affects over 262 million people across the globe. It is also responsible for close to half a million deaths each year. 

For people with asthma, each episode represents an uncomfortable and frightening experience. As the airways narrow and swell in response to a trigger, it becomes harder and harder to breathe. 

At the office of North Jersey Pulmonary Associates, we treat many children and adults with asthma. Our experienced team of specialists provides the skilled diagnostics and care required to manage the condition, address flare-ups, and help people engage in their daily activities.

What is bronchial thermoplasty?

While many people with asthma respond to medications, inhalers, and the like, a small percentage of individuals with severe asthma do not. For these individuals, an innovative non-drug treatment, known as bronchial thermoplasty, offers promise. 

Bronchial thermoplasty represents a new approach to asthma management for adults with severe and uncontrolled asthma. It involves a minimally invasive procedure that applies controlled radiofrequency energy to the airway walls of the lungs. More simply put, as a catheter inserted through a bronchoscope delivers heat to the airway walls, it shrinks the smooth muscles in the lungs. With less active smooth muscle, there are fewer contractions and less narrowing or tightening of the already inflamed airways. 

As used in conjunction with asthma maintenance medications, bronchial thermoplasty aims to provide adults affected by severe asthma with long-lasting asthma control and improved quality of life. Specific benefits of this procedure include a reduction in the number and frequency of asthma attacks, fewer ER visits and hospitalizations, and fewer lost work or school days.

Skilled care you can trust

Of course, few medical procedures are without risks, including bronchial thermoplasty. At the office of North Jersey Medical Associates, we consider every aspect of care to maximize the safety of every procedure and optimize its health benefits. We offer many therapeutic treatments and medications to help individuals with asthma breathe easier and will tailor a plan of care that’s right for you.